RackNerd Affiliate Disclosure #848

New Issue

MrUnknownDE · 2026-04-05T17:52:33+02:00

MrUnknownDE commented

2026-04-05 17:52:33 +02:00

Originally created by @foxt on 9/27/2025

Hey! I just wanted to start with just a note to say I'm not trying to attack or call anyone out here - I know OSS development is often very thankless and I very much am aware you need to keep the lights on and have no problem with you monetising your project in such a way, but I noticed in the README there's a line that reads

Many of our users have had a great experience with [RackNerd](https://my.racknerd.com/aff.php?aff=13788). Depending on promotions, you can get a [VPS with 1 vCPU, 1GB RAM, and ~20GB SSD for just around $12/year](https://my.racknerd.com/aff.php?aff=13788&pid=912). That's a great deal!

Now, I've never used RackNerd so I have no reference for how good or bad their service is (see #801 ), but I'm concerned that this doesn't properly disclose the affiliate relationship between RackNerd and this project and that it's likely that you're recommending RackNerd, at least in part, because they are offering you a kickback based on who is signing up with your affiliate link, rather than any unbiased merit.

Providing disclosure when you're promoting something based on a commercial relationship isn't just something should be required on a moral level - it's actually legally required in the US where I believe this project is based.

*Originally created by @foxt on 9/27/2025* Hey! I just wanted to start with just a note to say I'm not trying to attack or call anyone out here - I know OSS development is often very thankless and I very much am aware you need to keep the lights on and have no problem with you monetising your project in such a way, but I noticed in the README there's a line that reads > `Many of our users have had a great experience with [RackNerd](https://my.racknerd.com/aff.php?aff=13788). Depending on promotions, you can get a [VPS with 1 vCPU, 1GB RAM, and ~20GB SSD for just around $12/year](https://my.racknerd.com/aff.php?aff=13788&pid=912). That's a great deal!` Now, I've never used RackNerd so I have no reference for how good or bad their service is (see #801 ), but I'm concerned that this doesn't properly disclose the affiliate relationship between RackNerd and this project and that it's likely that you're recommending RackNerd, at least in part, because they are offering you a kickback based on who is signing up with your affiliate link, rather than any unbiased merit. Providing disclosure when you're promoting something based on a commercial relationship isn't just something should be required on a moral level - it's actually [legally required in the US](https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/1001a-influencer-guide-508_1.pdf) where I believe this project is based.

MrUnknownDE closed this issue

2026-04-05 17:52:33 +02:00

Sign in to join this conversation.

Branches Tags

main

dev

dependabot/npm_and_yarn/dev-minor-updates-b4e5d6b9c5

revert-2766-feature/systemd-install-instructions

dependabot/npm_and_yarn/prod-patch-updates-05702d39f2

dependabot/npm_and_yarn/next-16.2.1

dependabot/npm_and_yarn/recharts-3.8.1

alerting-rules

private-site-ha

dependabot/docker/docker/library/node-25-slim

ssh

delete-account

msg-delivery

org-only-idp

cicd

patch

site-targets-auto-login

No Label

1 Participants

Notifications

Due Date

No due date set.

Dependencies

No dependencies set.

Reference: github/pangolin#848