STR Product Sample Guidelines

This pastebin is the product sample (interchangeable for viewer digestion as ad placement and sponsorship) statement which is communicated to viewers and companies which is meant for transparency, with a change log at the bottom. This is meant to establish expectations with viewers and entities which may look to have content featured on Steven's Toy Reviews (STR). This is not legally binding and is intended as general guidelines. They are as follows;


- It is expected the sponsor, company sending product sample, and/or advertiser (henceforth "company") has watched a variety of STR's content and has an idea of what type of content is on the main platform, YouTube. Additionally, content will be promoted on standard social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram. It is understood those platforms have been viewed as well.
- It is expected the company has read and is minimally familiar with FTC guidelines for creators online. This will be adhered to by STR. Criticism will be honest and focused on community per guidelines. For those representing the company, here is a link https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/advertising-marketing/endorsements-influencers-reviews
- The company is understanding depth is focused on over breadth; there is a more engaged and passionate viewer base with STR which is focused on instead of a large, unenthused one.
- Content from a company supplied to STR will be aimed at most will be at a PG-13 level which will include tame vulgarity acceptable at a late night TV broadcast or equivalent movie. Additionally, related jokes and memes to the source material will be used.
- Unless there are extenuating circumstances such as embargo dates, content will not be eligible to be previously reviewed prior to publication unless previously discussed and with reasonable cause. If there are specific talking points which need or preferred to be discussed ahead of time in the video posted, it needs to be communicated ahead of time.
- In the event company's request is agreed on to review ahead of time, content will not be changed to reflect opinion, but structural edits will be considered such as addressing brightness or speed.
- If product sample is sent out, upon completion of agreed upon video and post, unless previously noted or discussed, ownership of product is retained by STR.
- Based on above point, product(s) sent or sponsorship, referral links, affiliate links, and so forth, may be used outside of the video to help promote the brand to see fit without prior approval. Additionally, product sent out, such as figures for review, may be used in future STR content without prior approval for the purposes of but not including comparisons with other product, further reviews and critiques, promotional materials, and so forth without prior approval.
-STR is not responsible for comment section except to remove harmful links such as scamming and unacceptable content links. Criticism of the video is permitted, and STR is willing and able to fully engage with the comments without prior approval of the company.
- In the event it is previously agreed on a product is not to be sent by a company which hinders the review process and STR purchases the product on his own for content publication, such as a significant delay in a review or a promise to send a product out which later the company does not for any reason, a full disclosure as to the nature of this will be included in the content produced by STR. This is to avoid assumed internal bias of negativity.
- In the event a piece of content is requested to be removed by the company or a rep of said company, a discussion will take place. STR will work to not remove any content. If it is removed for any reason, a subsequent follow-up video will be made with full disclosure as to why.
- STR is capable to purchase a product sample on the market which will be noted in the comment section of the video and/or a follow-up video with a relevant figure. This will render the above moot.

Any company working with STR agrees to these points and is accepting of them. In the description of, it will be indicated if the company has agreed to this or not. This is promoted in videos and will be accessible by viewers.

9/2/2023 - created
9/16/2023 - Edited for clarity to redirect for review samples