Every once in a while, we like to remind you how things work at DailyCandy — namely, how items are selected and how DailyCandy makes money. If you’ve ever wondered whether the two are connected — whether DailyCandy editorial items are paid for — allow us to shed some light.

The answer is no.

DailyCandy’s business and DailyCandy’s editorial are two distinct processes.

On the creative side, items are selected by our editors. One cannot under any circumstance pay to be featured in DailyCandy’s editorial. That would destroy the integrity, fun, and legitimacy of DailyCandy. And above all, we would lose your trust. In every category, without exception we don’t make a dime off your meal at a restaurant we’ve reviewed nor a penny from the sale of the latest accessory.

When we write about something, it’s because we found it, like it, and think you might like it too. It’s that simple.

Now you might ask, since the subscription is free, how does DailyCandy make money?

Our primary revenue source is advertising, which you see placed around our e-mails. You have proven a very loyal audience, and advertisers value your savvy eye. They pay to put their brands in front of you. These are always marked “Advertisement,” or come up in banner or “Sponsored Link” format. We are very grateful to our advertisers. They keep us afloat!

On that note, DailyCandy, on occasion, sends out carefully selected “Dedicated” e-mails, sent out on behalf of sponsors who want the privilege of strutting their stuff. When we publish one of these, you will know. The subject will read “DailyCandy Dedicated E-mail,” to differentiate it from a regular DailyCandy item. And yes, these are paid for.

One postscript (and perhaps the most important one!). We do not sell our list of subscribers to anyone. You have trusted us with your e-mail address — for the sole purpose of sending your DailyCandy. This is the only use of your e-mail address we make. You have our word.

So there you have it. Some of you may have already known all this. Others … well, now you understand the gig.

We hope that you continue to enjoy your DailyCandy. We look forward to delivering it!

Sincerely,

The DailyCandy Team