PHOTO-ENGRAVING

See also Employing Photo-Engravers Assn., under Open Shop AMERICAN PHOTO-ENGRAVERS ASSOCIATION

Adopted June 18, 1920:

CODE OF ETHICS

Believing that only through organization, co-operation, and the free interchange of ideas and experience can photo-engravers best attain that position in the industrial world which the importance of their calling warrants, the American Photo-Engravers' Association makes known its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

1. Firm in the belief that "in union there is strength," this Association strongly urges that every photo-engraver be an active member of local, State, sectional and national organizations in his industry, as in no other way can he effectually aid in establishing uniform trade customs, fair competitive conditions, and the promotion of friendly relations with others in his chosen line of endeavor.

2. This Association aims to advance the photo-engraving industry by impressing on its members the necessity of conducting their business along sound and approved lines, with due attention to the problems of manufacture, selling and accounting, to the end that they may thereby render service of an increasing value, and receive reward in keeping therewith.

3. In the belief that each member of this Association should be accorded the widest liberty of individual action not inconsistent with the best interests of all, this Association distinctly leaves to the determination of each member all questions of labor, hours and wages, and avows its position in such matters to be that of strictest neutrality. In the promotion of harmony it recommends conciliation, arbitration and mutual concession rather than force in the settlement of disagreements over these matters, and is ever ready to extend its friendly offices through conference with the interested parties.

4. Realizing that only through knowledge of the cost of his product can a photo-engraver sell it on a fair margin of profit, this Association is desirous that every member install and maintain an approved Cost System whereby he may know his

cost of production and be in a position to deal fairly with the public and himself.

5. This Association is ever desirous of maintaining the most friendly and cordial relations with other branches of the Graphic Arts, and invites their co-operation in all matters affecting the industry as a whole.

6. This Association reaffirms its belief in and the necessity for the universal use of a Standard Scale as a basis for pricing the products of the photo-engraver, this to be subject to such revision from time to time as changing conditions indicate.

7. While maintaining the right of each member to purchase his supplies and materials through any source he may elect, this Association believes that a feeling of reciprocity should exist toward those whose efforts are clearly for the uplift and advancement of this industry and its organization.

ETHICS

1. In the conduct of our business and in our relations with our competitors, our customers and our employees, justice and fair dealings should characterize every transaction.

2. In the realization that higher business standards are to be attained through the education of our members, let each maintain an open mind toward all things which tend to better business practices.

3. Prove to our competitors that we are as sincere and honest in all matters as we could wish them to be.

4. Take no advantage of the ignorance of a customer, nor allow our employees or salesmen to do so.

5. Make no pretense of alleged "trade secrets" or the possession of other mysterious advantages over competitors.

6. To refrain from and discourage the practice of disparaging the equipment, output or personnel of a competitor.

7. To ever strive for Quality and Service in our establishments and use these rather than lower prices as selling argu

ments.

8. Take no customer's word as to propositions made by competitors, for often there are details omitted (either intentionally or otherwise) which have an important bearing on the

matter.

9. Rather, maintain such a friendly attitude toward competitors as will enable you to meet them and discuss frankly the means whereby wily and unscrupulous buyers may be effectively discouraged.

10. To be very particular, when sketches or drawings are presented by a customer, in knowing that their use or repro

duction does not in any manner infringe the property rights of others.

11. To see that employees, and particularly salesmen, do not misrepresent the policy of the engraver as regards the maintenance of fair prices and the rendition of full value for the money received.

12. To refuse to pay bribes or "commissions" to buyers, purchasing agents or others who may thus be induced to place orders with us. Business so acquired is sure to develop undesirable characteristics.

13. We strongly deprecate and see no need for the great majority of the so-called "middle men," or brokers, in the industry, believing that in the majority of instances the customer would be better served and at less expense by dealing direct with the photo-engraver.

