Disclosure & Sponsorship Policy

Last Updated: August 2026

1. Free Core Directory Listings

Missoula Legends is an independent local guide created to celebrate the craft, heritage, and character of Missoula, Montana. Every qualifying local business is entitled to a free core directory listing. Businesses cannot pay for higher directory ranking, search placement, or favorable editorial treatment.

2. Clearly Labeled Underwriting Placements

To support free directory access, independent local research, and cultural documentation, Missoula Legends offers a limited number of clearly labeled community partner and section underwriting positions (such as the Homepage Hero partner, Category Underwriters, and Spotlight Program supporters).

All paid sponsorships follow strict trust standards:

• Every paid placement is distinctly labeled with a visible “Sponsored” record badge.
• Outbound sponsor links adhere to web standards and search engine guidelines using rel=“sponsored nofollow noopener”.
• Sponsorships do not use invasive third-party ad trackers, behavioral cookies, or rotating ad networks.
• Underwriting never influences our editorial selections, historical stories, or directory inclusion decisions.

3. Editorial Independence & The Local Spotlight

Our monthly Local Spotlight and editorial stories are chosen independently by our curation team. While businesses may apply for consideration, selection is based entirely on local character, craft, community resonance, and story merit. A business cannot purchase a Spotlight feature.

4. Voluntary Reader & Business Support

Missoula Legends may also receive support through voluntary reader contributions and separate creative or digital services provided independently to local business owners. Any financial relationship is governed by the principle that editorial trust and directory integrity come first.

5. Business Corrections & Ownership Requests

We strive for historical and factual accuracy. Business owners may request updates, corrections, or profile modifications at any time through our Business Update Request Form.