Commercial Disclosures
Balcony Stories is owned by Meghana Harikumar and Gagan Tallam. The publication accepts paid features, hosted visits and gifts, and may earn affiliate commissions. This policy explains how those relationships will be identified so readers can understand the context of our coverage.
Paid features
Articles produced in return for payment will carry a clear label such as “Paid partnership” or “Sponsored feature” near the beginning, naming the partner. Paid coverage will not be presented as an independent review.
Hosted visits
When a restaurant, hotel, event organiser or other business provides a complimentary experience connected to a story, the article will disclose what was provided and by whom. If payment was also received, that relationship will be disclosed separately.
Gifts and review samples
When a product featured in an article was supplied free of charge, the article will identify it as a gift or review sample and name the provider. A loaned product will be described as a loan rather than a gift.
Affiliate links
Articles containing links that may earn Balcony Stories a commission will carry an explanation before or alongside the relevant links. The disclosure will explain that the publication may receive a commission if a reader makes a qualifying purchase through those links.
Other relevant relationships
Relevant ownership, employment or business relationships involving the publication, its owners or the writer will be disclosed when they relate to the subject of a story.
Where readers will find disclosures
This page provides an overview. It does not replace a clear disclosure on each affected article. Existing coverage will need to be reviewed using the actual arrangements for each story, rather than assuming that every brand mention is paid.
Questions and corrections
For questions about a commercial relationship or a missing disclosure, write to editor@thebalconystories.com with the article link and details.
