Fact-checking Guide: Difference between revisions
CraftAdmin (talk | contribs) Created page with " This document defines how factual verification is conducted within the Craftpedia ecosystem. It applies to all languages, all regional portals, and all types of craft-related articles. The aim of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles meet a high standard of historical and cultural accuracy, aligned with museum-grade documentation practices. __TOC__ == Purpose of This Guide == The Fact-checking Guide establishes: * what must be fact-checked; * where relia..." |
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This document defines how factual verification is conducted within the Craftpedia ecosystem. | This document defines how factual verification is conducted within the Craftpedia ecosystem. | ||
It applies to all languages, all regional portals | It applies to all languages, all regional portals and all types of craft-related articles. | ||
The aim of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles | The aim of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles maintain a high standard of historical and cultural accuracy, aligned with museum-grade documentation practices. | ||
__TOC__ | __TOC__ | ||
| Line 11: | Line 10: | ||
* what must be fact-checked; | * what must be fact-checked; | ||
* where reliable information should be sourced from; | * where reliable information should be sourced from; | ||
* | * how fact-checkers introduce new information responsibly; | ||
* procedures for identifying and correcting inaccuracies; | * procedures for identifying and correcting inaccuracies; | ||
* best practices for verifying terminology, dates, origins, and cultural contexts. | * best practices for verifying terminology, dates, origins, and cultural contexts. | ||
Fact-checkers ensure that Craftpedia remains a trustworthy, academically oriented digital resource. | Fact-checkers help ensure that Craftpedia remains a trustworthy, academically oriented digital resource. | ||
== Role of the Fact-checker == | == Role of the Fact-checker == | ||
The fact-checker focuses on '''content accuracy''', not language | The fact-checker focuses on '''content accuracy''', not language or style. | ||
Their responsibilities include: | Their responsibilities include: | ||
* verifying historical facts, dates, origins, and attributions; | * verifying historical facts, dates, origins, and attributions; | ||
* checking claims about techniques | * checking claims about materials, techniques, and regional variations; | ||
* confirming terminology against museum and academic usage; | * confirming terminology against museum and academic usage; | ||
* identifying unsupported or ambiguous statements; | * identifying unsupported or ambiguous statements; | ||
* ensuring | * ensuring that references are authoritative and correctly applied. | ||
=== Introducing New Information === | |||
A fact-checker '''may introduce new facts''' if the following conditions are met: | |||
* the information is fully supported by reliable, authoritative sources; | |||
* the source is clearly cited in the references section; | |||
* the fact-checker provides enough bibliographic detail for others to verify the source; | |||
* no speculative, interpretive, or unsourced content is added. | |||
In other words: | |||
> Fact-checkers may expand and improve articles, but must base all added information on transparent, authoritative evidence. | |||
Editors reviewing the article do not need to re-check the fact-checker’s research process; | |||
* | they only need to confirm: | ||
* | * that the source is clearly cited, and | ||
* that the source is authoritative. | |||
== What Must Be Fact-checked == | == What Must Be Fact-checked == | ||
| Line 36: | Line 46: | ||
=== Historical Background === | === Historical Background === | ||
* origin | * origin dates and centuries; | ||
* dynasties, eras, | * dynasties, eras, and transitions (e.g., Edo period, Ming dynasty); | ||
* | * development of techniques over time. | ||
=== Geographical Information === | === Geographical Information === | ||
* | * region, prefecture, province, or cultural group; | ||
* | * proper identification of regional schools or styles; | ||
* | * cross-regional influences (e.g., Korean → Japanese porcelain). | ||
=== Materials and Techniques === | === Materials and Techniques === | ||
* | * raw materials and their properties; | ||
* | * accurate description of processes and methods; | ||
* | * identification of distinctive technical features. | ||
=== Terminology === | === Terminology === | ||
* correct craft names ( | * correct craft names (English + original language); | ||
* | * correct transliteration; | ||
* | * accurate naming of periods, styles, and technical terms. | ||
=== Cultural Significance === | === Cultural Significance === | ||
* | * ritual use; | ||
* | * symbolic meaning; | ||
