HighTechDad's Editorial Policy
How HighTechDad approaches reviews, sponsorships, and editorial independence
Look, I get a lot of emails. A lot of emails. Requests for guest posts, link insertions, sponsored content, product reviews, and partnerships land in my inbox multiple times a week. Some are genuine. Many are… not.
This page exists to save both of us time.
Here’s how I work with brands, maintain editorial independence, and follow product review ethics on HighTechDad. These policies aren’t negotiable, but they’re also not complicated. If you’re a brand, agency, or PR firm looking to work with me, read this first.
Last Updated: December 30, 2025
Policy Summary
- Guest posts: Not accepted
- Link insertions: Not accepted
- Product samples: Kept (unless expensive + return shipping covered)
- Review timelines: Based on availability, no guaranteed dates
- Sponsored content: $750+ for articles (fully disclosed)
- Pre-approvals: Not provided
- FTC compliance: Since 2009
- Affiliate programs: Disclosed, do not influence reviews
Editorial independence comes first
Everything published on HighTechDad is written by me. One person. No ghostwriters. No content mills. No outsourced reviews.
I’ve been doing this since 2005 (nearly 20 years of independent technology journalism), and I’ve maintained editorial independence the entire time. That means my opinions are my own, my reviews are honest, and no amount of money, free products, or “partnership opportunities” will change how I evaluate technology.
If a product is great, I’ll say so. If it has problems, I’ll say that too. If it’s absolutely terrible, I won’t publish anything at all (more on that below).
This approach has served me well for nearly two decades. It’s not changing.
What I review (and what I don’t)
I’m selective about what I review because I have to be interested in the technology or product. I won’t write about just anything that shows up at my door.
What I DO review:
- Technology products that fit into home, work, or mobile use
- Smart home devices, gadgets, hardware, accessories
- Tools that solve real problems for real people
- Products I’m genuinely curious about or think my audience will find useful
What I DON’T review:
- Software (unless it’s super relevant to what I do: hosting, WordPress, video creation tools, etc.)
- Gambling, drug-related, or adult content
- Inexpensive products, unless I specifically want to review them
- Anything I’m not interested in
If you’re pitching me a product, make sure it fits. I’m not a catch-all review site.
Product samples and review fees
Let’s be clear about how product samples and compensation work.
Product samples
Any product sample sent to me for review remains in my possession. I don’t return products unless they’re extremely expensive (like a car) and the brand covers all return shipping costs.
This policy exists because writing a quality review takes time. A lot of time. I test the product, photograph it, film videos, write the article, edit everything, and publish it. Keeping the product is often the only compensation I receive.
There are rare exceptions (expensive items, loaner products with clear agreements), but for the most part, if you send it, I keep it.
Content strategy and technical storytelling
I translate complex technologies (AI, observability, cloud computing, APM solutions) into clear narratives for practitioners, executives, and cross-functional teams.
I’ve led end-to-end content strategies that align with product, sales, and executive priorities. I build scalable systems, editorial calendars, and strategic assets that drive demand generation and buyer engagement.
Whether it’s an executive blog post, a technical white paper, a product launch video, or a social media strategy, I focus on clarity, usefulness, and impact.
Review timelines
I provide timely reviews when possible, but timelines depend on my workload, schedule, and other priorities. I don’t control my calendar, and I won’t rush a review just to meet a launch date. Quality matters more than speed.
If you need guaranteed coverage by a specific date, we should discuss a paid partnership instead.
Sponsored content and paid reviews
I’m open to sponsored content and paid partnerships, but these must be negotiated upfront and fully disclosed in the published content.
- Sponsored articles (1,000+ words) start at $750
- Brand ambassadorships and ongoing partnerships are negotiated based on scope, exclusivity, and deliverables
- All sponsored content is clearly labeled as sponsored
If you’re interested in a paid partnership, contact me to discuss rates and expectations.
FTC compliance and disclosures
I take FTC guidelines seriously and have been fully compliant since they were published in 2009.
Here’s the simple version:
- All sponsored content is clearly disclosed as sponsored
- All product samples received for review are disclosed in the article
- All affiliate links are disclosed
- All material connections between me and brands are transparent
Here’s the official version (because legal language matters):
Disclosure: In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I disclose that various corporations, companies, agencies, and individuals may have provided me with free samples, products, services, travel, or other expenses or compensation in order for me to complete my reviews or write articles about a particular subject. This compensation in no way affects how I write my content or reviews. All opinions are my own.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on HighTechDad may be affiliate or advertising links. If you click on these links and purchase a product, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the site and allows me to continue creating content.
No drafts. No pre-approvals. No exceptions.
I do not provide drafts of articles or pre-release videos for brands to review before publication.
Here’s why: I write honest reviews. If I let brands approve content before it goes live, that’s not a review anymore. That’s marketing copy.
I will be fair. I will be balanced. I will mention both positives and negatives. But I won’t let anyone edit my work to make it more favorable.
The exception: If I find a product so terrible that publishing a review would provide no value to my audience (and only hurt the brand), I won’t publish it. Instead, I’ll provide private feedback to the brand explaining why. This rarely happens, but when it does, it’s the right call for everyone involved.
Let me say this as clearly as possible:
I do NOT accept guest posts.
I will NOT edit existing articles to insert your links.
I get asked about this multiple times a week, and the answer is always no.
Why? Because HighTechDad has a high domain rank, and people want to use my site to boost their own SEO. I’ve worked for nearly 20 years to build that credibility, and I’m not handing it out for free.
The only time I edit a previously published article is if there’s an error or if the brand that provided the product requests a factual correction. Otherwise, published content stays as-is.
If you’re reaching out to pitch a guest post or request a link insertion, save us both the time and don’t.
How to work with me
If you’re a brand, agency, or PR firm interested in working together, here’s what I need from you:
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, I work with brands and agencies worldwide on technology product reviews and content partnerships.
- Be specific. Tell me what you’re pitching, why it’s relevant to my audience, and what you’re asking for.
- Respect my policies. Don’t ask for guest posts, link insertions, or pre-approved drafts. The answer is no.
- Understand my timeline. I don’t guarantee coverage dates unless we’ve negotiated a paid partnership.
- Be prepared to negotiate. Sponsored content, brand ambassadorships, and ongoing partnerships are discussed case-by-case.
If that works for you, let’s talk.
Questions?
If you have questions about these policies or want to discuss a partnership, feel free to reach out.
Just know that these policies exist for a reason, and they’re not changing.
Learn more
This is about me. What to explore the broader HighTechDad story?
- About HighTechDad – What this site is, why it exists, and how I approach technology
- Michael Sheehan – More about my background, career, and expertise
- Origin Story – The full story of how HighTechDad started and evolved
If you want to reach out, you can always contact me directly.
Thanks for being here.
