Disclosure Policy

A long, long time ago in college, I sat through lots of media ethics and media law lectures. And then, as a newspaper hack for nearly 20 years, ethics were a daily part of my work.

To say the least, I have strong ethics. And when it comes to receiving pitches, deal-ios and nice nice, I can revert to cynical journo in a flash.

So, while I shamelessly and obviously hawk my own tee shirts, freelance writing and PR businesses on this site, here’s how it works when I write about other products and services:

• If I write about Los Pollitos Dicen or Chichi & Flaco: Yes, I am trying to sell you something.
• I do not get paid for any posts about companies other than my own, and if you’re not buying a tee, not even then.
• I accept samples/product for reviews and giveaways, though I will, and have, hosted giveaways for products I have not held in my little hands.
• I prefer not to receive samples and freebies, and rather just pass relevant information along to readers, sans review.
• If someone offers me an iPhone, a hybrid car, a trip to Madrid, diamond stud earrings, or really fabulous shoes (I am sample size!) I will say “Yes” and bore my readers to death about said company’s wonderousness. (Newsroom ethics training has to have some statute of limitations, no?)