[Trust Guidelines] Please, at least this much! What expressions are not allowed on wadiz?
Be sure to take these with you!
- While it’s important to write stories that will appeal to your supporters, you must not cross certain boundaries.
- Before you start writing your Story, here’s a guide to expressions you should avoid.
- We’ve organized them into two main categories—deceptive practices and sensationalism—and included examples.
1) Deceptive Practices
Providing accurate information to supporters is just as important as ensuring the project’s success. This is because inaccurate information not only hinders supporters’ ability to make rational decisions but also undermines trust in the project and the maker. Wadiz defines “deceptive practices” as any act of providing information in a way that conceals, minimizes, or omits details that could influence a supporter’s decision-making. We’ll outline the project categories that require special attention and provide examples of deceptive practices.
General Guidelines
a. Leaping to conclusions regarding pseudoscience and unscientific claims
(X) Do not use expressions that promote or advocate pseudoscience
It is not permitted to present scientifically unverified or nonscientific content as if it were a verified fact.
| Example) Onions grown with water treated using far-infrared filters grow well (Note: This can be used only if experimental results are provided) |
(X) Do not use expressions that cite content for which a causal relationship has not been scientifically established
It is not permitted to present scientifically unverified causal relationships as verified facts by adding the maker’s subjective comments.
| Example) Although the exact cause of age spots has not yet been determined, they are believed to be caused by female hormones and prolonged exposure to UV rays. (Permitted only if the claim is supported by research findings and references to relevant academic papers are clearly cited) |
b. Concealment and Omission
(X) Do not use ambiguous or vague expressions that could mislead supporters
If the specific source of test results or experiences is not clearly stated, there is a risk that backers may misunderstand the performance or effectiveness of the Rewards, and such statements may be misinterpreted as guarantees of future results. If the source or criteria for specific figures are not clearly indicated, we may request that you modify or delete the content.
| Example 1) 4x increase in athletic performance (Permitted only if specific and clear criteria are specified; e.g., 4x increase in traction) |
| Example 2) 100% acceptance rate for regular university admissions (Permitted only if clear calculation criteria and the subject of the experience are specified; e.g., based on 28 students who received consulting from the maker for the 2022 academic year, 100% of students were accepted to their first-choice school) |
(X) Makers must not use expressions that exploit disparities in information or bargaining power with supporters to induce misunderstanding or confusion and hinder their ability to make rational decisions
| Example) “Secrets known only to makers,” “Top-secret information no one else knows,” “I’ll tell you about a secret website,” etc. |
c. Exaggeration and Understatement
(X) Do not use expressions that mislead supporters into believing events that do not typically occur are common or everyday occurrences.
Presenting an event that occurred during a specific time and place as if it applies to all universal, everyday situations may instill fear in supporters and hinder their ability to make rational decisions.
| Example) Using the Incheon tap water incident as a reference to claim that rusty water comes out of the pipes in every household, etc. |
(X) Expressions that include specific figures and may lead to misunderstanding among supporters
If the content involves comparisons, physical changes, harmlessness to the human body, or safety, we may request that such expressions be modified or deleted.
| Example: “Zero electromagnetic waves!” |
(*) Wait a minute! Learn about deceptive expressions that are easy to overlook
Expressions designed to make Rewards appear more attractive are generally not listed as prohibited, as supporters are aware that such content is staged for advertising and marketing purposes. However, we recommend refraining from using overly exaggerated expressions that could mislead supporters.
(△) Avoid expressions that could mislead supporters by using information that may be interpreted differently based on subjective criteria
If you include figures or other details that may be interpreted differently based on subjective criteria, it may lead to inquiries from supporters and requests for clarification.
| Example: A down jacket that keeps you warm even at -15°C |
(△) Avoid phrasing that makes common, everyday benefits seem like special effects obtainable through Rewards
| Example: “Moisture increases by 49% immediately after using the mist,” etc. |
(△) Avoid using overly dramatic language to emphasize the supposed benefits of Rewards
Using overly dramatized imagery to exaggerate or downplay the functionality of Rewards may hinder supporters’ ability to make rational decisions.
| Example) Using photos of flour or similar substances applied to the skin to emphasize dead skin cells; “wrinkle ironing” that smooths out wrinkles |
d. False Claims
(X) Do not use expressions that could be misinterpreted as predicting, guaranteeing, or implying a future that has not yet occurred
Even if the word “guarantee” is not explicitly used, expressions predicting a supporter’s future benefits may be misinterpreted as implying a guarantee.
| Example) “Introduction to the Science of Dating: 100% Success Even for Lifelong Singles” |
(X) Do not use expressions that could mislead supporters by inserting content unrelated to the Rewards into the Story
| Example) Inserting certificates or patent applications unrelated to the Story’s Rewards (however, if the content explains the maker’s background, it is recommended to include it at the bottom of the Story) |
Category-Specific Guidelines
a. Side Hustle/Income-Generating Projects
(X) Do not use expressions that predict future income that has not yet occurred or indicate the extent of such income
Expressions indicating the level of performance or revenue may be misinterpreted as a guarantee of revenue.
| Example) The shortcut to high income, “duplicating your salary,” or “surpassing the salaries of large corporations,” etc. |
(X) Do not use expressions that could lead supporters to mistake simple side jobs or income-generating activities for investments
Using terminology typically associated with investment products may lead to the misinterpretation of simple side jobs or income-generating content as investment-related content.
