Journalistic Principles
Last revised — August 21, 2026
SOAPSzone combines independent journalism with advocacy. We are not neutral about unfairness, avoidable harm, broken systems, or the need for accountability. We are, however, committed to being fair and accurate about the facts.
Accuracy First
We make a serious effort to verify factual claims before publication. When we do not know something, we say so. We distinguish what is documented, what is reported by a source, what is analysis, and what is opinion or advocacy.
Fairness Without False Neutrality
Fairness does not require pretending that every position is equally supported by evidence. It does require representing relevant facts honestly, giving important competing explanations appropriate consideration, and avoiding distortions that make a case look stronger than it is.
Right of Response
When a story contains significant criticism or allegations about a company, organization, public body, or identifiable person, we make a reasonable effort to seek their response before publication when circumstances allow.
Evidence Readers Can Inspect
Whenever practical and lawful, we publish or link to supporting documents, correspondence, screenshots, policies, source material, and other evidence that allows readers to examine the basis of our reporting.
Corrections and Transparency
When we make a meaningful factual error, we correct it. Significant corrections should be visible rather than quietly buried. When a story changes materially after publication, readers should be able to understand what changed and why.
Independence
Editorial conclusions are not for sale. Advertising, sponsorships, affiliate relationships, donations, or commercial relationships must not determine the findings of our reporting.
Return to Principles & Practices
Sources and Anonymity
We prefer named sources when possible, but recognize that workers, consumers, and others may face real consequences for speaking publicly. Anonymous or confidential sources may be used when there is a legitimate reason to protect identity.
AI-Assisted Work
AI may assist with research, organization, analysis, transcription, brainstorming, and editing. AI is a tool, not a source of authority. Responsibility for what SOAPSzone publishes remains with SOAPSzone.
Respect for People
We pursue accountability without forgetting that stories involve human beings. We avoid unnecessary humiliation, intrusion, or exposure of private information when it adds little to the public value of a story.
Open to Challenge
We want readers, sources, companies, experts, and critics to tell us when they believe we have missed something. Strong journalism should withstand scrutiny and become better because of it.