Editorial Policy

Our editorial policy is designed to keep product guidance useful, transparent and separate from promotional copy.

Editorial independence

Recommendations are based on the page’s stated criteria, available evidence and the needs of the intended reader. An affiliate relationship, product sample, retailer preference or brand request cannot guarantee inclusion, placement or a positive conclusion.

Writing standards

• Match the page to a clear reader question and search intent.
• Use original analysis rather than rewriting a marketplace or brand listing.
• Distinguish verified facts, first-hand observations, expert opinion and editorial inference.
• Explain trade-offs, preparation needs and meaningful limitations.
• Identify who is likely to prefer another option.
• Avoid unsupported superlatives, guarantees and false urgency.

Fact-checking and sources

Product identity, variation, directions and stated claims should be checked against current reliable information. Performance claims require stronger context than a marketing description alone. Sources are selected for the exact fact being supported, and conflicting information is resolved, qualified or disclosed instead of ignored.

Reviews and comparisons

A review must identify the exact product and evidence tier. A comparison must use criteria that matter to the intended reader, show important differences and explain who should choose each option. We do not declare a universal winner when the products are designed for different preferences.

Affiliate links and commercial content

Commercial links are disclosed before or close to the first affiliate link. Affiliate eligibility does not determine the conclusion. Prices and availability may change, so readers should confirm retailer information before purchasing.

AI-assisted work

Software may assist with research organization, first drafts, formatting, internal-link checks and repetitive production tasks. A human editor remains responsible for product facts, evidence labels, conclusions, disclosures, compliance and publication approval. Generated text is not treated as a source, and invented personal experience is prohibited.

Pre-publication review

• Confirm that the page answers the intended query without unnecessary filler.
• Verify product names, variations, links and material claims.
• Check the evidence tier and remove unsupported testing language.
• Review titles, descriptions, headings and internal links for clarity.
• Confirm that disclosures appear where a reader will notice them.
• Check that limitations and alternatives are not hidden beneath promotional wording.

Updates and corrections

Confirmed factual errors are corrected. Material changes to a recommendation, product identity, evidence label or conclusion should be recorded in the page’s update notes. Minor spelling and formatting fixes may be made without a formal correction notice.

Read our Corrections Policy for the complete process.