Last updated: Friday, June 20, 2025
Editorial Independence
Stumptown Savings maintains complete editorial independence. No store, brand, or advertiser pays for inclusion in my deal recommendations or editorial coverage. This independence means deal selections are based solely on value to readers, with no "pay-to-play" featuring of stores or products. Editorial decisions are made without advertiser influence, and I maintain clear separation between advertising and editorial content.
Content Standards
Every deal is verified before publication, with prices confirmed through store visits or official advertisements. News items require multiple source verification, and breaking news must be verified from at least two independent sources. When possible, store policy changes are verified directly with corporate communications. Any errors are corrected as soon as possible.
I accept anonymous tips and protect all sources, including whistleblower protections for store employees sharing information. There is no retribution for honest feedback about my coverage.
Personal Relationships
When covering businesses where I have personal relationships, these connections are disclosed. I do not cover businesses owned by family members, and friends' businesses are covered only if genuinely newsworthy. Board positions and community roles are disclosed, and I recuse myself from coverage when conflicts arise while maintaining transparency about any potential bias.
Gifts & Benefits
I do not accept gifts, free products, or services with a value exceeding $25. Food samples for review purposes under $25 are disclosed when mentioned. I pay my own way to events and press conferences.
How I Make Money
Stumptown Savings generates revenue through three main channels. Savers Club Memberships cost 5monthlyor50 annually for premium content. Advertising appears as clearly labeled ads in newsletters and on the website. Affiliate commissions come from affiliate marketing relationships where I earn commissions from purchases made through my links.
FTC Affiliate Disclosure
As required by the Federal Trade Commission, Stumptown Savings participates in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to affiliate partners. When you purchase through affiliate links, I earn small commissions at no additional cost to you. These earnings help support Stumptown Savings. This disclosure complies with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 and FTC Endorsement Guidelines.
What I Disclose
I disclose all advertising relationships, any personal connections to featured businesses, free samples or press events (rare, always disclosed), and board positions or community involvement that could create conflicts.
Transparency Commitment
Stumptown Savings discloses when AI tools are used in my editorial process to maintain transparency with readers. AI may help with initial research and background information gathering, assist with grammar, style, and formatting for copyediting, and help draft social media posts. It’s also used for interview transcription.
Human-First Approach
I do not use AI for writing deal recommendations or editorial content, making editorial decisions about coverage, conducting interviews or primary reporting, or final fact-checking without human verification. When AI tools contribute significantly to any content, I include a note such as "This content was created with AI assistance for [specific function]." All AI-assisted content receives human review and verification before publication, and I maintain final responsibility for all published content.
Deal Curation Process
My editorial process begins with weekly, manual review of all major store advertisements. I verify prices and deals through store ads and store visits, then analyze them by comparing to regular prices and competitor offerings. Selection is based on genuine value, not relationships.
Story Development
News stories require multiple source verification, and businesses mentioned in negative contexts receive right of response. I fact-check all claims and statistics while maintaining clear distinction between reporting and opinion. All editorial decisions are made solely by me, Bryan M. Vance, as Editor/Publisher. No external parties influence content selection, story angles, or publication decisions.
Corrections & Accountability
Errors are corrected within 24 hours with full transparency. Original errors are acknowledged rather than hidden. I have systems in place to minimize future errors and regularly review mistakes to improve processes. See my full Corrections Policy for detailed procedures.
What I Accept
I accept advertising from local Portland-area businesses, food, grocery-related, or financial services, and community events and nonprofits.
What I Reject
I reject misleading or false advertising, businesses with poor community reputations, competitors attempting to buy out coverage of rivals, and any advertising that compromises editorial independence.
Stumptown Savings' disclosures meet the requirements of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Section 5, FTC 16 CFR Part 255 (Endorsement Guides), and state advertising regulations applicable to Oregon businesses.
Subscriber information is never shared or sold. I collect only what's necessary for newsletters and provide clear explanation of any data use in our Privacy Policy.
Stumptown Savings actively engages with Portland's food community. I participate in local events, maintain relationships with farmers markets, and welcome community feedback on my coverage.
Email: [email protected]
Subject: "Editorial Ethics Concern"
All ethical concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly. These standards ensure Stumptown Savings remains a trusted, independent voice for Portland's food shopping community.