Editorial Policy
Our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and editorial excellence in urban planning content and analysis.
Contents
Our Editorial Mission
At SilaCities, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and actionable insights on urban planning, smart cities, and sustainable development. Our editorial policy ensures that all content meets the highest standards of quality, accuracy, and transparency.
Core Principles
- Accuracy: Every fact is verified through multiple reliable sources
- Transparency: We clearly identify sources, methodologies, and potential conflicts
- Independence: Editorial decisions are made free from commercial influence
- Expertise: Content is created by qualified professionals with domain knowledge
- Accountability: We promptly correct errors and welcome feedback
Content Creation Standards
All content published by SilaCities adheres to rigorous quality standards:
Research Requirements
- Minimum of 3 independent sources for factual claims
- Primary sources prioritized over secondary sources
- Academic research, government reports, and peer-reviewed studies preferred
- Industry reports verified for methodology and potential bias
- Data visualizations include source attribution and methodology
Writing Standards
- Clear, accessible language suitable for professionals and policymakers
- Technical terms explained with context
- Claims supported with evidence and citations
- Balanced perspective on controversial topics
- Distinction between facts, analysis, and opinion clearly marked
Review Process
- All content reviewed by subject matter expert before publication
- Technical accuracy verified by domain specialists
- Editorial review for clarity, structure, and compliance
- Final approval by editorial director
Fact-Checking Process
Our multi-stage fact-checking process ensures accuracy and reliability:
Author Verification
Authors verify all claims during content creation, documenting sources and maintaining research files for review.
Editorial Review
Editorial team independently verifies key facts, statistics, and claims against original sources. Questionable claims are flagged for additional verification.
Expert Review
Subject matter experts review technical accuracy, methodology, and interpretation of data. External experts may be consulted for specialized topics.
Post-Publication Monitoring
Published content is monitored for accuracy. If sources update data or new information emerges, content is reviewed and updated accordingly.
Source Citation Requirements
We maintain strict standards for source quality and citation:
Preferred Sources
- Peer-reviewed academic journals
- Government reports and official statistics
- International organizations (UN, World Bank, etc.)
- Established industry research firms
- Direct interviews with subject matter experts
- Primary data from our own research
Sources Requiring Additional Verification
- Press releases (verified independently)
- Industry-sponsored research (bias assessment)
- Social media (corroborated with reliable sources)
- Anonymous sources (used only when necessary)
- Opinion pieces (clearly labeled as such)
Citation Standards
All factual claims include inline citations or references. Data visualizations, statistics, and research findings include clear source attribution with links to original sources when available.
Sources are accessible to readers for independent verification. Paywalled sources are supplemented with freely accessible alternatives when possible.
Updates and Corrections Policy
We are committed to maintaining the accuracy of published content over time:
Content Updates
Articles are reviewed periodically to ensure information remains current. Updates are clearly noted with dates and descriptions of changes.
Error Corrections
When errors are identified, corrections are made promptly and transparently:
- Minor errors (typos, formatting) are corrected without notation
- Factual errors are corrected with a dated correction notice
- Significant errors include explanation of what was incorrect and why
- Material errors may require article retraction with full explanation
Reporting Errors
Readers can report potential errors or inaccuracies by contacting our editorial team at editorial@silacities.com. All reports are investigated and responded to within 48 hours.
Transparency and Ethics
Editorial Independence
Our editorial team operates independently from business operations. Content decisions are based solely on editorial merit, not commercial considerations.
- Editorial calendar determined by editorial team
- No advertiser or partner influence on content
- Clear separation between editorial and sponsored content
Conflicts of Interest
We identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest:
- Financial relationships with companies or organizations mentioned
- Personal relationships with subjects of coverage
- Professional affiliations that could create bias
- Ownership stakes or advisory roles
Sponsored Content
When we publish sponsored or partner content, it is clearly labeled as such. Sponsored content meets the same editorial standards but is identified to maintain transparency. Sponsors do not have editorial control over content.
AI and Automation
We may use AI tools to assist with research, data analysis, or drafting. However:
- All AI-generated content is reviewed and edited by human experts
- AI assistance is disclosed when substantive
- Final accountability rests with human authors and editors
- AI outputs are fact-checked using the same standards as human writing
Editorial Contact
We welcome feedback, corrections, and questions about our editorial practices:
Editorial Team
General Inquiries
editorial@silacities.comCorrections & Updates
corrections@silacities.comGuest Contributions
contributors@silacities.comResponse time: Within 48 hours
Editorial Standards Committee
For concerns about editorial practices, ethical issues, or policy questions:
standards@silacities.comThe Editorial Standards Committee reviews all concerns and responds within 5 business days.
Our Commitment to You
This editorial policy represents our commitment to providing you with reliable, accurate, and transparent content. We continuously review and improve our editorial practices to serve you better. Your trust is our most valuable asset, and we work every day to earn and maintain it.