BackerGuardian earns commissions from qualifying purchases through affiliate links. Trust Scores are calculated independently—campaigns scoring below 60/100 have all affiliate links automatically removed. We never profit from negatively-vetted projects.
Affiliate Disclosure
Our Commitment to Independence
BackerGuardian's primary mission is protecting crowdfunding backers through independent forensic analysis. Our affiliate relationships are structured to never compromise this independence.
How We Monetize
When you click links to crowdfunding campaigns or recommended products on BackerGuardian and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. This helps fund our forensic research and keeps the site running.
Dynamic Link Stripping Protocol
Unlike other review sites, BackerGuardian automatically removes affiliate links from campaigns based on their Trust Score:
| Trust Score | Affiliate Links | Display |
|---|---|---|
| 0-39 | ❌ Removed | Critical Warning Modal |
| 40-59 | ❌ Removed | Caution Notice |
| 60-74 | ✅ Enabled | Elevated Disclaimer |
| 75-100 | ✅ Enabled | Standard Display |
Our Affiliate Relationships
BackerGuardian participates in affiliate programs including:
- Amazon Associates: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."
- Direct Brand Partnerships: Selected technology and maker brands
- Education Platforms: Learning resources for backers and creators
What This Does NOT Affect
- Trust Scores: Calculated using documented forensic methodology
- Red Flag Detection: Automatic systems unaffected by affiliate status
- Kill Switch Protocol: Critical risks always cap scores at 20/100
- Content Editorial: Analysis written before affiliate consideration
FTC Compliance
In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on endorsements and testimonials, we clearly disclose our affiliate relationships. Disclosures appear:
- Near affiliate links (not buried in footers)
- In clear, conspicuous language
- Before users click through to purchase
Our Promise
BackerGuardian will never recommend a project we've flagged as high-risk for the purpose of earning a commission. If we wouldn't tell our friends to back it, we won't profit from it.
Questions?
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships or believe we've failed to properly disclose a material relationship, please contact us at [email protected].