# Editorial Standards — Small Good Things

All stories are written in **English only**. Translations are generated automatically. Follow these rules so content stays accurate across all languages.

## Constructive journalism

- **Focus on solutions** — explain how the positive change happened, not only that it happened.
- **Maintain objectivity** — be hopeful and grounded. Avoid preachy, naive, or toxic positivity.
- **Provide evidence** — use data, named quotes, and measurable results.

## Global English (translation-ready)

| Rule | Do | Avoid |
| ---- | -- | ----- |
| Sentence length | Under 20 words | Long compound sentences |
| Voice | Active (Subject-Verb-Object) | Passive constructions |
| Idioms | Literal words ("very happy") | Slang, metaphors ("over the moon") |
| Word choice | One clear meaning | Regional or ambiguous terms |
| Tone | Matter-of-fact, inspiring | Overly emotional or academic jargon |
| Pacing | Fast and direct | Long background before the point |

## Article structure

1. **Summary** — most important fact in one or two sentences (inverted pyramid).
2. **What happened** — the event or outcome.
3. **How it happened** — the solution or action taken.
4. **Why it matters** — wider impact.
5. **Source** — link to primary reporting.

Use frequent subheadings and bullet points for key facts, statistics, or steps.

## Minimum depth (required)

Every published story must meet these floors:

| Requirement | Minimum |
| ----------- | ------- |
| Body word count | 320 words (excluding frontmatter) |
| Sections | Background, What happened, How it happened, Why it matters, Key results, Looking ahead |
| Key results bullets | 6 items with numbers or named outcomes |
| Summary | Two sentences: outcome first, then verification or scale |
| Description | 120–160 characters for search snippets |

Avoid thin content: add timelines, partners, verification steps, local context, and next steps. Never publish a story shorter than the minimum without expanding it.

Run `node scripts/enrich-stories.mjs` after bulk imports, then `node scripts/check-content-depth.mjs` before build.

## Publisher identity

Small Good Things is published by an **anonymous editorial collective**. We do not use personal bylines.

Accountability is institutional, not individual:

- Every story must link to a **primary source** (news outlet, government, NGO, or study).
- Claims are checked against that source before publication.
- Errors are corrected on the story page with an updated date.
- Contact: hello@smallgoodthings.org for corrections and disputes.

We stay anonymous so readers focus on **verified sources and evidence**, not editor personalities. Trust is earned through process transparency, not fame.

## Independence

- No pay-for-coverage. Sponsored content, if ever used, must be clearly labelled.
- No obligation to any government, party, or corporation.
- Story selection is based on verifiable positive change and constructive journalism standards.