Tech Youtubers *NOT* disclosing sponsorships?? - WAN Show June 15 2018

The WAN Show episode from June 15, 2018 opens with Linus and the team acknowledging the growing chatter around tech YouTubers and sponsorship disclosures. They reference a wave of reactions across the community, including Jay from Jay's Two Cents releasing a detailed video on sponsorship transparency. The hosts lay out a simple, clear stance: when sponsorship money funds content, it should be disclosed at the start, within the video, and in the description. They emphasize that sponsorship coverage can occur at events, in booths, and in post-show recaps, but transparency is paramount to maintain trust with viewers. The discussion then broadens to what constitutes a sponsorship, how it appears in practice at Computex, and how viewers can verify paid content by checking the intro and the description. They acknowledge that the YouTube tech-review ecosystem often sees sponsorships, but repeat that the long-term trust of their audience hinges on clear disclosure. The hosts also touch on the ethics of “long-term” content strategies, arguing that honesty about sponsorships supports brand longevity and audience loyalty. They transition to more technical rumors and industry movements, setting up a multi-topic segment for the rest of the show. Throughout, the tone is practical and protective of credibility, not sensationalist or accusatory. The hosts invite Jay’s perspective for a broader view, recommending his video as a complementary angle while asserting their own process of disclosure. They reiterate that sponsorship transparency is not just a legal formality but a straightforward professional standard they practice consistently.

Topics · technology · media and editorial ethics