Faraway Places Affiliate Policy 

Like many blogs, Faraway Places participates in affiliate marketing. This means that we receive a small percentage of some sales of products discovered on this site. There is absolutely zero cost to shoppers/buyers — the fee comes out of the retailer’s take. 

For example: If we recommend a $100 pair of Nikes on this website and you click on our link, we might earn a commission of $2.50 for that sale. You will pay $100 whether you discover those Nikes on your own or by clicking one of our links — you’ll pay the same no matter what. 

Running and writing this site requires time and money. How an editorial outlet should generate that money has been an unanswerable question since I entered the industry: subscriptions? Memberships? Ad sales? Product sales? Affiliate sales have seemed like the best avenue because they mean that the site is free to anyone who wants to read it. 

I’ve worked at many sites (and magazines) that rely on a mix of these revenue generators — mostly ads and affiliates. 

I know people are skeptical of affiliate marketing and the wider influencer environment that engages in it. And it’s true: Affiliates are incentivized to sell, at any cost. Readers may be hoodwinked into buying poor products. 

I think, though, that that is a short-term mindset. I believe that readers are savvy — eventually everyone knows when their trust is being abused. I’ve never recommended a product I found neither “beautiful nor useful,” to paraphrase William Morris. 

Philosophically, I consider myself an anti-consumerist: I don’t like shopping much, and I am happier when I have fewer things. I’ve found that the French practice “buy less/buy better” better than just about anyone else, and I am inspired by their curation and discernment. We cannot shop our way to happiness. 

That said, I do believe that our inner lives are greatly influenced by calm and beautiful outer environments, and that our daily experiences are often more enjoyable when we look and feel our best — a situation sometimes enhanced by the purchase of a specific shampoo or a particular couch. 

Please keep all this in mind when reviewing my shopping suggestions. Assume every link is affiliated (though they are not). If you want to be sure to avoid an affiliate purchase, simply google the product in a new window (without clicking on my link) and proceed directly to the shop of your choice. But know that I am truly appreciative for any and all support of this site, and I want to keep it and its related newsletters free for all readers. Your using these links helps me achieve this without marrying an ogre for his pot of gold.