My policy on ads and referral links

I am not a fan of the ultra-monetized blog/website. I’m not a fan of monetized blogs/websites at all. I cannot stand all those ads. They are very visually distracting. Even more, these days it seems as if the ads are the main feature with a little text mixed in — designed, of course, for optimal search engine placement. I find this trend abhorrent and a shameful waste of energy and resources.

If, at any time, you find ads on this site, call the authorities and alert them that I’ve been invaded by aliens because nothing less drastic would bring me to put 3rd party ads on my site.

However, the question of referral links a bit trickier. Sometimes I want to share my opinions about products or services that I have found useful. And some of the providers of those products/services are willing to pay me a referral fee. I’d never advise my clients to turn down referral income earned from honest opinions. Yet I personally am wary of potential conflict-of-interest concerns any time I seek advice. I teach my clients to always check the fine print.

And thus the tension — referral links or not?

I’ll never get rich off referral income but does it make sense to turn down those pennies? Standing on principle and not using referral links is akin to leaving money on the table. A lot of time and effort is devoted to this site and while the material is copyrighted, the ideas and concepts are offered for free to all.

In the end, it comes down to this: I know I’m not here to shill for anyone. I believe I have a clear view of the line between serving the best interests of my clients and putting my own interests first. I trust myself to not cross that line. I will strive to earn your trust and, then, to never betray it.

So here’s my promise to you:

All reviews and recommendations of products and services are 100% genuine and are never influenced by potential referral fees.

My belief is that I’ve created an environment that serves both you (as reader) and me (as author) in a perfect balance. No ads means you will not be visually bombarded and your privacy will not be invaded by ads based on your cookie trail all over the InterWebs. If you click on my links and eventually purchase a referred product or service, then I benefit and I believe you will as well. However, if you prefer, feel free to use your favorite search engine to find the product/service on your own thereby circumventing my referral credit.

To all of you who contribute by using a referral link — Thank You.