Blog Ethos and Policies

Overall the guiding ethos for what I write on here boils down to:

• I do this for fun, not money; and
• I don’t accept sponsorships.

To break it down a bit:

I do this for fun, not money

I don’t run analytics, ads, or have any sort of user-engagement (comments, donations, etc). I personally believe this to be incredibly healthy, as it a) doesn’t burn me out on feeling like I have to make content to satisfy some algorithm or viewers; b) prevents weirdos on the internet from writing dumb stuff and making me not want to keep writing; and c) prevents parasocial relationships with or idolization of creators on the internet (who are at the end of the day, just normal people with their own faults).

I don’t accept sponsorships

It is my general policy to not accept sponsorships. However what I consider a sponsorship may not be what you consider a sponsorship. I define a sponsorship as when you are paid to positively promote a product you may or may not use yourself. For example, if Acme Corp gives me a new Thingamajig free of charge, with no stipulations of having to positively endorse the product, future non-disparagement, etc.; I do not consider that a sponsorship. However if Acme Corp gave me a new Thingamajig under the condition I talk positively about it; or paid me to positively speak of the Thingamajig without even being able to evaluate it myself; then I would consider that a sponsorship and not follow through with the offer. To this end, if there is any sort of manufacturer involvement, such as providing a product free of charge, I will clearly disclose such on any appropriate posts. Most reviewers online are usually agreeing to various stipulations of non-disparagement and not disclosing the terms they have with the company giving them “free stuff” to review. I do not believe this to be ethical or fair, as often company policies can change over time, and those who reviewed a product prior may not be able to openly speak about a manufacturer’s shortcomings as they have signed a non-disparagement agreement.

Additionally, to this end, I try to not name companies that I purchase from, as this is a tech blog not a free advertisement.