Sponsorship Disclosure

Our promise

Readers should never have to guess whether money, free goods, discounts, travel, access, or another benefit influenced a story. HRTW places the disclosure with the work, before the main content, using direct language such as “Sponsored by” or “The creator received this item at no cost.”

Labels

• Independent editorial: no sponsor or material partner funded the work.
• Sponsored: a named partner paid for the disclosed feature or campaign.
• Gifted: the creator or HRTW received something of value without a required positive review.

A partner logo, discount, affiliate arrangement, or free access may also require a disclosure even when no cash changed hands.

Editorial independence

Sponsors may confirm factual information about their own organization and review whether agreed deliverables are present. They may not require a positive conclusion, suppress material criticism, access private member data, or remove the disclosure. HRTW retains final editorial approval.

First-season eligibility

Founding sponsors are limited to apparel, independent artists, general media, compliant events, and non-cannabis software. HRTW does not accept first-season campaigns for THC or CBD products, dispensaries, cultivation equipment, consumption devices, cannabis transactions, or medical claims.

Creator revenue share

For a sponsored creator feature, the participating creator receives 60% of net collected campaign revenue and HRTW receives 40%. Net revenue means collected revenue after payment fees and pre-approved direct production costs. Creator payment is due within 15 days after sponsor funds clear, subject to a signed agreement and required tax information.

Our approach follows the Federal Trade Commission’s guidance that material relationships should be clear, conspicuous, and placed with the endorsement.