* connections to festivals or ceremonies; | |||
* social or historical importance. | |||
=== Modern Developments === | === Modern Developments === | ||
* | * contemporary workshops or revival movements; | ||
* | * notable modern artists; | ||
* | * museum collections. | ||
=== Numerical Claims === | === Numerical Claims === | ||
* dates | * dates; | ||
* | * centuries; | ||
* | * production counts (if applicable); | ||
* chronological ranges | * chronological ranges. | ||
Every number must be verified. | |||
== Acceptable Sources == | == Acceptable Sources == | ||
Fact-checkers must rely on authoritative, reputable, and academically grounded sources. | Fact-checkers must rely on authoritative, reputable, and academically grounded sources. | ||
=== Primary | === Primary Sources of High Authority === | ||
* museum publications | * museum catalogues and collection descriptions; | ||
* | * publications from major museums (e.g., Tokyo National Museum, British Museum, Met Museum); | ||
* academic monographs and university press books; | |||
* archaeological reports; | |||
* peer-reviewed journal articles; | * peer-reviewed journal articles; | ||
* | * publications from cultural heritage institutions (e.g., UNESCO, Agency for Cultural Affairs Japan). | ||
=== Acceptable Online Sources === | === Acceptable Online Sources === | ||
* museum websites | * official museum websites; | ||
* university-hosted resources (.edu); | * university-hosted resources (.edu, .ac domains); | ||
* digitized | * digitized academic repositories. | ||
=== Sources | === Sources Requiring Caution === | ||
* | * artisan websites; | ||
* | * auction houses; | ||
* tourist | * commercial and tourist sites; | ||
* blogs | * general-interest blogs. | ||
These | These may offer context but are not authoritative for historical or technical facts. | ||
=== Unacceptable Sources === | === Unacceptable Sources === | ||
* Wikipedia ( | * Wikipedia (use only for orientation, never as a citation); | ||
* | * AI-generated content; | ||
* | * personal blogs; | ||
* unsourced claims from random websites. | |||
* | |||
== How to Check a Fact == | == How to Check a Fact == | ||
Fact-checkers should | Fact-checkers should use the following process: | ||
# Identify the | # Identify the statement that requires verification. | ||
# | # Consult one or more authoritative sources. | ||
# Compare terminology and phrasing across sources. | # Compare terminology and phrasing across sources. | ||
# Ensure | # Ensure the meaning is correctly represented in the article. | ||
# | # Insert or update citations accordingly. | ||
# | # Document major corrections in the edit summary or talk page. | ||
If | If sources conflict: | ||
* prefer museum | * prefer academic or museum sources; | ||
* | * explain the conflict in neutral terms if necessary. | ||
== Handling Disputed or Uncertain Information == | == Handling Disputed or Uncertain Information == | ||
Some crafts have | Some crafts have ambiguous origins, contested dates, or multiple scholarly interpretations. | ||
In such cases: | In such cases: | ||
* present the most widely accepted interpretation; | * present the most widely accepted interpretation; | ||
* | * mention alternative interpretations when academically recognized; | ||
* | * use cautious phrasing (e.g., “some sources suggest,” “scholars disagree,” “it is believed that”). | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
: Some | : Some researchers attribute the origin of this technique to the early 17th century, while others suggest a late 16th-century development. | ||
== Fact-checking Translated Articles == | |||
When reviewing translations, fact-checkers must ensure: | |||
* no new unsourced claims were introduced; | |||
* technical terms remain accurate; | |||
* | * cultural and historical details match the original; | ||
* | * the translation does not distort the meaning of the source article; | ||
* | * transliterations remain correct. | ||
* | |||
Common | Common issues in translations: | ||
* mistranslated | * mistranslated period names; | ||
* incorrect | * incorrect geographic terminology; | ||
* | * oversimplified technical descriptions; | ||
* loss of | * loss of precision. | ||
== What to Do When an Error Is Found == | == What to Do When an Error Is Found == | ||
If | If an error is identified: | ||
* correct the factual statement; | * correct the factual statement; | ||
* | * supply a proper citation; | ||
* | * add an explanatory note if needed; | ||
* notify translators if other languages | * record major corrections in the edit summary; | ||
* notify translators if other languages must be updated. | |||
Fact-checkers should avoid | Fact-checkers should avoid rewriting large sections without coordination, unless the content is demonstrably incorrect. | ||
== Citations and References == | == Citations and References == | ||
Every article must | Every article must: | ||
* | |||
