Sources & language
Preserve originals and track the source of each material claim. Attribute allegations. Separate direct records, accounts, inference and unresolved questions. A document proves what it says, not necessarily that every assertion is true.
Avoid loaded descriptions, invented certainty, misleading omissions and context-free comparisons. Minimize unnecessary personal information and protect confidential source identities.
A meaningful opportunity to respond
Before publishing material adverse findings, identify the specific proposed claims and provide the subject a reasonable opportunity to respond. Evaluate relevant explanations and retain the correspondence securely.
Do not characterize an unanswered inquiry as an admission. Record the dates and nature of contact attempts.
Conflicts & independence
Disclose material personal, business and financial relationships. Founder-connected cases need a reviewer without a personal stake before findings are published. Funding and participation do not determine conclusions.
Research should address a public-interest question, not act as an undisclosed campaign for private compensation.
Corrections & updates
A correction changes inaccurate published information. An update adds later developments. Date and explain material changes; retain the earlier version internally. Correct errors with comparable visibility where practical.
Anyone may identify a disputed statement and offer evidence. Assess the issue and communicate the outcome without promising a predetermined result.
Prepare a correction inquiry ↗Recognition without favoritism
Apply corroboration, consent and privacy review to praise as well as criticism. Do not invent awards, recipients, endorsements or partnerships. Do not accept payment for recognition.
These standards are prepared for adoption. These published standards do not represent board adoption or that a case has completed every review step.