Editorial standard
How the Decision Lab evaluates information
We record what a source shows, label what we infer and preserve unknowns instead of turning access into endorsement.
Four evidence labels
| Label | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Observed | Visible on a cited page at the stated access date. |
| Platform statement | A claim made by OOPBuy or another external service, not independently proven by us. |
| Community signal | A question or concern found in public discussion; never product verification. |
| Editorial inference | Our reasoned conclusion, identified as an inference and open to revision. |
How links are checked
A link check records HTTP or browser access, the final destination and visible identity fields. “Working” never means authentic, reliable, safe or suitable. Automated blocking is recorded as inconclusive until a browser or another reliable method confirms the state.
How dates are handled
Pages keep their actual publication and modification records. A review date changes only after the material claims or sources are checked. We do not change dates merely to create an appearance of freshness.
Corrections and limits
External prices, stock, policies and routes can change after review. When a source conflicts with another source, we name the conflict or remove the unsupported claim. The source policy explains priority and the change log.