* citations | * cite authoritative sources for major facts; | ||
* include full bibliographic information; | |||
* ensure that citations correspond directly to claims in the text. | |||
Fact-checkers must | Fact-checkers must confirm: | ||
* | * the reference is authoritative; | ||
* | * the reference actually supports the claim; | ||
* | * the citation is properly formatted. | ||
== Version Control and Coordination == | == Version Control and Coordination == | ||
Fact-checkers should: | Fact-checkers should: | ||
* monitor | * monitor significant updates to articles; | ||
* communicate | * ensure consistency across related articles; | ||
* | * communicate terminology issues to translators and editors; | ||
* review changes that affect multiple language versions. | |||
Large | Large updates (e.g., new archaeological evidence or reclassification of a craft) should be documented on the talk page. | ||
== Common Pitfalls == | == Common Pitfalls == | ||
Fact-checkers must | Fact-checkers must avoid: | ||
* relying on Wikipedia instead of its | * relying on Wikipedia instead of its sources; | ||
* | * treating popular websites as authoritative; | ||
* | * using outdated or superseded terminology; | ||
* | * assuming information from one craft applies to another; | ||
* | * ignoring contradictions in sources; | ||
* | * accepting simplified descriptions from non-scholarly sources. | ||
== When Fact-checking Is Complete == | == When Fact-checking Is Complete == | ||
A fact-checker may consider | A fact-checker may consider an article complete when: | ||
* all major | * all major claims are verified; | ||
* terminology | * terminology matches authoritative usage; | ||
* references are present and | * references are present and reliable; | ||
* any | * any disputed facts are properly documented; | ||
* no | * no unsupported or ambiguous statements remain. | ||
== Version History == | == Version History == | ||
* 1.1 – Clarified fact-checker responsibilities and added transparent sourcing requirements | |||
* 1.0 – Initial release (English) | * 1.0 – Initial release (English) | ||
Latest revision as of 06:14, 29 November 2025
This document defines how factual verification is conducted within the Craftpedia ecosystem. It applies to all languages, all regional portals and all types of craft-related articles.
The aim of this guide is to ensure that Craftpedia articles maintain a high standard of historical and cultural accuracy, aligned with museum-grade documentation practices.
Purpose of This Guide
[edit]The Fact-checking Guide establishes:
- what must be fact-checked;
- where reliable information should be sourced from;
- how fact-checkers introduce new information responsibly;
- procedures for identifying and correcting inaccuracies;
- best practices for verifying terminology, dates, origins, and cultural contexts.
Fact-checkers help ensure that Craftpedia remains a trustworthy, academically oriented digital resource.
Role of the Fact-checker
[edit]The fact-checker focuses on content accuracy, not language or style.
Their responsibilities include:
- verifying historical facts, dates, origins, and attributions;
- checking claims about materials, techniques, and regional variations;
- confirming terminology against museum and academic usage;
- identifying unsupported or ambiguous statements;
- ensuring that references are authoritative and correctly applied.
Introducing New Information
[edit]A fact-checker may introduce new facts if the following conditions are met:
- the information is fully supported by reliable, authoritative sources;
- the source is clearly cited in the references section;
- the fact-checker provides enough bibliographic detail for others to verify the source;
- no speculative, interpretive, or unsourced content is added.
In other words: > Fact-checkers may expand and improve articles, but must base all added information on transparent, authoritative evidence.
Editors reviewing the article do not need to re-check the fact-checker’s research process; they only need to confirm:
- that the source is clearly cited, and
- that the source is authoritative.
What Must Be Fact-checked
[edit]Fact-checkers must verify the following categories of information:
Historical Background
[edit]- origin dates and centuries;
- dynasties, eras, and transitions (e.g., Edo period, Ming dynasty);
- development of techniques over time.
Geographical Information
[edit]- region, prefecture, province, or cultural group;
- proper identification of regional schools or styles;
- cross-regional influences (e.g., Korean → Japanese porcelain).
Materials and Techniques
[edit]- raw materials and their properties;
- accurate description of processes and methods;
- identification of distinctive technical features.
Terminology
[edit]- correct craft names (English + original language);
- correct transliteration;
- accurate naming of periods, styles, and technical terms.
