Quick answer: 2 Forks Events is funded by clearly labelled advertising, sponsored content, press releases, partnerships and, where noted, affiliate links. These keep the site free to read. None of them buy our editorial opinion — reviews and coverage are independent, and every paid placement is disclosed.
Key takeaways
- We are reader-first: revenue keeps the site free but never dictates our verdicts.
- Everything paid is labelled: ads, sponsored features and releases are clearly marked.
- Editorial is independent: our reviews and guides are not for sale.
- Affiliate links, where used, are disclosed and never change our recommendations.
- No disguised paid links: we do not sell undisclosed or hidden link placements.
Why we explain this
People rightly wonder whether a “recommended” event is really recommended or simply paid for. We would rather be plainly honest about how 2 Forks Events earns money than leave you guessing. Understanding our funding helps you read our content fairly: you can see exactly where money is involved and where it is not. This page is the reference we point to whenever anyone asks how the site keeps running.
How we earn revenue
- Advertising — labelled display and placement units; see advertise.
- Sponsored content — labelled features brands pay to publish; see sponsored content.
- Press releases — labelled announcements; see press releases.
- Partnerships — ongoing, disclosed collaborations; see partners.
- Affiliate links — where we use them, they are disclosed and marked.
How affiliate links work
Sometimes we link to a ticket seller, booking service or product and may earn a commission if you buy through that link, at no extra cost to you. We only use affiliate links for things we would mention anyway, and their presence never changes a review, a ranking or a recommendation. Where a page contains affiliate links, we say so. If the better option for the reader is not an affiliate, we still recommend the better option.
The line between money and editorial
This is the most important part. Advertisers, sponsors and partners can pay for labelled placements. They cannot pay to change our independent opinion, to remove a critical review, or to guarantee a glowing write-up. Our editorial team decides what we cover and what we say. When we review an event or venue, the conclusion reflects our experience — not who is paying. If we ever cannot keep the two separate, we do not run the placement.
How we keep it honest
- Every paid placement is labelled following the FTC endorsement guidelines.
- Sponsored and editorial content are visibly distinct.
- We disclose free tickets, comped visits and any relationships that could look like a conflict.
- We decline advertising that is misleading, unsafe or irrelevant to our readers.
- We do not sell undisclosed or disguised paid links.
What your support enables
Revenue pays for the time to attend, research and write properly, to keep listings and guides accurate, and to run the site without burying it in intrusive ads or a paywall. A sustainable, transparent business model is what lets us stay independent — an outlet that cannot fund itself honestly is far more likely to cut corners.
Questions or concerns
If you ever feel a placement is not clearly labelled, or a recommendation looks biased, tell us. We take that seriously and will review it. Reach us through the contact page or at partners@2forksevents.com. For the specifics of labelling, see our advertising disclosure.
About 2 Forks Events
2 Forks Events is an independent events, food and drink publication covering the festivals, tastings, pop-ups, markets and hospitality happenings worth turning up for. Our listings, guides and features are written for people who plan nights out and the organisers who create them. You can learn who we are on our about page and reach the team through our contact page or at partners@2forksevents.com. Every commercial placement is clearly labelled in line with the FTC endorsement guidelines, and our editorial coverage is never for sale.
Frequently asked questions
How does 2 Forks Events make money?
Through labelled advertising, sponsored content, press releases, partnerships and disclosed affiliate links. All of it is transparent.
Do advertisers influence your reviews?
No. Paid placements are labelled and kept separate. Editorial opinion is independent and not for sale.
What are affiliate links?
Links where we may earn a commission if you buy or book, at no extra cost to you. They are disclosed and never change our recommendations.
Do you sell backlinks?
No. We do not sell undisclosed or disguised paid links. Any paid links appear in labelled placements handled per search-engine guidance.
Is your content free to read?
Yes. Advertising and sponsorship keep the site free without a paywall.
How is paid content marked?
Clearly, at the top of the placement. See our advertising disclosure for exactly how.
Can I trust a positive review?
Yes. An unlabelled review reflects our honest experience; anything paid is labelled as sponsored so you can tell the difference.
Who do I contact about this policy?
Use the contact page or email partners@2forksevents.com with any question or concern.