It’s not uncommon for bloggers to include affiliate links in their blog posts. Ideally, they are promoting products or services they believe in, and use themselves (or would be inclined to use themselves,) and in exchange for the promotion, they earn a bit of money if someone clicks the link or makes a purchase. The money earned does not mean the product costs more; it’s more of a “finders fee” paid to them for connecting the company with customers.
Most bloggers keep this affiliate relationship transparent, and clearly state when there are affiliate links on a page.
In the case with this site, I also strongly believe in transparency, and would like to offer this guideline to you in order to know if I’m promoting a business because I’m getting paid to do so, or if I’m promoting them simply because I like them. There are many businesses mentioned within these posts, with links to these businesses.
Here is my simple rule:
- If a blog post mentions that there are affiliate links in it, then I get paid by that company to introduce you to them and their products or services.
- If there is no mention of affiliate links in a post, then I’m not being paid by that company for linking to them.
In general, my goal is to provide you with quality information that you find helpful and interesting. Many of the links found ok this site are from businesses with a solid reputation, and if I have personally patronized them, I usually tell you about it. For example, my comment about the Silver Grille in Silverton is a place I’ve been to more than once, and I really enjoy that restaurant.
If you click any links and/or patronize any businesses, I’d be interested in hearing about your experience, good or bad. Your opinion further shapes my feelings about these businesses, and if something is really good, I’ll mention it. If something is not so good, I’ll take another look at them and possibly reevaluate my relationship with them.
My goal is to inspire you to try something new and to provide quality information that you can use to make your life easier, happier and more fun.
The Zip Jar 