The Discourse is committed to unbiased, independent journalism. Funds from sponsorship allow The Discourse to cover operating costs and expand operations. The following policy outlines how The Discourse protects our journalistic integrity and the trust of our readers while working with sponsors.
POLICY
All sponsorship policies are independent of editorial decisions. The Discourse does not endorse any product or service marked as an advertisement or promoted by a sponsor in The Discourse publications or website. Editorial content is not compromised by commercial or financial interests, or by any specific arrangements with advertising clients or sponsors. Sponsor messages may not be deceptive or misleading. Sponsor messages should clearly identify the sponsor and the product or service being offered.
SCOPE
This policy covers all functions within The Discourse and any affiliates that involve sponsorship operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of the Editor of The Discourse to ensure compliance with this policy.
PROCEDURE
The Discourse has the right to decline any sponsorship that, in its sole discretion, is incompatible with its mission or inconsistent with the values of The Discourse publication/website. The Discourse has the right to stop sponsorships previously accepted. Sponsored content is subject to review by the Editor and others at The Discourse
The Discourse has no conflict of interest in what, when, or how we publish content, regardless of sponsorship status. In no case shall separate agreements with The Discourse or its affiliates supersede this policy.
- All native/content advertisements/sponsorship are labeled with “sponsored” text, i.e., sponsored by, made possible by, in partnership with, together with, a message from.
- Ads that contain a URL or domain in the body must link to that same URL or domain.
- Ads must send users to the same landing page when the ad is clicked.
- Landing pages cannot use any of the spam behavior which is recognized as malware.
- Ads must directly relate to the content on the landing page.
- Ads must clearly represent the company, product and/or service that is being advertised.
PROHIBITED ACTIONS
Advertising for the following categories is prohibited:
- Ads must not be false, misleading, fraudulent, or deceptive
- Ads cannot insult, harass, or threaten
- Ads cannot contain, facilitate, promote or reference the following:
- libelous content, political advertisements, politically divisive content
VIOLATIONS
Violations of this policy may lead to consequences up to and including the removal of the ad being served within The Discourse’s newsletter, website, and related materials.
RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
The Discourse reserves the right to modify or terminate this Policy with or without notice.
THE DISCOURSE SPONSORSHIP COMPLAINTS
Please send complaints about sponsorship to [email protected]
PARTNERSHIP CLAUSE
The Discourse retains editorial control of our content in all circumstances. Funding partners do not have input into the stories that will be produced, are not aware of specific stories we are working on, do not review them before publication, and do not have special access to reporters. We will always disclose who our funding partners are to our readers. Partners must sign a clause agreeing to editorial independence before entering into a partnership with The Discourse.
