Ethics Policy

Our Mission

Uptown Download exists to provide honest, useful, and independent coverage of Charlotte, NC. We serve our readers first—not advertisers, PR firms, or businesses looking for favorable coverage.

Editorial Independence

Our editorial content is independent of any commercial interests. Business relationships, including advertising partnerships, do not influence our editorial decisions, recommendations, or coverage.

We maintain a clear separation between editorial content and advertising. Sponsored content, if published, will always be clearly labeled as such.

Transparency

Anonymous Visits

When reviewing restaurants, bars, and other businesses, we make every effort to visit anonymously and pay for our own meals and experiences. If we receive complimentary service or items, we will disclose this to our readers.

Conflicts of Interest

We disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence our coverage. Our writers and editors will not cover businesses in which they have a financial interest or personal relationship that could bias their judgment.

Corrections

We are committed to accuracy. When we make mistakes, we correct them promptly and transparently. Significant corrections will be noted in the original article.

Fact-Checking Standards

We strive for accuracy in all our content by:

• Verifying factual claims before publication
• Citing credible sources when appropriate
• Updating information when circumstances change
• Being transparent about what we know and don't know

Reviews and Recommendations

Honest Opinions

Our reviews reflect our honest opinions and experiences. We don't guarantee positive coverage in exchange for advertising, access, or any other consideration.

Fair Representation

We aim to represent businesses fairly and give them context for our readers. If we have criticism, we explain our reasoning. We recognize that restaurants and businesses can have off nights, and we account for this in our coverage.

No Pay-to-Play

Businesses cannot pay for positive coverage or to be featured in our recommendations. Our editorial selections are based solely on merit and what we believe will be valuable to our readers.

Reader Submissions

We welcome tips and story ideas from our readers. We verify information independently before publishing. Tipsters may remain anonymous if desired, but we verify their credibility before relying on their information.

Advertising Policy

We accept advertising to support our operations, but advertising does not influence our editorial content. Advertisers have no input into or advance knowledge of editorial decisions.

We reserve the right to refuse advertising that:

• Conflicts with our values or mission
• Could be misleading to readers
• Would compromise our editorial integrity

Affiliate Links and Partnerships

If we use affiliate links or enter into partnerships that could result in compensation, we will clearly disclose this to our readers. Such relationships will not influence our editorial recommendations.

Privacy and Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of our sources and readers. We handle personal information responsibly and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Community Standards

We cover Charlotte with respect for its diverse communities. We strive to be inclusive and thoughtful in our coverage, and we listen when readers point out where we can do better.

Accountability

We're accountable to our readers. If you believe we've fallen short of these ethical standards or have concerns about our coverage, please contact us. We take all concerns seriously and will investigate and respond appropriately.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Ethics Policy as our practices evolve. We'll note the date of the last update at the top of this page.