211Check Policy on Sources

211 Check is dedicated to providing its readers with the most complete disclosure of the information’s sources. In order for readers to understand how and where we obtained our information, we strive to be as clear as possible in our work. Transparency is a reflection of our principles of honesty and fairness.

For factual information in our publications, we want at least two independent sources that are not related to one another. We favor information from sources with first-hand or direct understanding of the subject. Sometimes a relevant document can act as a second source.

We try to be fair to our sources. This entails contextualizing the quotes we use and providing a clear, accurate, and fair summary of the arguments made by the sources we use. This usually entails stating explicitly what question was being addressed when the statement was made.

People who are the target of a claim are given a fair chance to respond when we ask for their opinions. We do not guarantee sources that we won’t research more or make an effort to corroborate any information they may provide.

Ad hominem quotes from unknown sources are not published by us. Additionally, we refrain from using quotes that are solely intended to add flavor to our research.

We don’t employ pseudonyms, and we don’t misrepresent to our readers who the characters in our stories are. In the rare instances when we choose to refer to someone by something other than their entire name, we do it in a simple way, as by using their first name alone.

We never deceive or mislead sources. We identify as fact-checkers at The 211 Check Desk while introducing ourselves. Our writings are honorable, and anything we do to acquire a fact-check, we are willing to publicly justify.

Regarding the origin of our information, we are transparent. In an article, facts and quotes that weren’t found through our own research are cited. Material from other media are fully credited.