methodology
how we keep the record.
the archive is calm because the rules are strict. every entry is sourced, every verdict is editorial, and every subject can answer in their own words.
- № 01
every claim cites a source.
no entry is published without at least one citation — court filing, regulator action, official document, or named reporting. quotes are bracketed, dates are absolute, and links are preserved.
- № 02
alleged is not proven.
each entry is tagged alleged or proven. an indictment is alleged. a verdict, settlement, consent decree, or admission is proven. we never use loaded synonyms.
- № 03
two-step review.
drafts are written by approved contributors. a moderator reviews tone, sourcing, and category. for hot verdicts and retractions, a second moderator is required.
- № 04
verdicts are editorial summaries.
a verdict (hot · not · under review · unrated) is the editors' read of the documented record at a point in time. it is never a legal finding. it is signed and dated.
- № 05
right of reply is permanent.
any subject — or their representative — can submit a response. published replies sit beside the entries they answer, indefinitely.
- № 06
corrections are public.
every meaningful change to a published entry is logged. the diff is visible on the entry and listed in the public corrections log.
- № 07
retraction over removal.
if an entry is wrong, we retract it. the page stays online with the original text struck through and a note explaining why. silent deletion erases the record.
- № 08
conflicts disclosed.
moderators recuse from entries where they have a personal or financial conflict. funding, partnerships, and ownership are disclosed on /about.