Technical Master exists to help readers make informed decisions about technology. We test products, investigate issues, explain complex topics, and hold companies accountable—all while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity. This document outlines how we work, what we stand for, and the principles that guide everything we publish.
Core Values
Independence Above All
Our editorial decisions are never influenced by advertisers, affiliate partners, manufacturers, or anyone else with a commercial interest. The wall between our editorial team and our business operations is absolute. Advertisers don’t get to review content before publication, request favorable coverage, or influence our product ratings. If a product is mediocre, we’ll say so, no matter if the manufacturer advertises with us.
Truth and Accuracy
Every claim we make must be backed by evidence. Before publishing, we verify facts, test claims, and seek multiple sources. When we make a mistake, we correct it promptly and transparently. Our readers trust us to get it right, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Transparency
We’re upfront about how we work. When we have conflicts of interest, we disclose them. When we use affiliate links, we label them. When a product is provided for review, we mention it. When we rely on sources, we identify them. Transparency builds trust, and trust is everything.
Reader Service
We write for you, not for manufacturers or PR departments. Every article should answer a real question, solve a real problem, or satisfy genuine curiosity about technology. If it doesn’t serve readers, it doesn’t belong on our site.
Affiliate Relationships and Commercial Disclosure
Affiliate Links
Technical Master participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates and manufacturer partner networks. When you purchase products through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Editorial Independence: Affiliate earnings never influence our editorial content. Products aren’t rated higher because they offer better commissions. We recommend what’s best for readers, not what pays best.
Clear Disclosure: Articles containing affiliate links are marked. We’re transparent about this relationship because you deserve to know.
Best Deals Coverage: When we highlight sales, deals, or discounts, we prioritize legitimate savings that benefit readers. We don’t promote deals solely because they offer higher commissions.
Advertising Relationships
We accept display advertising from technology companies and retailers. However:
- Advertisers have zero input on editorial content
- Our editorial team doesn’t communicate with our advertising team about specific coverage
- We maintain a strict separation between editorial and commercial operations
- We don’t accept advertorials, sponsored posts disguised as editorial content, or “native advertising” that could confuse readers
Sponsored Content Policy
If we ever publish sponsored content (clearly labeled as such), it will be:
- Explicitly marked as “Sponsored,” “Paid Partnership,” or similar designation
- Visually distinct from editorial content
- Disclosed at the top of the article
- Held to our quality standards while clearly identified as paid content
News Coverage Standards
Sourcing and Attribution
On the Record by Default: When speaking with company representatives, PR professionals, or officials in their professional capacity, conversations are on the record unless we explicitly agree otherwise in advance.
Anonymous Sources: We offer anonymity only when:
- The information is newsworthy and in the public interest
- The source faces a genuine risk (professional or personal) from being identified
- We’ve verified the source’s credibility and position to know the information
- No on-the-record alternative exists
When using anonymous sources, we describe them as accurately as possible without revealing identity (e.g., “a person familiar with the company’s plans” rather than just “a source”).
Background Information: We may accept “on background” information at our discretion, typically when:
- The technical context requires an explanation from someone who can’t speak publicly
- Regulatory or legal considerations prevent on-record attribution
- The information verifies other reporting, but the source faces genuine consequences
We don’t accept background claims as cover for company spin or as a way for organizations to avoid accountability.
Multiple Source Verification: Major claims, especially controversial ones, should be verified by multiple sources when possible. We don’t rely on single-source reporting for major stories.
Corrections Policy
We take accuracy seriously. When we make errors:
Immediate Correction: Once we discover or are notified of an error, we investigate and correct it quickly.
Clear Notification: Corrections are noted at the top or bottom of articles with:
- The date of correction
- Clear description of what was corrected
- Original incorrect information (when relevant for clarity)
No Silent Edits: We don’t make substantive corrections without notation. Minor typo fixes may be made silently, but factual corrections are always disclosed.
Retraction Policy: In rare cases where an article is fundamentally flawed, we may retract it entirely. Retracted articles remain accessible with a prominent retraction notice explaining why.
Fact-Checking Process
Before publication, articles undergo review for:
- Factual accuracy of claims
- Proper attribution of sources
- Technical accuracy (especially for how-to guides and explainers)
- Fair representation of all sides in controversial topics
Conflicts of Interest
Personal Investments
Our writers and editors must disclose any personal financial interests in companies they cover. Those with significant investments in specific companies should recuse themselves from coverage that could affect that company’s value.
Personal Relationships
Staff must disclose personal relationships with people at companies we cover. When relationships exist, we assign coverage to someone without those connections.
Speaking Engagements and Appearances
Our journalists may speak at industry events or appear on panels. We disclose these relationships when covering those events or related topics. We don’t accept speaking fees that could be seen as payment for favorable coverage.
