1. Begin with mutual consent
No one is assumed. No one is extracted. We approach people with clear intentions, no pressure, and always the ability to say no or ask for redefinition.
2. Honor reciprocity
Collaboration is not about who gets more attention. It’s about what is created between. NEC works with others who are open to mutual recognition, shared benefit, and creative trust.
3. Credit with care
Every contributor—whether it’s one line in a newsletter or a full essay—deserves to be seen, if desired. NEC credits by name, links to original work, and avoids flattening people into “content providers.”
4. Work in rhythm, not urgency
Deadlines aren’t the engine here. We respect others’ time, energy, and seasonal flows. Collaborations are built around cadence, not churn.
5. Invite aligned disagreement
We don’t want collaborators who just echo us. NEC values tension, nuance, and spirited conversation. But critique must come with care and shared foundations.
6. Refuse extractive partnerships
We don’t partner with brands, platforms, or people whose values conflict with ours—even if the opportunity looks good on paper.
7. Define roles clearly, flexibly
Whether co-publishing, syndicating, or collaborating on a digital product, NEC makes roles transparent. We don’t obscure ownership, gatekeep access, or bury credit in footnotes.
8. Protect creative autonomy
No one is required to create in NEC’s house voice. We welcome many voices—as long as they align with our tone, ethics, and editorial vision. We don’t edit to make someone sound “more like us.” We edit for clarity and integrity.
9. Make space for emergence
Not every collaboration will be clean or linear. Some begin with a DM. Some come from a shared fascination. Some start and stall and come back years later. That’s welcome here.
10. Aesthetics matter
Visual alignment is important. We’re not looking for “influencer” energy, commercial gloss, or branding disguised as storytelling. We’re also not a free platform for exposure. NEC protects its visual and editorial coherence with care.
11. Share value, not just visibility
NEC believes that the people who create the work should also share in the value it generates. That means co-ownership where possible, and shared profit where promised. We’re not just offering “exposure.” We’re designing publishing ecosystems that respect labor, creativity, and contribution.
When collaborations feel right
Some signs a partnership is aligned:
- Shared politics, not just shared vibes
- Clear mutual benefit, but no expectation of scale
- Space for both critique and celebration
- A sense that the work could only be made together
When collaborations don’t feel right
Some signs to pause or say no:
- Vague requests that want access without reciprocity
- Slick brands looking for cultural credibility
- Projects that move too fast, with too little reflection
- A gut feeling that we’re being “used” instead of invited
A culture of making otherwise
Every collaboration is a mirror of the world we're trying to build.
We don’t want more content. We want more kinship.
We don’t want creative gigs. We want creative relationships.
We’re not in this for reach. We’re in this for resonance.
So if you’re collaborating with NEC—slow down. Get curious. Be clear. Ask real questions. Share what matters.
Because when we make things together, we’re not just shaping a project. We’re shaping the culture that holds it.
