Affiliate Disclosure Is Getting More Attention. Here Is What Clear Practice Looks Like.
By L. Hartmann · August 4, 2026 · 5 min read
Updated August 7, 2026
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Affiliate publishing is legitimate. Undisclosed affiliate publishing is the problem.
Placement
A disclosure that appears only in a footer is generally considered insufficient. Clear practice places it before the reader encounters the recommendation.
Wording
Plain language outperforms legal phrasing. "We may earn a commission if you buy through this link" is understood by more readers than "materially connected."
Editorial separation
A review that earns commission should still be able to reach a negative conclusion. If it cannot, it is advertising.
About the author
L. HartmannOpportunity Reviews Editor
L. Hartmann runs the Opportunity Review desk, applying the publication's published methodology to programs, courses, and platforms.
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