Review Product Conflicts
Staff may not:
- Use review units as personal devices beyond the review period
- Accept valuable products as gifts
- Sell review units
- Allow family members to influence coverage of products they use
Previous Employment
Writers and editors disclose previous employment at companies they cover. Recent employees (within 2 years) typically recuse themselves from covering their former employers.
Social Media and Public Engagement
Professional Standards
Our writers maintain professional behavior on social media. While personal opinions are allowed, staff should:
- Avoid statements that could compromise editorial independence
- Not advocate for or against specific companies or products in ways that could bias coverage
- Maintain professional courtesy even in disagreements
- Distinguish personal views from Technical Master’s editorial positions
Reader Interaction
We engage with readers on social media and in comments, but we:
- Don’t argue defensively when criticized
- Accept constructive feedback gracefully
- Correct errors when readers identify them
- Block or ban users only for harassment, hate speech, or spam—never for disagreeing with us
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We’re committed to covering technology’s impact on all people and ensuring our coverage reflects dynamic perspectives. This means:
Diverse Voices: We actively look for sources, contributors, and perspectives from underrepresented groups in technology.
Inclusive Language: We avoid language that excludes or stereotypes. We’re mindful of how technology affects different communities.
Accessibility Awareness: We consider and cover how products serve users with disabilities. Accessibility isn’t an afterthought, it’s part of our evaluation.
Representation in Coverage: We cover stories about diversity in tech, workplace culture, and technology’s societal impact, not just gadgets and specs.
How-To Content and Safety
Our tutorials and guides aim to be helpful, but technology can be complex:
Clear Prerequisites: We specify required knowledge, tools, or conditions before beginning.
Risk Disclosure: When procedures carry risk (data loss, warranty voidance, hardware damage), we say so upfront.
Testing Verification: We test every how-to before publishing to ensure instructions work as described.
Update Maintenance: We monitor how-tos for accuracy. When software updates break instructions, we update or retire the article.
Disclaimer Clarity: While we test thoroughly, we can’t control all variables. Users follow guides at their own risk, and we’re not liable for issues arising from following our instructions.
AI and Emerging Technologies
Human-First Content: All content is written and reviewed by humans. We don’t use AI to generate reviews, news articles, or editorial content.
AI Tools as Assistants: We may use AI tools for research assistance, grammar checking, or idea brainstorming—but humans always verify accuracy and make editorial decisions.
AI Coverage Objectivity: When covering AI technologies, we maintain the same critical standards we apply to all tech. We don’t hype or fearmonger.
Disclosure: If we ever use AI in content creation beyond basic assistance, we’ll disclose it clearly.
Relationship with PR and Manufacturers
We maintain professional relationships with PR firms and manufacturers, but on our terms:
No Pay for Play: We never accept payment for coverage, positive or negative.
Editorial Independence: PR firms pitch stories; we decide what to cover based on reader interest—not PR persistence.
Access Not Guaranteed: Companies that provide review units or information don’t get guaranteed coverage. We cover what matters to readers.
Respectful but Firm: We’re professional with PR contacts but unapologetic about our independence. Press releases aren’t automatically stories.
No Pre-Publication Review: Manufacturers and PR firms don’t see articles before publication, except for technical fact-checking of specific claims when appropriate.
Guest Contributors and Freelancers
We work with freelance writers and guest contributors who share our values:
Same Standards: Freelancers adhere to these same editorial ethics and guidelines.
Disclosure Requirements: Contributors must disclose any conflicts of interest related to their coverage.
Editorial Oversight: All freelance work is edited and fact-checked by our staff.
Byline Transparency: We don’t publish ghost-written content or misrepresent authorship.
Data Privacy and Source Protection
Source Protection: We protect confidential sources and their communications. We don’t reveal sources who speak on condition of anonymity unless legally compelled.
Secure Communications: We offer secure communication channels (encrypted email, Signal, etc.) for sensitive communications.
Data Minimization: We collect only the minimum information necessary when communicating with sources or readers.
User Data Ethics: We don’t trade user data for access or content. Privacy matters.
Accountability and Reader Feedback
We’re accountable to you:
Questions and Concerns: Contact our editorial team at [email protected] with questions about our coverage, ethics, or specific articles.
Public Corrections: We acknowledge and correct errors publicly.
Reader Trust: When readers lose trust in our integrity, we lose our reason to exist. We take accountability seriously.
Continuous Improvement: These guidelines evolve as we learn and as the industry changes. We welcome feedback that helps us serve you better.
Our Promise to Readers
We promise to:
- Test products thoroughly and honestly
- Never let commercial relationships influence editorial content
- Correct mistakes quickly and transparently
- Put your interests ahead of manufacturers, advertisers, or our own convenience
- Maintain editorial independence no matter the cost
- Earn your trust every single day
Technology changes very fast, but our commitment to ethical journalism remains constant. Thanks for your trust in Technical Master.
Questions about our editorial ethics? Email at [email protected]