Editorial standards

Cliff Culture is an independent climbing publication operated by Luc Gonzales. More information is available on the About Cliff Culture page.

This policy applies to new editorial content and material updates published on or after the date stated above. It defines editorial practices. It does not constitute a warranty that every article will be complete, error-free, or current at all times.

Content under the byline “Written and fact checked by Luc Gonzales” is the editorial responsibility of Luc Gonzales, including its analysis, recommendations, and corrections. Cliff Culture does not claim medical, clinical, coaching, laboratory, or certification authority.

Sources are selected according to the subject and claim. They may include peer-reviewed research, official standards, manufacturer manuals, public records, and attributed independent reporting.

Cliff Culture uses reasonable efforts to support material factual claims with identifiable sources. Quantitative claims, research findings, and named training protocols are attributed when attribution is material to understanding the claim. Manufacturer materials may establish product specifications, intended use, and care instructions. Claims concerning comfort, fit, durability, or performance require additional context when manufacturer information alone is insufficient.

Known, relevant limits are stated, including small samples, conflicting findings, indirect evidence, incomplete product information, or personal reports. Opinion and anecdote are not presented as scientific findings.

Criteria vary by category and article. A comparison may consider materials, ergonomics, sizing, durability, intended use, price, expert reviews, owner reports, and manufacturer specifications. A guide using formal scores describes its principal criteria and weighting.

Products within the same comparison are assessed under the same published rubric. Editorial scores express comparative judgments within that guide. They are not scientific measurements, laboratory findings, safety certifications, or guarantees of product performance. A score from one guide may not be compared directly with a score produced under a different rubric.

Recommendations address relevant tradeoffs, including fit, intended use, experience level, climbing style, and price. They do not guarantee individual suitability. Readers should confirm current specifications, compatibility, sizing, and safety requirements.

Cliff Culture participates in affiliate programs, including Amazon Associates and AvantLink, and may receive compensation from eligible purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate compensation ordinarily does not change the price paid by the reader.

Material affiliate relationships are disclosed clearly and conspicuously in the relevant article, at or near the applicable recommendation or affiliate links where the disclosure is readily noticeable. A link to this policy alone is insufficient and does not replace article-level disclosures.

Affiliate availability or commission terms do not determine whether a product is included, excluded, ranked, or described favorably. Recommendations must have an editorial basis independent of the availability of an affiliate link.

If Cliff Culture accepts a sample, loan, travel support, discount, advertising arrangement, or sponsored assignment, that relationship is disclosed in the relevant content. Access or compensation does not guarantee coverage or a favorable opinion.

Sponsored content and advertising are clearly identified. Sponsors may provide factual product information or request correction of an error, but do not control conclusions or final wording. Relevant limits, including a short use period or required return, are disclosed.

Cliff Culture may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with research organization, note comparison, outlining, or drafting. AI output is not treated as evidence, firsthand experience, product testing, or an authoritative source.

AI-assisted content remains under human editorial responsibility. Cliff Culture does not publish fabricated product use, test results, citations, quotations, sources, or personal experience, whether generated by AI or otherwise. Material claims require appropriate, traceable support.

Products, prices, research, and accepted practices may change. Cliff Culture may review content when credible new information indicates that guidance is materially incomplete, inaccurate, or outdated. A material revision may include an update note.

Cliff Culture corrects confirmed material errors. A correction note accompanies a correction when the error affected the article’s meaning, recommendation, or a reader’s decision.

Climbing, training, and equipment use involve risk. Cliff Culture provides general educational information and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, individualized coaching, or instruction tailored to a reader’s circumstances. Written content cannot substitute for qualified in-person instruction or supervision for safety-critical skills.

No article or recommendation guarantees that a product, technique, or activity will be safe, suitable, or effective for a particular person or situation. Readers should follow current manufacturer instructions, inspect equipment, use appropriate safety systems, and obtain qualified supervision when learning or performing safety-critical skills. A person experiencing pain, injury, or a medical concern should consult a qualified physiotherapist, physician, or other appropriate healthcare professional.