Our standards
Editorial Policy
Effective date: September 1, 2026. This policy explains the standards The Timeless Story uses to select, prepare, review, update and correct editorial content.
1. Purpose
This policy explains the standards The Timeless Story uses to select, prepare, review, update and correct editorial content. Our goal is to publish accurate, useful and clearly sourced journalism and analysis without disguising uncertainty or commercial influence.
2. Accuracy and verification
We seek to verify material factual claims before publication. The level of verification depends on the nature and urgency of the story, but may include reviewing primary documents, comparing multiple credible sources, checking dates and quotations, and identifying the original source of statistics or claims.
Breaking news may change. When facts are incomplete, we should say what is known, what is alleged, who is making the claim and what has not been independently verified. We do not knowingly publish fabricated quotations, invented sources or manipulated evidence.
3. Sources and attribution
We prefer primary sources where available, including official statements, legislation, court records, public databases, scientific papers, transcripts and direct company disclosures. When relying on another publication's original reporting, we name and link that publication. We do not use vague phrases such as ‘according to reports’ when the relevant source can reasonably be identified.
Articles should include links near significant claims and, when useful, a Sources and Methodology section. Anonymous sources are used cautiously and only when there is a legitimate reason to protect identity and the information can be assessed responsibly.
4. News, analysis and opinion
News reporting aims to present verified facts and relevant context. Analysis interprets facts and should be labelled or otherwise clear to the reader. Opinion reflects a stated viewpoint and must not be presented as neutral reporting.
5. Fairness and right of response
We seek relevant context and avoid omitting facts that would materially distort a story. When publishing serious allegations about an identifiable person or organization, we make reasonable efforts, where appropriate and practicable, to include their response or an accurate account of their public position.
6. Headlines, images and social posts
Headlines and promotional copy may be engaging, but must not materially misrepresent the article. Images, captions and thumbnails must not create a false impression. File photos, illustrative images, composites, licensed material and AI-generated or AI-modified visuals should be labelled when necessary for transparency.
7. Artificial intelligence
AI tools may assist with research organization, transcription, translation, outlining, drafting, editing, headline options or image production. AI output is not evidence and is not cited as a factual source. The person responsible for publication must review material claims against reliable sources. We do not knowingly use AI to fabricate quotations, sources, events or documentary images.
8. Corrections and updates
Readers may request a correction by emailing contact@thetimelessstory.com. Please provide the article title, URL, disputed passage and supporting information.
Material factual errors should be corrected promptly after verification, with a visible correction or update note explaining the significant change. Minor spelling, grammar, formatting or style edits may be corrected without a note when they do not alter meaning. Substantial updates should display an updated date.
9. Conflicts, sponsorships and affiliates
Editorial decisions should not be controlled by advertisers, sponsors or affiliate partners. Sponsored content must be clearly labelled. Articles containing affiliate links must include a clear disclosure near the relevant content. Gifts, financial interests or other relationships that could reasonably affect coverage should be disclosed or managed appropriately.
10. Copyright and complaints
We respect copyright and seek to use original, licensed, public-domain or appropriately attributed material. Concerns about accuracy, attribution, copyright, privacy or editorial conduct may be sent to contact@thetimelessstory.com.