1. Purpose and Principles
GamerBolt’s mission is to deliver honest, insightful, and reader-first reviews that help audiences make informed decisions. These guidelines ensure that every review we publish is consistent, transparent, and trustworthy — regardless of partnerships, samples, or sponsorships.
2. Review Integrity
- Reviews are based solely on hands-on experience / research with the product.
- All opinions, conclusions, and ratings are determined independently by the reviewer and editorial team.
- Brands and PR partners cannot preview or alter reviews before publication.
- Final editorial decisions always rest with GamerBolt’s editors.
3. Product Samples and Ownership
- GamerBolt retains all review samples provided by brands, PR agencies, or manufacturers.
- We do not return review units unless a prior written agreement specifies otherwise.
- Keeping a product does not influence the outcome or tone of the review.
- When relevant, we disclose that the product was provided for review purposes and retained by our team.
Example Disclosure:
“GamerBolt received this product from the manufacturer for review.”
4. Review Process
- Testing Period
Products must be used extensively before a review is written — typically 3 to 5 days, depending on complexity. - Evaluation Criteria
Each product is judged across multiple categories, such as:- Design & Build Quality
- Performance & Features
- User Experience
- Value for Money
- Innovation & Uniqueness
- Rating Scale
Reviews use a 1–10 rating system, where:- 10 = Masterpiece — Exceptional in every way
- 8–9 = Excellent — Highly recommended
- 6–7 = Good — Solid, but with notable flaws
- 4–5 = Average — Functional, but underwhelming
- 1–3 = Poor — Not recommended
- Evidence and Justification
Every score must be backed by examples, data, or comparisons to similar products.
5. Disclosure and Transparency
- Every review includes a clear disclosure statement about how the product was obtained.
- If a review includes affiliate links, this must be disclosed per FTC guidelines.
- Sponsored or branded content must be visibly labeled as such and is handled separately from editorial reviews.
6. Updates and Revisions
Reviews may be updated when:
- A major product update or patch significantly changes performance.
- New competitive products shift value perception.
- Errors or outdated information need correction.
All updates should include a note describing what changed and when.
7. Tone and Voice
GamerBolt reviews should reflect:
- Professionalism: Balanced, informative, and evidence-driven.
- Personality: Engaging and written in the reviewer’s authentic voice.
- Clarity: Avoid jargon unless necessary, and explain technical terms.
- Fairness: Highlight both strengths and weaknesses objectively.
8. Reviewer Ethics
- Reviewers must avoid conflicts of interest (e.g., personal relationships with brands).
- Any potential conflict must be disclosed to the editorial lead before review assignment.
- Reviewers should not sell or trade products they receive without editor approval.
9. Visual and SEO Standards
- Screenshots, product photos, and videos should be original whenever possible.
- Use consistent image sizing and branding across reviews.
- Reviews should follow GamerBolt’s SEO best practices:
- Include key terms naturally.
- Maintain readability and flow.
- Write meta descriptions under 160 characters.
10. Community Engagement
- Reviewers are encouraged to engage with readers in the comments, answering questions or clarifying feedback.
- Criticism from readers should be met respectfully and professionally.
Appendix: Quick Checklist for Reviewers
– Product received and logged
– Hands-on testing complete
– Notes and benchmarks recorded
– Review draft written and fact-checked
– Disclosure and affiliate statements added
– Images/screenshots uploaded
– Editor approval received before publishing