Cultural Significance
[edit]- ritual use;
- symbolic meaning;
- connections to festivals or ceremonies;
- social or historical importance.
Modern Developments
[edit]- contemporary workshops or revival movements;
- notable modern artists;
- museum collections.
Numerical Claims
[edit]- dates;
- centuries;
- production counts (if applicable);
- chronological ranges.
Every number must be verified.
Acceptable Sources
[edit]Fact-checkers must rely on authoritative, reputable, and academically grounded sources.
Primary Sources of High Authority
[edit]- museum catalogues and collection descriptions;
- publications from major museums (e.g., Tokyo National Museum, British Museum, Met Museum);
- academic monographs and university press books;
- archaeological reports;
- peer-reviewed journal articles;
- publications from cultural heritage institutions (e.g., UNESCO, Agency for Cultural Affairs Japan).
Acceptable Online Sources
[edit]- official museum websites;
- university-hosted resources (.edu, .ac domains);
- digitized academic repositories.
Sources Requiring Caution
[edit]- artisan websites;
- auction houses;
- commercial and tourist sites;
- general-interest blogs.
These may offer context but are not authoritative for historical or technical facts.
Unacceptable Sources
[edit]- Wikipedia (use only for orientation, never as a citation);
- AI-generated content;
- personal blogs;
- unsourced claims from random websites.
How to Check a Fact
[edit]Fact-checkers should use the following process:
- Identify the statement that requires verification.
- Consult one or more authoritative sources.
- Compare terminology and phrasing across sources.
- Ensure the meaning is correctly represented in the article.
- Insert or update citations accordingly.
- Document major corrections in the edit summary or talk page.
If sources conflict:
- prefer academic or museum sources;
- explain the conflict in neutral terms if necessary.
Handling Disputed or Uncertain Information
[edit]Some crafts have ambiguous origins, contested dates, or multiple scholarly interpretations.
In such cases:
- present the most widely accepted interpretation;
- mention alternative interpretations when academically recognized;
- use cautious phrasing (e.g., “some sources suggest,” “scholars disagree,” “it is believed that”).
Example:
- Some researchers attribute the origin of this technique to the early 17th century, while others suggest a late 16th-century development.
Fact-checking Translated Articles
[edit]When reviewing translations, fact-checkers must ensure:
- no new unsourced claims were introduced;
- technical terms remain accurate;
- cultural and historical details match the original;
- the translation does not distort the meaning of the source article;
- transliterations remain correct.
Common issues in translations:
- mistranslated period names;
- incorrect geographic terminology;
- oversimplified technical descriptions;
- loss of precision.
What to Do When an Error Is Found
[edit]If an error is identified:
- correct the factual statement;
- supply a proper citation;
- add an explanatory note if needed;
- record major corrections in the edit summary;
- notify translators if other languages must be updated.
Fact-checkers should avoid rewriting large sections without coordination, unless the content is demonstrably incorrect.
Citations and References
[edit]Every article must:
- cite authoritative sources for major facts;
- include full bibliographic information;
- ensure that citations correspond directly to claims in the text.
Fact-checkers must confirm:
- the reference is authoritative;
- the reference actually supports the claim;
- the citation is properly formatted.
Version Control and Coordination
[edit]Fact-checkers should:
- monitor significant updates to articles;
- ensure consistency across related articles;
- communicate terminology issues to translators and editors;
- review changes that affect multiple language versions.
Large updates (e.g., new archaeological evidence or reclassification of a craft) should be documented on the talk page.
Common Pitfalls
[edit]Fact-checkers must avoid:
- relying on Wikipedia instead of its sources;
- treating popular websites as authoritative;
- using outdated or superseded terminology;
- assuming information from one craft applies to another;
- ignoring contradictions in sources;
- accepting simplified descriptions from non-scholarly sources.
When Fact-checking Is Complete
[edit]A fact-checker may consider an article complete when:
- all major claims are verified;
- terminology matches authoritative usage;
- references are present and reliable;
- any disputed facts are properly documented;
- no unsupported or ambiguous statements remain.
Version History
[edit]- 1.1 – Clarified fact-checker responsibilities and added transparent sourcing requirements
- 1.0 – Initial release (English)