Disclosure Policy – Charlene Li

The purpose of this policy is to disclose any material connections that may exist between companies and Charlene Li.

In my line of work, I want to be trusted by my readers, my clients, the market, and the communities to which I belong. I believe that if you are to trust my opinions and ideas, then I need to clarify any conflicts of interest that may exist.

I endeavor to give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on topics, products, services, and companies, but in the end, I am human. My points of view are colored by my background, occupation, religion, political affiliation, and experiences. And I am inevitably impacted by who pays me in a material way.

There may be instances where I write about or discuss clients, speak at company events where I am paid, or write about companies where I have a vested interest, such as a board seat or investment. To the best of my knowledge, I have included these relationships below.

Employment

I am the founding partner of Altimeter Group, which has paying clients. A list of those clients is available on the firm’s disclosure page. In addition, I often give speeches at industry events as well as for specific company-sponsored events.

Personal Interest or Investment

There may also be organizations where I have a personal, vested interest. Listed below are these specific relationships. These relationships will be disclosed directly in any written or verbal communications where the relationship becomes material.

My spouse, Côme Lague, runs a venture capital firm, Nueva Ventures, which has invested in the several companies that Altimeter Group may cover.

I serve on the Poynter Institute Board of Advisors, and the Knight Digital Media Center Advisory Board.

Products and Services

I do not accept direct payment for endorsements of products, services, or companies — any endorsement that I make will be because I believe in the merit of the product or service. If there’s a product I’ve tested and liked, I’ll purchase it with my own money.

Due to my line of work, I often test and review products before they are released to the general masses. I may have also received free or discounted products or services in order to understand how they work as a reviewer. In instances where I discuss or write about these products or services of market value over $75, I will disclose if I obtained them from the company at a free or discounted rate. For example, “A demonstration unit was provided for the purpose of this review.” Where feasible, the tester product will be returned to the company or given away to charity or a member of the community.

I keep a running list of products I’m currently reviewing or have reviewed in the past. Also included are any services that I’m currently receiving at a discount.

Advertising

I reserve the right to show advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions, or other forms of marketing on this site. If shown, these advertisements will be clearly identified as paid advertisements and sponsorships whenever possible and reasonable.

I do receive affiliate revenues from sales of books on this site where and when it is offered, for example, through the Amazon.com and BN.com affiliate programs.

But if I review a book, it will not include an affiliate link.

Questions?

For questions about this disclosure policy, please send an email to me, charlene (at) charleneli (dot) com.