This isn’t the most exciting page on the blog and you’d probably rather be playing video games or stroking cats than looking at terms of use. But it’s worth taking some time to visit the sections below to find out more about the guidelines followed here at Later Levels. Don’t worry though – there’s nothing scary or unexpected. I’m a pretty nice person once you get to know me.

Code of conduct

The world is made up of many different people, all of whom are equal. Everyone’s views are worthwhile and deserve to be heard (unless you think that Fable III was the best entry in the series). Discussion from every community member is encouraged here.

Understanding and tolerance are key, and readers are respectfully asked to bear in mind the following points before posting a comment on the Later Levels blog, associated social media channels and Twitch chat. This isn’t an attempt to shut down healthy debate, but rather to ensure it’s a friendly environment where everyone feels welcome.

Respect and consideration:

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and is welcome to comment even if they disagree with the views expressed in a blog post. However, please be respectful and avoid saying anything you wouldn’t want your parents to see. They might ground you and take away your laptop.

Negative comments won’t be deleted (although those displaying inappropriate material will be – see the next point). Instead, I’ll take a deep breath and have a cup of tea before responding in a constructive manner, if I feel it’s appropriate to do so.

Inappropriate behaviour:

You wouldn’t go out of your way to ruin someone’s day in real life, so why do it on the internet? I reserve the right to block anyone who displays aggression or intimidation from accessing the Later Levels blog and associated social media channels.

If you’re not the sort of person who insults others and acts disrespectfully, you have nothing to worry about. While negative comments won’t be deleted, those containing racist, sexist, or homophobic abuse, personal abuse, libel, copyrighted material, excessive swearing, references to illegal activities, requests for pirated software, or slurs against Monkey Island will be removed.

Format and audience:

Clear comments left on blog posts and social media channels are very much appreciated. I’m too old to be down with the kids nowadays so I find shouting capitals, text-speak and the overuse of emojis really hard to process.

Remember that the Later Levels blog and associated social media channels are public forums. If you wish to talk to me privately, please drop me an email or send me a Discord message.

Community and collaboration:

These two things will do more for your blog than a dodgy SEO company ever could. I greatly appreciate your support, but please don’t follow only in the hope of a follow-back: it’s never going to happen, and you’ll just waste your time.

Additionally, out-of-context comments left on posts solely for promotional purposes or blatant advertising will be laughed at and then edited. If you leave a link to your site and it’s not appropriate, it will be changed to point to somewhere you don’t want it to go.

Code of ethics

Later Levels around in one form or another since 2013 and has always been a project of love, point-and-clicks and ice-cream. I’ve never been paid for what I do here, and having a creative outlet and meeting like-minded friends in the blogging community is far more important.

Sourcing video games

Digital codes for video games are sometimes sent to me by developers and publishers so I can preview or review their projects. However, the way in which I receive software will never influence my opinions or content, and the source will always be disclosed in the post if I haven’t bought the game myself.

Adult responsibilities mean I don’t have time to respond to every request received, and I’ll only accept a free code if it looks like a release I’ll enjoy playing. Life is too short to spend it on video games that aren’t your cup of tea and blog posts you don’t enjoy writing.

Crowdfunding campaigns

From time to time, I may choose to back campaigns on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. This is particularly likely if the promotional material features pixel art and mentions inspiration from Myst or Twin Peaks.

This is done using my own money, and my decision to back a campaign is a personal one. If I decide to publish a review of an item obtained via this method, or one for which I’ve made any other kind of financial or personal investment, it will always be disclosed in the post.

Events, affiliations and independence

I sometimes attend events to gather content. I’ll always fund the cost of travel, accommodation, food and tickets myself (although it would be great if someone could upgrade me to a five-star hotel).

But seriously: I don’t accept any kind of cash incentive or gift and don’t use paid advertising or affiliate links. These things would jeopardize Later Levels’ independence, so the answer is always no. Information provided via URLs in blog posts is simply there to be helpful because that’s the kind of person I am.

There are no personal relationships with developers, publishers or advertisers here at Later Levels, as I’m not sure my husband would approve. But if if Ragnar from Red Thread Games ever gave me a call, I wouldn’t turn him down.

Revenue and supporting the blog

No revenue is generated from Later Levels and I don’t get paid for what I do here. As mentioned earlier, I don’t accept any kind of cash incentive or gift and don’t use paid advertising or affiliate links. However, I will accept a hot chocolate and chat if you fancy one the next time I see you at an event.

You won’t find a Patreon or any other kind of membership platform here because everyone is welcome, and there’s no charge. You don’t need money to start a blog, and the cost is on me if I choose to pay for something to maintain or upgrade the site. If you’re looking to donate, why not give it to this amazing gaming charity instead?

Neutrality and accuracy

A lot of websites state in their code of ethics that they have a policy of staying neutral. I’ve never understood this: having an opinion removes neutrality, and what’s the point in blogging if you’re not going to share your opinion? Our individual tastes and experiences mean we can never truly be unbiased, but you can be sure I’ll be honest and explain my view.

I won’t write anything about an individual personally unless it’s done with their consent. I also don’t usually report on news, but if I choose to do so, I’ll ensure the research is thorough so I can be as accurate as possible and link to sources wherever I can find them.

Titles will be reflective of the post, humorous whenever possible, and usually contain a pun – but never clickbait. I’ll add a highlighted note if I become aware of an article that contains a serious error or incorrect information, while small spelling or grammatical errors that don’t affect its meaning will be silently corrected.

