Monetization & Transparency Policy

1. Our Mission and Funding Philosophy

Mithila Universe is dedicated to preserving and promoting Mithila culture. Operating and maintaining this website requires resources for:

• Content research and creation
• Website hosting and maintenance
• Technical development and improvements
• Consultation with cultural experts
• Photography and multimedia production

We use ethical monetization methods that do not compromise our editorial integrity or cultural sensitivity.

2. Advertising

2.1 Google AdSense

We display advertisements through Google AdSense on select pages of our website. These ads help fund our operations while keeping content free for all users.

2.2 Ad Placement Guidelines

Where Ads Appear:

• Homepage (sidebar and between content sections)
• Overview pages (Festivals, Art & Language, Food & Life)
• General informational pages
• Blog posts and articles (when applicable)

Where Ads Do NOT Appear:

• Sacred ritual pages (Garbhadhān, Chhathi, Antyeshti)
• During descriptions of religious ceremonies
• Legal and policy pages
• Contact and partnership pages

2.3 Ad Standards

We maintain strict standards for advertisements:

• No ads that are culturally insensitive or offensive
• No ads for alcohol, tobacco, or adult content
• No deceptive or misleading advertisements
• Ads must comply with Google AdSense policies

2.4 Your Ad Choices

You can control personalized advertising through:

• Google Ads Settings
• Browser ad-blocking extensions
• Opting out via Digital Advertising Alliance

3. Affiliate Links

3.1 What Are Affiliate Links?

Affiliate links are special URLs that earn us a small commission when you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. We may include affiliate links for:

• Books about Mithila culture and history
• Madhubani art supplies or artworks
• Traditional Mithila crafts and products
• Educational resources

3.2 Disclosure

All affiliate links are clearly disclosed with one of the following methods:

• Text disclosure: "This is an affiliate link"
• Visual indicator: [Affiliate] badge
• Disclosure at the beginning or end of the article

3.3 Editorial Independence

Our recommendations are based solely on:

• Quality and relevance to Mithila culture
• Educational value
• Authenticity and cultural accuracy
• User benefit

We never recommend products solely because they offer affiliate commissions. Our editorial decisions are independent of monetization.

4. Sponsored Content

4.1 Sponsored Content Policy

We may occasionally publish sponsored content that aligns with our mission. All sponsored content:

• Is clearly labeled as "Sponsored," "Paid Partnership," or "Advertisement"
• Must be relevant to Mithila culture and our audience
• Must meet our editorial quality standards
• Cannot compromise our cultural integrity
• Is subject to our editorial review and approval

4.2 What We Will NOT Sponsor

We will not accept sponsored content that:

• Misrepresents Mithila culture or traditions
• Promotes products or services harmful to our community
• Conflicts with our values or mission
• Is culturally insensitive or offensive
• Makes false or misleading claims

5. Partnerships and Collaborations

5.1 Cultural Partnerships

We partner with:

• Madhubani artists and artisans
• Cultural organizations and museums
• Educational institutions
• Tourism boards promoting Mithila heritage

These partnerships may involve revenue sharing, but are always disclosed and aligned with our mission.

5.2 Artisan Support

When we feature Madhubani artists or craftspeople:

• We may earn a commission on sales through our links
• Artists receive fair compensation for their work
• We prioritize authentic, traditional artisans
• All partnerships are disclosed

6. Donations and Support

We may accept donations to support our cultural preservation work. If we implement a donation system:

• Donations are voluntary and do not affect content access
• Funds are used for website operations and content creation
• We provide transparency reports on how donations are used
• Donor information is kept confidential per our Privacy Policy

7. Editorial Independence

Our editorial decisions are completely independent from monetization:

• Content is created based on cultural value and educational merit
• We do not alter content to favor advertisers or partners
• Negative reviews or critical analysis are never suppressed
• Editorial staff have no financial incentive to favor specific products or services

8. How Revenue Supports Our Mission

Revenue from monetization is used to:

• Content Creation: Research, writing, and multimedia production
• Expert Consultation: Fees for cultural experts and scholars
• Technical Infrastructure: Hosting, security, and development
• Community Support: Supporting Mithila artists and cultural initiatives
• Preservation Projects: Digitizing cultural artifacts and oral histories

9. Transparency Reporting

We are committed to transparency about our funding:

• This policy is publicly available and regularly updated
• All sponsored content is clearly labeled
• Affiliate relationships are disclosed
• We respond to questions about our monetization practices

10. Your Trust Matters

We understand that trust is earned through transparency and ethical practices. We commit to:

• Always putting cultural integrity first
• Being transparent about all monetization methods
• Maintaining editorial independence
• Respecting our audience and the Mithila community
• Using revenue to further our cultural preservation mission

11. Questions and Feedback

If you have questions or concerns about our monetization practices:

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this policy as our monetization methods evolve. Material changes will be announced prominently on our website.