Editorial Policy
Our Mission#
OilQuestions exists to provide accurate, well-sourced information about oil and the energy industry. We aim to elevate the public debate beyond slogans and toward evidence-based understanding.
Editorial Principles#
Accuracy First
Every factual claim should be verifiable and cited. When we make mistakes, we correct them promptly and transparently.
Intellectual Honesty
We present the strongest version of opposing arguments (steelmanning). We distinguish clearly between:
- Data: Verifiable facts and measurements
- Analysis: Our interpretation of what data means
- Opinion: Value judgments and policy preferences
Source Diversity
We cite sources from across the spectrum:
- Government and intergovernmental agencies
- Academic research
- Industry sources
- Environmental and advocacy organizations
- Critical analyses
Transparency
We explain our methodology, disclose our limitations, and acknowledge uncertainty. Our sources are linked and our evidence scoring methodology is public.
What We Are Not#
Not Industry PR
We're not here to defend the oil industry unconditionally. We present evidence that sometimes supports industry positions and sometimes challenges them.
Not Climate Denial
We accept the scientific consensus on climate change. We explore how to think about oil's role honestly, not how to deny climate science.
Not Political Advocacy
We don't endorse candidates or political parties. We analyze policies based on evidence, not ideology.
Corrections Policy#
We take accuracy seriously:
- Factual errors are corrected promptly
- Significant corrections are noted at the top of articles
- A corrections log documents all changes
- Readers can report errors via our contact form
Review Process#
Content undergoes editorial review before publication:
- Fact-checking of citations
- Methodology review
- Clarity and accessibility check
- Counterargument inclusion