Our Editorial Standards

All of the editorial and news content on We Are Explorers is fact checked, well-researched, and based on both real world experience and reliable sources. This is incredibly important and we are constantly reviewing our work to ensure it meets these standards.

We aim to provide fair reporting of the facts and allow them to guide our content decisions, rather than politics. As a B-Corp, we are held to a high ethical standard, and this means an increased focus on underserved communities, Indigenous Australians, and threats to the environment.

We Are Explorers is also about connecting people and growing community. This means our tone is positive and inclusive. The outdoors is for everyone and we intend to make our site welcoming for all visitors.

While we sometimes write satire, we will always avoid content that excludes, gatekeeps, or negatively targets particular groups. We also avoid content that thrives off sensationalism or gains views through deception.

What do we mean by ‘In Partnership’?

The above standards affect which brands we partner with and our editorial decisions. Becoming a B-Corp confirmed that we’re committed to balancing profit with purpose and using our business as a force for good.

You’ll always know when you’re reading sponsored content, as we’re proud to promote the brands we’ve chosen to work with.

Diversity of Voice

We Are Explorers is actively working to amplify the voices and creative efforts of Indigenous Australians, the LGBTQIA+ community, and female contributors, along with other underrepresented groups in the outdoor space. If this sounds like you, please reach out to editorial@weareexplorers.co

Fact vs Opinion

We Are Explorers has strong opinions, which it does not shy away from. However, we are aware that we’re also a source of news for many readers, and that the distinction between opinion and news must be pronounced.

When publishing news, we ensure that factual material is accurate and not misleading. We also seek to balance facts in every article, so as not to distort the truth. When publishing opinion, we ensure that the writers’ own opinions are not ones based on substantially inaccurate material.

The physical separation of news and opinion can be noted on the site. You will find fact-based news in the ‘News’ category, and substantiated opinion in the ‘Journal’ category.

Corrections

While we make every effort to publish the most accurate and up-to-date information, we are a small team and sometimes mistakes are made. Other issues with articles are also possible, such as areas that are no longer culturally acceptable to visit, or harmful viewpoints that slip through our editing process.

We’re always willing to listen and learn from our mistakes, and where possible we will leave articles up and call out corrections, to allow our readers to learn with us. That’s the beauty of digital publishing.

Complaints

We Are Explorers is accountable to its readers and takes complaints and corrections seriously. Any complaints about something that’s been published should be directed to basecamp@weareexplorers.co.

When submitting your complaint, please be clear about the content you’re referring to by providing a URL and a description of the issue.

We aim to have an appropriate staff member look into and respond to all complaints as quickly and efficiently as possible via email, and if necessary, over the phone.

All complainants will be informed of the final decision of their complaint. If a complainant isn’t satisfied with the outcome, they may seek review of the decision by responding within five days.

Where it is appropriate to do so, We Are Explorers will apologise for its mistakes or issue a correction on the relevant content.

Affiliate Links

Affiliate links allow us to monetise content and recommendations in articles that we’d already produce. Different links may pay a commission per click, or when you make a purchase of a product, and we always aim to call this out in articles where it is present.

We follow an ‘Editorial First’ approach to affiliate linking, considering our audience interests, company goals, and B-Corp commitments, before the possible products or experiences we could link to.

Gear Reviews

We Are Explorers’ Gear Reviews are completely objective and our reviewer’s assessment of a product cannot be bought by any brand. We sometimes receive gear from brands to use and abuse but they provide it knowing we will not hold back if it falls short in any way. We will make a note if the gear was provided for review purposes. Alternatively, some reviews arise out of gear we paid for ourselves, or from contributors because we/they love the gear so much, swear by it and want others to enjoy it.

Conflicts of Interest

The We Are Explorers staff will sometimes be offered free products and experiences, however this doesn’t guarantee that the brand or product will receive any, let alone favourable, coverage on our site. We Are Explorers staff should not guarantee coverage in exchange for gifts or services. If a writer has been gifted a product or experience that is mentioned within an article, a clear disclaimer will appear at the bottom of the article indicating this.

Any other types of conflicts of interest are avoided, and if this is not possible, adequately disclosed within the article and prevented from influencing what is published.

A Small Disclaimer

The info offered by We Are Explorers (on its website and affiliated pages) is advice only, and while all care is taken to ensure its accuracy, please consider your own skills and circumstances before embarking on rad adventures.

Take ownership of your safety, appreciate the inherent risks in the outdoors, and get further advice if appropriate. Above all, be excellent to each other!

Get In Touch!

Love what we’re doing? Hate it? Got a suggestion on how we can improve the site or help you get out there? You can get in touch with our editors directly, just email editorial@weareexplorers.co

Like what you see and interested in working with us? Slide into Henry’s inbox at henry@weareexplorers.co.