This Editorial Policy describes the principles and processes behind everything Ask Buddy publishes. Our credibility rests entirely on the quality and honesty of our content, and this policy is our public commitment to maintaining that quality. It complements the overview on our How It Works page.
Editorial independence
Ask Buddy is an independent publication. We are not owned by, funded by, or affiliated with any manufacturer of the products or technologies we write about. No advertiser, sponsor, or third party has the ability to commission, approve, or alter our editorial content. This independence is the foundation of our credibility, and we protect it deliberately. Where advertising appears on the site, it is kept entirely separate from editorial content, as described in our Advertising Disclosure.
Research methodology
Every article begins with research. Our writers select topics that everyday technology users find confusing or under-explained, then study those topics using primary technical documentation, recognized standards, established engineering concepts, and reputable reference material. We deliberately focus on the underlying principles that remain true across brands and models, rather than building content around any single product. Our aim in the research stage is genuine understanding: a writer should be able to explain not only what happens but why, so the resulting article teaches rather than merely describes.
Fact checking
Once a draft is written, it is fact checked by a team member other than the author. This reviewer verifies every factual claim, definition, and described process for accuracy. We confirm that technical terms are used correctly, that explanations reflect how systems actually behave, and that no statement overstates what a technology can do. Where a topic is genuinely nuanced, we ensure that the nuance is represented honestly rather than smoothed over. A piece does not proceed until factual concerns are resolved.
Source verification
We take care to rely on trustworthy sources. When our research draws on external material, we prefer primary documentation and widely accepted technical references over unverified secondary sources. We cross-check claims against multiple sources where possible, and we are cautious about information that cannot be corroborated. If reputable sources disagree on a point, we represent that disagreement rather than presenting one view as settled fact.
Content review standards
Beyond fact checking, each article undergoes a technical review that evaluates whether the piece as a whole builds an accurate mental model for the reader. A reviewer with relevant depth asks whether the explanation is complete, whether any simplification has crossed into inaccuracy, and whether the reader would come away with a true understanding. Finally, an editor reviews the piece for clarity, structure, readability, and adherence to our accessibility standards before it is published. Every published article is attributed to a named author, reflecting our belief in editorial accountability.
Updating outdated content
Technology changes, and content that was accurate when published can drift out of date. For this reason, publication is not the end of an article's life. We periodically revisit older content to confirm that explanations still reflect current technology, to refresh examples, and to correct anything that time has rendered inaccurate. When we make a substantive update to an article, we revise it thoughtfully so that it continues to serve readers well. Our goal is a knowledge library that remains reliable over time, not a collection of aging posts.
Corrections process
We are committed to correcting errors promptly and openly. If we discover, or a reader informs us of, a factual error in our content, we review the concern carefully. Where a correction is warranted, we update the article to fix the error. We view corrections as evidence that our commitment to accuracy is genuine, not as something to be hidden. Readers who believe they have found an error are encouraged to contact us at [email protected] or through our contact page, providing the article title and a description of the concern. We appreciate these contributions and treat them seriously.
Use of brand and product names
Our content is vendor-neutral. When brand names, product names, or trademarks appear in our articles, they are used strictly for informational and educational reference — to illustrate a concept or provide context — and never to imply endorsement, affiliation, or sponsorship. Ask Buddy is not affiliated with any manufacturer, as stated in our Disclaimer.
Scope and limits of our content
Ask Buddy publishes educational content only. We do not provide technical support, device repair, or hands-on assistance, and our articles are general in nature rather than tailored to any individual's specific device or situation. Readers are responsible for evaluating the applicability of our content to their circumstances. This scope is intentional: by focusing entirely on education, we can do that one thing well.
Contact
Questions about our editorial standards are welcome. Please reach us at [email protected] or by phone at 888-606-5335.