Our Editorial Policy
Shop Like Sam exists to help people choose internet and TV services with clarity and confidence. Our editorial policy outlines how we create, review, and maintain content so it is accurate, fair, and useful.
Editorial Mission
We publish clear, practical guidance that simplifies complex connectivity decisions. Our content is designed to be understandable for everyone, from first-time shoppers to experienced users.
Independence & Integrity
- No pay-for-placement in editorial: Rankings, comparisons, and recommendations are not for sale.
- Separation of church and state: Commercial partnerships never determine editorial conclusions.
- Conflicts of interest: Contributors must disclose potential conflicts; assignments are changed if needed.
Accuracy, Sourcing, and Verification
- Verified sources: We rely on provider documentation, plan catalogs, public filings, and reputable industry data.
- Address-level nuance: Availability varies by location. We note when details are market-specific.
- Fact-checking: Editors verify technical claims, pricing, speed tiers, and key terms before publication.
Updates & Recency
Connectivity markets change frequently. We review pages on a regular schedule and update plan details, pricing, and availability when providers make changes. Time-sensitive sections may include “last updated” notes where appropriate.
Corrections
If we publish an error, we correct it promptly and transparently. Substantive corrections are noted with a brief explanation of what changed and why. To suggest a correction, contact: editorial@shoplikesam.com
How We Compare Providers and Plans
Methodology
- Normalize plans by technology (fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless/5G, satellite).
- Evaluate speed tiers (download/upload), latency considerations, and data policies.
- Assess value: price-to-performance, equipment terms, contract length, and fees.
- Consider availability breadth and customer-impacting policies.
What We Don’t Do
- We do not guarantee provider performance at a specific address.
- We do not accept payment to alter editorial conclusions.
- We do not publish unverifiable rumors or unsubstantiated claims.
Ratings & Recommendations
When we present ratings or shortlists, they reflect the methodology above and the context of a user’s location and needs. Recommendations may change as providers update plans, expand networks, or adjust pricing.
Deals, Promotions, and Pricing
- We identify introductory vs. standard rates when known.
- We note equipment, installation, and regional fees where applicable.
- Promotions can change quickly; always confirm final pricing at checkout.
Affiliate Disclosure
Shop Like Sam may earn compensation when users choose certain offers after comparing on our site. This supports our work and keeps tools free to use. Compensation does not influence our editorial content or conclusions.
Sponsored Content
Sponsored content, when present, is clearly labeled and kept separate from editorial analysis. Sponsors do not review or approve independent editorial content.
User Reviews & Community Input
- We may feature user feedback to add context to provider experiences.
- Feedback is moderated for relevance, clarity, and respectful language.
- User opinions do not replace independent verification of facts and terms.
Use of Automation
We may use automation to assist with tasks like data normalization, formatting, and quality checks. Editorial decisions—including comparisons, conclusions, and guidance—are made by human editors who review source materials and verify claims.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
- We write in plain language and avoid unnecessary jargon.
- We aim for layouts and structures that are easy to navigate and read.
- We consider diverse households, budgets, and access constraints in our examples and guidance.
Privacy
We collect only the information necessary to show availability and relevant plan details. Personal information is not sold. Readers can manage cookie preferences and learn more in our privacy summaries.
Contact the Editorial Team
- General editorial questions: editorial@shoplikesam.com
- Corrections or updates: corrections@shoplikesam.com
- Research and data inquiries: research@shoplikesam.com
Effective Date
This policy is effective as of January 1, 2025 and will be updated as our practices evolve. Material changes will be reflected on this page.