| Example) The side hustle with the highest output relative to input; know-how to earn at least 10 times your investment, etc. |
(X) Do not use expressions that imply the possibility of recovering the principal
Since side hustles and income-generating opportunities are not investment products, expressions implying the return of principal are not permitted as Rewards.
| Example) “An e-book that recoups your initial investment in just 3 months,” “Delivers value far exceeding the e-book’s price,” “I’ll help you earn more than 10 times the e-book’s list price,” etc. |
(X) Do not use expressions that could mislead supporters by adding the maker’s subjective opinions to testimonials based on real cases
Even if the testimonials from the maker and course participants are true, they do not guarantee earnings for supporters. You may not use expressions that imply a specific case will apply to all supporters.
| Example) Every student has earned 30 million won! This is your story (can be interpreted as a guarantee that supporters can also achieve this level of income) |
(X) You may not use expressions that imply a guarantee, even if such a guarantee is not explicitly stated
| Example) Challenge yourself to increase your monthly income by 2–3 times; just follow the steps and you’ll succeed in monetizing your efforts; a side hustle that can save you 1 million won, etc. |
(X) Do not use ambiguous expressions that do not specify the subject of the experience.
If the specific source of the earnings experience is not clearly stated, the statement may be misinterpreted as a guarantee of future earnings for supporters. Therefore, if the source or criteria for the experience are not clearly indicated, we may request that you modify or delete the statement.
| Example) Know-how for leveraging content that generated 1 billion won (Note: May be used if revised with clearer wording; e.g., “I’ll share the know-how for leveraging content that earned 1 billion won”) |
b. Health and Diet Projects
(X) Content related to weight loss or Rewards that includes claims of miraculous effects is not permitted
Generally, you may not provide content that claims miraculous methods or effects that promise weight loss without the effort typically required.
| Example) How to maintain a weight of 45 kg without exercise or a diet |
(X) Do not use expressions that portray scientifically unverified content in an exaggerated manner, thereby fostering misconceptions about health
| Example) You must not consume even 1g of salt while dieting |
(X) Do not use expressions that promote or advocate for miracle cures (or treatment methods) for health conditions or specific diseases
| Example) Using this pillow will eliminate snoring and relieve shoulder pain |
(X) Do not use expressions that emphasize the need for Rewards by instilling fear or anxiety through references to specific medical conditions
| Example) Pesticide residues cause stomach cancer, so use the Rewards to wash them off |
2) Sexual Content
As wadiz is a platform accessible to all age groups and complies with the Youth Protection Act, we restrict content containing sexually suggestive or obscene material that stimulates sexual desire to ensure projects can be viewed by users of all ages.Here are the guidelines regarding sexual content that apply toallprojects.
(X) Images or text that sexually objectify traditional attire or occupational uniforms are prohibited
| Example) Exposing body parts while wearing traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) or a nurse’s uniform |
(X) Do not use expressions that promote sexual acts involving children or adolescents
| Example) Exposing body parts while wearing a school uniform |
(X) Do not use expressions that distort sexual ethics, such as depicting a specific gender solely as a sexual object
| Example) Women only seek partners who give them pleasure |
(X) Do not use expressions that excessively depict actions or postures solely for sexual purposes
| Example) Model shots depicting poses that suggest sexual activity |
(X) Do not use expressions that excessively describe the methods, emotions, sounds, or lewd remarks associated with sexual acts
| Example) Using explicit moans or hand gestures that depict sexual acts |
(X) Expressions that sexually objectify individuals by explicitly exposing body parts are prohibited
| Example 1) Exposing the chest, groin, buttocks, thighs, etc., regardless of any Rewards |
| Example 2) Exposing nudity, genitals, the anus, or a woman’s nipples, or depicting them in an excessively sexual manner |
(X) Do not use images secretly taken of real people’s bodies or content that mocks or imitates such images
| Example) Photos taken surreptitiously that focus on a specific body part |
(X) Do not use expressions that sensually depict bodily fluids.
| Example) Images showing fluid flowing between the legs |
(*) Wait a minute! Depending on the Rewards, there are certain expressions that require special attention.
If, due to the nature of the Rewards, you must include images of nudity or related content, please refer to the following guidelines.
a. Massage gel/lubricant
(X) Do not use expressions that could lead to the mistaken belief that massage gel—which is simply a cosmetic product—is a “love gel” (a medical device).
| Example) “I used massage gel (cosmetics) and went to Hong Kong.” |
(X) Do not use images that evoke sexual intercourse through food or objects, regardless of Rewards
| Example 1) Images of fruit being squeezed or pierced that are unrelated to the Rewards’ ingredients |
| Example 2) Images pairing flowers unrelated to the Rewards’ ingredients with a banana |
b. Photo Shoot Vouchers
(X) Excessive nudity that deviates from the photo shoot concept is not permitted.
| Example) Posing in a way that explicitly depicts sexual acts in a body profile concept |
c. Underwear
(O) Images that emphasize specific body parts are permitted if they are intended to convey the nature of the Rewards
| Example) Funding for split-style underwear where the silhouette of a man’s genitals is exposed |
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Related Guides
- FAQ for Aspiring Makers (1) Before Launching a Project
- FAQ for Prospective Makers (2) While Creating a Project
- FAQ for Prospective Makers (3) Regarding Project Review
Written by Kim Hye-won, Jo Yu-kyung, Park Ji-woo; Edited by Kwon Ye-rang