An affiliate link can credit a publisher when a reader makes a qualifying purchase. The merchant or affiliate network decides which purchases qualify, how attribution works and when a commission becomes payable. A click alone does not necessarily earn money.
What the reader should be told
A buying guide should clearly explain when its publisher may receive a commission. That disclosure should be easy to notice near the recommendation. On social video, a description hidden behind a “more” button may not be enough. The US Federal Trade Commission explains its approach in Disclosures 101.
Research is not the same as testing
A research guide can explain specifications, compare stated features and help you identify questions to ask. A hands-on review should explain what was actually tested, how and under what conditions. An AI presenter cannot turn manufacturer information into a personal experience.
Look for the trade-offs
A useful guide tells you who a product suits and who should skip it. Check compatibility, ongoing costs, regional availability and the things a headline leaves out. A list that praises every product without explaining differences is less useful for making a decision.
Prices and availability change
Check the current price, currency, tax treatment, delivery terms and returns policy with the seller. An international audience does not mean a product ships everywhere or that an affiliate link works in every country.
For creators: measure the whole journey
Separate views, website visits, outbound clicks, tracked purchases, approved commissions and payments received. Those are different stages. Refunds, invalid purchases and attribution rules can change the amount that is ultimately paid.
STACKVYBE's approach
We label research-based content, distinguish it from documented tests and identify commercial links when used. Our fictional presenter NOVA is a presentation character, not a customer testimonial. We aim to help readers make a suitable decision, including deciding not to buy.
The initial guides use ordinary research links. A researched programme does not mean STACKVYBE has been accepted as a partner. When tracked links are added, the relevant disclosure will be updated.