Six working rules govern every page. They are written as instructions to the newsroom because that is how they are used.
Trace every figure
A number without a named source and a date does not publish. No exceptions. If the source cannot be captured and kept, the figure is cut, however useful it looks and however hard it was to find.
State the scope before comparing
Market sizes, adoption rates and growth figures mean nothing until the reader knows what was counted, where, and over which period. Scope first. Comparison second. Two figures measured on different bases never sit side by side as if they measured the same thing.
Label the forecast
A projection is a forecast, credited to the firm that produced it, with its horizon stated. “Expected to reach” always has a named forecaster attached.
Keep independence visible
Vendor data is attributed to the vendor. Sponsored and affiliate relationships, where they exist, are disclosed on the page they touch. No vendor reviews or approves copy before publication.
Write for the reader who needs the number
Plain sentences. The finding first, the context second, and the figure where an adjective would otherwise go. No hype adjectives in place of a figure, no guarantees about uptime, savings or security.
Correct in the open
An error, once confirmed, is fixed on the page with a dated note saying what changed. Readers can report an error through the Corrections Policy and see what happened to the report.