14. When a new photo-engraving establishment enters the competitive field, it should be the duty and pleasure of those already in the field to establish, as early as possible, the most cordial and friendly relation with the management. Show clearly a desire to be of friendly service in avoiding possible pitfalls, and in other ways evidence a sincere friendship.

15. To avoid the very grave evils of over-equipment, let no new machinery or apparatus be installed unless a permanent need for same has been clearly established.

16. Make no estimates without knowing clearly all details connected with the work to be done, that there may be avoided any misunderstandings or disagreements with customers incident to "extra charges."

17. Under no circumstances make estimates on work done by another engraver where there is a chance that his charges are to be thereby "checked up." No one except the engraver who produced the work can know fully all the details of its production.

18. In our dealings with our workmen let us ever be mindful that there is resting on us, as employers, a grave responsibility. For we should by example and precept endeavor to inculcate the highest ideals of manhood and character, and emphasize the responsibility of every thinking man as a citizen of the United States of America for the rightful discharge of his duties. thereunder.

19. Hiring employees away from a competitor, or inducing them by other means to leave his service, must be recognized as a sure way to invite reprisal and a general demoralization of the local labor conditions. It is unquestionably the right of the workman to use all reasonable efforts to better his condi

tion, but employers can do one another or the employee no greater wrong than to virtually become "bidders" for his services.

20. "A fair wage for a fair day's work" should be the thought in fixing the rates of pay of our employees, having also due regard to general living conditions. Securing a fair profit on all work we do is doubly necessary for the protection of the employer, and the just remuneration of the workman, that he may maintain himself under such proper living conditions as will conduce to good citizenship and good workmanship.

21. We should recognize that only by training all the apprentices which trade customs allow, can there be maintained a sufficient body of trained workmen in this growing industry, and that it is the duty of every employer to do his share in this most important work. Therefore, the selection of apprentices should not be left to chance, but rather be given the careful study of the employer himself, to the end that the industry be not harmed by the introduction of unsuitable or undesirable men.

22. When an apprentice is taken into the shop, much care should be taken in seeing that he be properly trained and given the opportunity to become a thoroughly proficient workman. 23. And finally, let the photo-engraver be ever diligent in business; quick to perceive the good and alert to repel the evil; ever mindful of the rights of others; as quick to take blame as to place it on others; courteous and considerate of others; particularly if they be less fortunate than himself; in every way a true American gentleman.

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHERS' ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA Adopted 1915 as basis of membership; revised to 1923:

CODE OF ETHICS

My business standards have in them a note of sympathy for our common humanity. My business dealings, ambitions and relations shall always cause me to take into consideration my highest duties as a member of society. In every position in business life, in every responsibility that comes before me, my chief thought shall be to fill that responsibility and discharge that duty so when I have ended each of them I shall have lifted the level of human ideals and achievements a little higher than I found them.

First. The practice of photography, both as a science and an art, is worthy of the very best thought and endeavor of those who take it up as a vocation.

Second. Having accepted photography as a vocation, the practitioner should, at all times and in all places, esteem it an honor to be able to say, "I am a professional photographer."

Third. Our brother photographer's name and reputation should be as sacred to us as our own. The off-hand slur, the unnecessary criticism of his work or methods or manners, the meaning smile or shrug of the shoulders have no place in the daily life of a professional photographer.

Fourth. The rephotographing of the work of another to achieve a saving of cost for a patron is inconsistent with the best interests of the profession, and is not in accord with the established rights of our brother photographer.

Fifth. The cutting of prices in order to get business away from other photographers without any legitimate excuse is inconsistent with the dignity of our profession and not in accord with the rights of every man to have a fair and open chance to do business.

Sixth. Advertising in its many forms is essential, but the claiming of false or ungained honors, untrue statements of any nature, boastfulness of work better done than others can do, depreciation of the work of other studios, are unworthy of the professional photographer, and its consistent repetition should be severely and publicly condemned.

Seventh. The best interest of the patron should at all times be the first thought of the professional photographer. A