Editorial Policy

This page explains how articles on The Hidden Layer are researched, written, checked and kept up to date. It applies to every article on the site.

Our standard

An article should leave a reader understanding why something happens, not just that it happens. That means explaining the underlying principle, the mechanism, the relevant science, and the limits of the explanation. Article length follows the subject: we do not pad articles to reach a word count.

Sources

• We prefer primary and authoritative sources: universities and university-hosted teaching material, government science and standards agencies, recognised standards organisations, peer-reviewed research, professional bodies, and manufacturer datasheets or technical documentation.
• Encyclopaedias and general websites may help with orientation, but we do not rely on them alone for specific technical claims.
• Every article ends with a list of the references actually consulted. A reference is listed only if it supports something in the article.
• We do not copy or lightly reword other publishers’ articles.

Accuracy and fact-checking

• Before publication, specific factual claims (figures, temperatures, compositions, dates, named processes) are checked against the sources listed.
• We distinguish established science from estimates, simplifications and explanations that depend on conditions. Where something is simplified for clarity, we say so.
• We never invent experiments, test results, statistics, citations, quotations or expert opinions.
• We do not claim to have tested, inspected or measured anything unless that work actually took place, and when it has, we describe how.
• Articles touching on safety (electricity, pressure, heat, chemicals, structural issues) are written with extra care and point readers to qualified professionals where appropriate.

Use of AI tools

We use AI tools to help with research, outlining and drafting. They are a writing aid, not a source. AI-generated text is not treated as evidence for any claim: facts are checked against the published references listed in each article, and anything that cannot be supported is removed. The editor is responsible for everything published on the site.

Corrections

If we get something wrong, we fix it. Readers can report errors through the contact page. When a correction changes the meaning of a statement, we add a short note at the end of the article describing what changed and when. Minor fixes such as typos or clearer wording are made without a note.

Updates and reviews

Articles show the date they were first published and, where relevant, the date they were last updated. We review older articles periodically and when we learn that a source or standard has changed.

Independence and advertising

The Hidden Layer is independent. No manufacturer, retailer or brand pays for coverage, and we do not accept payment to include or exclude products. If the site displays advertising, ads are placed so that they are clearly distinguishable from editorial content, and advertisers have no say over what we publish.

Headlines and images

Headlines describe the question an article answers. We avoid clickbait and exaggerated claims. Photographs are licensed stock or our own; captions credit the source where required. Diagrams are illustrative and are labelled when they are simplified.

Contact

Questions about this policy can be sent to basichomeware.com@gmail.com.