OK, so I received a journalism award from a major pharmaceutical company whose practices we may all question at times. Does accepting this award mean that I am somehow “in” with the Big Pharma crowd, receiving perks left and right? Hell no.
Yesterday I received the following email from a long-time reader:
You’ve been honest, forthright, and sincere in your weblog to date. I will continue to read it so long as you maintain the journalistic credibility you have earned.
Hence, I feel you should fully disclose to your audience to what extent you are recompensed, both financially and with products.
And I do hope your efforts are rewarded. You have earned your recompense, in my opinion. I simply ask that you disclose it publicly.
Until I die, it’s likely you and I will continue to share this hormone deficiency. So I will continue to look forward to your insights. Thank you for bringing so much knowledge to my life for so long.
Right he is, of course, with regard to full disclosure. Thus, FYI to all of DiabetesMine.com’s friends, colleagues, supporters, and readers:
from any pharma or medical device company for writing this blog, nor any free supplies whatsoever — except a few glucose meter models that companies were distributing for promotional purposes at the ADA Conference or elsewhere.
are encouraged to donate to charity. I have chosen to donate $1,000 to Children
with Diabetes, and retain $500 to offset my publishing costs, and (outrageous) out-of-pocket CGM
expenses this year. (Note that my income has shrunk drastically in the last 1.5 years since I’ve chosen to blog instead of taking paid writing assignments).
I do accept (selected) advertising here, and — like any good publication — am hoping to earn enough through that channel to at least break even.
credibility, I ain’t got nuthin’ (except the diabetes of course…)
There is nothing wrong with receiving recompense from any source, even “Big Pharma” as long as it is appropriately disclosed.
“Conflict of Interest” is not inherently bad. Failure to disclose conflict of interest is bad.
When there is disclosure, the reader, so informed, can make a determination as to how reliable your advice may be on the subject at hand and act accordingly.
Thank you for that, Mr. Walters.
Amy:
I enjoy reading your blog. I am suprised some would question your sincere interest in writing about DIABETES. Please do not let those who question your integrity … drive you away. Your blog is a breath of fresh air to encourage and educate DIABETICS .. God Bless You … Amy
Tom Woolworth
Congratulations on your award. I think there is no harm in accepting such awards so long there isn’t any compulsion or even nudge to toe their line.
On a different note I think Lily has done quite some disservice to diabetic community but that’s story for another day.
Take care,
Angsuman
> Lily has done quite some disservice…
I mean in the past. This has nothing to do with your award.
Dearest Amy…Amy, Amy… I think your Missing out on a Great opportunity…
Until now, I have not received one single penny from any pharma or medical device company for writing this blog, nor any free supplies whatsoever -
I would Streiously consider Doing so ( taking all the money you can get ) and Just think all the Good You can do with it….
Donate to a Research For Stem Cells, Help the Uninsured, Use it to buy Insulin Pumps, it’s endless…
Me thinks your selling yourself( and many others) short by not taking the money..
Dennis,
That’s very kind of you, but the point was: nobody’s showering me with any money. When they offer, that’s when I have to assure that I can accept it with no strings attached.