Charity events and donations

Later Levels actively supports SpecialEffect. I’ve taken part in streaming marathons, fun-runs, pub quizzes, and volunteering on stands at expos and conventions around the UK. Find out more about the organization by heading over to the Inclusion through technology page.

Donations made during charity events such as marathon streams are taken online via JustGiving. They go directly to the organisation I’m supporting, so I don’t see any of the money – and nor would I want to. Meeting members of the community and making a positive impact on the world is all the benefit I need.

Competitions and giveaways

I don’t usually hold giveaways, but when I do, a winner is drawn at random based on the entry rules specified. This is usually done by tallying the number of entries and using the random number generator at RANDOM.ORG.

You’re able to enter once unless the rules state otherwise, and if you violate those rules, you’ll be disqualified (along with your 50 aliases). I can’t be held responsible if an item gets lost in the post or is delivered to a wrong address, and occasionally it may be necessary to substitute a prize with something of comparable value.

Sense of humour

As you can probably tell from the Later Levels’ policies, I’m rather partial to a spot of satire and a few sarcastic jokes. I hope it’s obvious when something is written for humour rather than factual information – but if that isn’t the case, please do get in touch so I can clarify and update the site if necessary.

Review policy

As mentioned in the code of ethics, I’ll always confirm how a video game was sourced. The majority are personally bought or received through pledges to crowdfunding campaigns, always with my own money. Occasionally, I’ll accept preview and review codes from developers and publishers.

My contacts are open to anyone who’d like to get in touch with me about their project. Please be aware that I’m unable to respond to every request, and the answer to anything not related to video games, escape rooms or running will always be no, regardless of how much your amazing new cleaning product is going to revolutionise the world.

If I try a demo or beta version, the post will be classified as a preview. Reviews are strictly reserved for projects that are already available in full to the public. Doing it any other way just wouldn’t be fair, and there’s always the possibility the game could change significantly before release.

Other than that, there’s no set format for reviews. But whether I decide to assign a score out of ten, provide a bullet list of positives and negatives, or give my final opinion in the form of interpretive dance, one thing you can be sure of is that I’ve been honest. I won’t be persuaded to take a particular stance and my opinions are always my own.

If I really don’t enjoy a project, I probably won’t write about it. This isn’t because I’m afraid to share a negative opinion; it’s because there are thousands of other reviews out there if that’s what you’re looking for. I’d rather use my time to write about the things I’ve appreciated.

Regardless of how I choose to score (or not score) a review, this shouldn’t be the end of the discussion. Everyone is welcome to leave their thoughts after each post and to chat with me via the Later Levels’ social media channels, in line with the code of conduct. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Contributions and collaborations policy

As mentioned in the code of ethics, no revenue is generated from Later Levels. I don’t agree to paid topic insertions to maintain independence and keep the blog as a creative space where I can focus on subjects that appeal to me.

While I love being a member of the blogging community, I don’t accept contributions or article swaps. This is purely a personal preference. Over the years, I’ve learned that I enjoy blogging most when I feel the site is something I’ve built with my own two hands and fuelled by a diet of ice-cream.

But please don’t think that makes me as grumpy as LeChuck. I love getting involved with other blogs, so if you have an idea for a project we can work on together or a question you’d like me to answer in the form of a post, give me a shout and let’s see what creative things we can come up with.

I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to participate in every event, but I’ll definitely consider all suggestions. And even if I can’t take part due to adult responsibilities or a lack of knowledge in a certain area, I’ll help you spread the word among other bloggers.

Copyright policy

The sad fact is that some people out there want to copy the great content produced by others and claim it as their own. They don’t care how awful the authors feel when they see their work on another site without permission, and they certainly aren’t concerned that benefiting from somebody else’s effort is just plain wrong.

Let’s get one thing straight: this is theft. It’s the unsolicited taking of a content creator’s hard work and creativity, awareness for their subject, potential viewers, and the positivity they receive from blogging or streaming and being a member of their community.

You’re welcome to quote sections of my posts, provided appropriate and specific credit is clearly given, along with a link back to the original content. I don’t consent to full or extended sections of articles, streams or videos being copied or downloaded and posted on your own site without my prior written approval, whether you claim credit for the work or not.

If I become aware of something I haven’t given permission for, I’ll contact you to request that the offending content is removed as quickly as possible. If you don’t comply, my next step will be to submit a takedown request under DMCA – and I may even send my stepson over to tell you everything he knows about Fallout 4. You’ll be stuck with him for days.

In return, I offer the same respect to others. If you become aware of something I’ve written to which you don’t consent, please get in touch directly in the first instance and we can talk it through over a hot chocolate. I’m a nice person: it’s highly likely I won’t have done it on purpose, and I’ll agree to immediately removing the content in question.

Privacy policy

You came here for cookies? Before we crack open the biscuit jar, let me say that Later Levels is committed to providing readers with a blog that respects their privacy. I don’t rent, lease or sell your personal information to third parties and will only disclose details if required by law.

It’s worth noting that the site is hosted by WordPress. While it doesn’t provide users with much personally or legally sensitive information about visitors by default, it does collect information. Find out more about their privacy policy here nd check out their stance on cookies (unfortunately not the yummy baked kind) here.

All data is managed in accordance with obligations under the UK’s data protection regulations. It should be noted however that the Google overlords may transfer your information to third parties if you’ve been naughty or if those third parties process the details on their behalf while they relax with a piña colada.

To make any comments, ask questions, raise concerns, or request for any comments posted by yourself to be deleted, please get in touch. This privacy policy statement may be updated from time to time to reflect feedback received or any new legal obligations.