MagicAjax.NET reviews tools, libraries, frameworks, books, IDEs, hosting platforms, and other developer products. This page sets out exactly how we do that, what we accept from vendors, and what would disqualify a product from being reviewed.
The short version
Our reviews are independent and editorial. They are not influenced by affiliate rewards, sponsorships, free product access, or vendor relationships. If a review is favourable, it is because the product earned it; if a review is unfavourable, no amount of money will quietly upgrade it.
Affiliate links
- If we link to a paid product, the link may be an affiliate link. Where this is the case, we disclose it on the article in question.
- Affiliate revenue does not change which products we cover, what verdict we reach, or whether we cover competitors. Editorial and revenue are separate.
- We do not accept "bonus" affiliate rates in exchange for favourable coverage. Standard rates only.
Free or trial product access
- If we received a free license, an extended trial, or pre-release access in order to review a product, that fact is disclosed at the top of the article.
- Receiving free access does not create an obligation to publish a positive review — or any review at all.
Sponsored content
- We do publish sponsored articles occasionally. They are clearly and visibly labelled as such — at the top of the page, in the URL slug where appropriate, and in any social posts that link to them.
- Sponsored content is editorially separate from reviews. A sponsor cannot buy a positive review, only a labelled sponsored post.
Conflicts of interest
- If an author has a relationship with a vendor (employed, formerly employed, consulting, equity, family member at the company, etc.) that author does not write the review of that vendor's product.
- Where any other relationship exists that a reasonable reader would want to know about, it is disclosed in-line.
Out of scope
We do not review products under embargo if the embargo prevents us from giving an honest assessment. We do not write reviews from press releases, marketing decks, or vendor demos alone — we use the product, in a representative scenario, before forming a judgment.
Questions and corrections
If you believe we have failed to disclose a relationship, missed a fact, or misrepresented a product, please email editorial @ magicajax.net. We take this seriously and will publicly correct any oversight.