Ethics Statment
This website is just the tiny place I post on the internet, but I truly value the relationship I’ve built with a global community.
Sponsored content is extremely rare on my website. If I choose to work with a brand, it will always be because I use the product or service and genuinely trust the brand to provide excellent customer service and support. More importantly, I will always make it abundantly clear that such content is sponsored. If I don’t explicitly say that a post/video is sponsored, it is not sponsored. Simple as that!
Most of the equipment and products I use and review are purchased by me, but sometimes I will rent or borrow equipment. Occasionally companies will send a product to me free of charge, and I will always clearly state in the post/video that it was provided to me at no cost. Usually, I accept these offers simply due to practicality– I don’t have an unlimited budget. Sometimes there are things I’m curious about or have been asked my opinion on. I would go broke pretty quickly otherwise (these products are either used regularly, returned, or donated after the review is complete).
Offering free products never guarantees a positive review (or even a review/video at all). Like with sponsorships, I’m highly selective about accepting anything for free and will only do so after discussing this Ethics Statement with the brand.
All that being said, there are a few additional non-negotiable points I’d like to share for the sake of clarity. I’ve made all of this info publicly available to viewers and brands alike so that we’re all on the same page:
- My content is my own. I create and produce each post and or video based on what I’m excited about and what, I think, will be relevant/helpful to my audience at that time.
- My reviews are always as objective as possible, and my opinions are always my own.
- I do not submit previews of videos to anyone for approval or revisions. No exceptions.
- I have complete control over my content calendar. While I’m happy to work collaboratively when possible for scheduling, no outside party can pay or influence me in return for scheduling priority.
- Just because a product is provided to me at no cost does not mean I will review it or feature it in a video. I do not make videos in exchange for complimentary products or services.
- I never work with Amazon resellers– only directly with reputable brands.
- I typically avoid “preproduction” versions of products/software and prefer to use what will be delivered to other customers.
- I appreciate when companies offer information about their products/services, but I will only include what, I think, is relevant and necessary in any videos I create.
- I will work to seek answers for anything about a product/service that I don’t fully understand, making my content as accurate and helpful as possible.
- While it usually makes sense to include certain links in video descriptions or social media posts, I retain complete control over what is shared on my accounts across all platforms.
- I never include additional social media promotion in sponsorship agreements (Instagram, Twitter, MySpace, Etc).
- I’m happy to let others share my content as long as the post links directly to the original post/video.
- I do not guarantee any number of views or audience engagement on any videos or content. As much as I want everything I create to “perform” well, there are too many variables beyond my control for me to make any claims regarding potential viewership.
- I use affiliate links to products that I recommend, creating my content. This does not increase the price of the product, but if purchased, I do get a tiny commission on the purchase
Thank you for taking the time to read and understand my Ethics Statement. This probably doesn’t cover every scenario under the sun. Still, it should give you a pretty solid idea of how highly I value the integrity behind what I do and the relationship with anyone who takes the time to check out something I’ve made.
Ultimately, I want to keep having fun making content, and that sustainable fun disappears without these guidelines. Huge shout out to Tom Buck for the template for this Ethical statement!
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via [email protected]
-Andy