The Trust Checklist for Affiliate Content
A transparent standard for disclosures, evidence, comparisons and reader-first recommendations.
Disclose the commercial relationship
Readers should understand when a publisher may earn a commission before they encounter affiliate links. A disclosure must be clear, visible and written in ordinary language. It should not be hidden in legal pages alone.
Separate evidence from opinion
Product documentation, observed behavior, public pricing and editorial judgment are different kinds of evidence. Label them accordingly and record the date checked. Never describe an untested capability as personal experience.
- Link to primary sources when practical
- State whether a product was tested
- Explain how options were selected
- Correct material errors promptly
Compare for a defined user
A useful comparison explains which context makes one option more suitable than another. Universal winner language often hides important trade-offs in budget, skills, integration, security or scale.
Protect editorial independence
Commercial terms must not determine factual conclusions. Causivra evaluates audience fit and evidence first; compensation may support publication but does not purchase a positive verdict or guaranteed placement.