Explain relationships that matter
A recommendation is easier to assess when readers understand its context. Our policy is to disclose a relevant commercial, financial or personal connection where it could affect how a reasonable reader evaluates an assessment. Such a disclosure belongs alongside the affected review, where readers can see it before acting, rather than only on this policy page.
We should not describe a review as independent of a business if a relationship makes that description misleading. Editorial judgement should be supported by the evidence described, with the source of material information made clear.
Sponsorship and affiliate links
If material is sponsored, commissioned by a reviewed business or paid for as a placement, it must be clearly identified. Payment must not be disguised as independent consumer approval. A sponsored article and an editorial assessment should not be presented in a way that hides their different contexts.
An ordinary store link does not, by itself, establish that a commission is paid. If a link is an affiliate link or generates another material benefit for StraightReview, our standard is to label the link or relevant content and explain the arrangement in plain language. Free products, discounts and other benefits should also be disclosed where relevant.
This policy is not a claim that every possible commercial arrangement exists, or that no such arrangement could ever be introduced. The disclosure attached to the specific page should describe its actual circumstances.
Attribute supplied information
A store can provide useful information about itself. The publisher can also have background knowledge of a business. Neither source should silently become an independently verified fact. Our standard is to identify these sources where they materially support the verdict and distinguish them from separately checked public information.
We do not invent customer experiences, manufacture testimonials or describe a test order that has not been placed. Claims about customer volume, business age or performance need the appropriate source and context. Our editorial standards explain the evidence categories we use.
Technology does not replace accountability
AI-assisted tools may support research organization, drafting, illustration and page production. These tools do not certify a business or remove the publisher's responsibility for a statement. Editorial illustrations must not be passed off as documentary evidence, real staff photographs or proof of a physical office.
If a page appears to omit a relevant relationship or gives a misleading impression of how an assessment was produced, email contact@straightreview.com. Include the page URL and the relationship or wording you think needs clarification. We consider material disclosure issues under our corrections process.
Clear sources. Useful context. A considered view.