Adopted by the SBHOA Board of Directors June 23, 2005
Revised February 2010
Sandpiper Sentinel Web Site Editorial Policy
The following mission statement and guidelines serve as the editorial policy for the newsletter (Sandpiper Sentinel) and community web site sponsored by the Sandpiper Bay Homeowners Association (SBHOA) Board of Directors.
Mission Statement
The purpose of the media is to:
– Provide news and information about residents and governance of Sandpiper Bay and issues impacting Sandpiper Bay;
– Inform and entertain the audience;
– Serve as a forum for the voices of the audience to be heard;
– Promote an appreciation for the quality of life;
– Provide an historical account of community life.
Audience
The residents represent the primary audience, with the secondary audience being family and friends.
Editorial Responsibility
The decision-making process for the newsletter and web site is the responsibility of the Communications Committee, always subject to the final approval of the Board of Directors. The editor of the newsletter and the Webmaster shall make decisions related to content, layout and design within the scope of the editorial policy.
Email requests will be reviewed by a web administrator for approval and messages will be distributed within twenty-four hours of approval. An explanation will be sent regarding an unapproved message. The email system will not be used for individual profit.
Media Content
The media will cover news of the community as its main beat and local events and external issues as needed.
Residents are invited to contribute articles, columns, photographs and story ideas.
The Editor and Webmaster reserves the right to reject material submitted for publication that falls outside the mission of the newsletter/web site and to edit materials submitted for publication. Articles and columns, as well as photographs, illustrations and artwork, will be bylined, except as set forth under the Publication Policy.
Advertising
The following disclaimer will be included in each issue of the newsletter and posted on the web site: “Advertisements appearing in the Sandpiper Sentinel and on the web site do not constitute an endorsement by the Sandpiper Bay Homeowners Association Board of Directors.”
No ads will be accepted for illegal or controversial products or services. The Communication Committee determines whether or not to accept an advertisement.
The SBHOA Board of Directors shall set the rates annually upon the recommendation of the Lifestyle Committee.
Newsletter Publication
Letters/articles of opinion about community events will be accepted for publication if the Editor/Webmaster considers the information to be constructive and not destructive. These writings may entertain, amuse or inform.
The Editor reserves the right to edit such writings. Those that insult, malign or accuse individuals by name or by inference will not be published.
Submissions must be signed. If more than one writer is involved, only the primary author will be credited with a byline. Because of space, all submissions may not be published, but the Editor/Webmaster will attempt to balance all topics and opinions.
Obituary Policy
The board will be sensitive to the family’s grief and wishes. The circumstances and the frequency of publication may dictate the manner in which each loss is reported. It may be a simple announcement or an “In Appreciation” piece by a staff writer or a contributing writer.
Error Policy
If in the opinion of the Editorial Board errors occur that are damaging or false, a correction will be printed in the next issue. Minor errors (e.g., typographical errors, etc.) that do not affect the intent of the piece will not be corrected.
Contact
The newspaper and web site shall include an e-mail address, mailing address and/or telephone number so users can share opinions and concerns and provide suggestions for enhancement.
Publication and Distribution
The Sentinel may be published at the discretion of the Editor.
The newsletter will be distributed via the web site www.sandpiperbayhoa.com. Residents who cannot access the newsletter on their home computers are encouraged to use of the Dell computer in the Residents Center to access and copy the file. A color copy will be available in the community Library monthly.