KNOW YOUR BUD. TRUST THE GRADE.
Our grade cannot be bought.
The Grade My Bud promise — proposed brand commitments for this first version.
One standard, every report card.
Appearance. Aroma. Texture and cure. Flavor. Smoking experience. Each category carries the same four-point weight. A relationship with a brand does not add points.
Transparency stays visible.
Purchased product, gifted samples, sponsorships, affiliate links, or relevant personal relationships belong in the disclosure field of the review. Visitors should not have to hunt for that information.
Opinion comes with an explanation.
A number alone is not a review. We explain what we observed, how the category scores were assigned, and where the sample fell short. Viewers can make up their own minds.
Entertainment without hidden influence.
We can have fun with the format while taking the scoring seriously. Payment can never guarantee a grade or favorable coverage. Any future paid placement should be clearly identified.
Corrections should be clear.
If a published review needs a factual correction, its update should be visible. Different batches or later retests should be distinguished from the original sample.