Editorial standards

From the first report to the published pairing: the checks each entry must pass, in order.

A promising connection is a starting point, not a reason to publish. If the evidence or the pairing does not hold up, we go back—or leave it unpublished.

1. 01 / Reporting

   Choose a story from a vetted source. Read the original reporting and relevant primary records, keeping track of the author, publication date and source links. A trusted outlet does not make every claim true.

   Seek independent reliable reporting for the key claims. A syndicated copy is not a second independent source. Look for relevant context and evidence that challenges the initial account.

   Separate verified facts, attributed allegations and what remains unknown. Apply the same standard to allies and opponents.

2. 02 / Song selection

   Look for a song that opens a useful conversation about the story. Consider the surrounding lyrics, not just an isolated line. At this point, the song and excerpt are candidates—not verified quotations.

3. 03 / The connection

   Ask whose experience the song speaks to, how it relates to the reporting, and where the comparison breaks down. Reject pairings that imply identities, motives or facts the reporting does not establish, or flatten differences in communities and scale.

   The connection is our reading, not the artist’s view of the story. Include musical history only when reliable sources document it; never invent songwriting intent.

4. 04 / Words and credits

   Check the exact excerpt against a real lyric source and confirm the recording. Verify the performer, songwriters and release credits, and identify official listening destinations.

   Review quotation rights separately. Keep excerpts limited: accurate attribution and noncommercial purpose do not themselves grant permission.

5. 05 / Compose and review

   Bring the news, lyric and editorial connection together without blurring their roles. Keep attribution and necessary uncertainty beside the claims they qualify.

   A human must review the sources, pairing, words, credits, rights, links and presentation. Check legibility and accessible text. Changes to approved content require fresh approval.

6. 06 / Publish with care

   Publish only the reviewed material, with explicit approval for its destination. Give readers access to the reporting, full credits and listening links. Record what was published and when; never publish unattended.

7. 07 / Correct the record

   When an entry needs correction, explain what changed and why beside the affected content. Review the change and keep the website and other published versions consistent. Do not silently replace a disputed claim.