At AQ Media, we hold ourselves to rigorous editorial standards that reflect our commitment to providing trustworthy, useful, and ethical content. This page outlines the principles and practices that guide our work.
Content Guidelines
Our Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to creating content that is accurate, evidence-based, and genuinely helpful. Every piece we publish reflects our commitment to serving readers with integrity and respect for the truth.
Accuracy & Fact-Checking
- All factual claims are verified through reliable sources
- Statistics and research findings are traced back to original studies when possible
- Information is contextualized to avoid misrepresentation
- Complex topics are explained with appropriate nuance
Clarity & Accessibility
- Content is structured logically with clear headings and organization
- Concepts are explained in plain language without unnecessary jargon
- Visual aids supplement text to enhance understanding
- Information is presented at appropriate depth levels (Intro, Apply, Master)
Inclusivity & Respect
- Content acknowledges diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives
- Examples and scenarios reflect a range of life situations and contexts
- Language is chosen carefully to avoid reinforcing stereotypes or biases
- Recommendations consider varying resource levels and accessibility needs
Independence & Objectivity
- Editorial decisions are made independently of business considerations
- Multiple perspectives are presented on topics with legitimate disagreement
- Limitations and caveats of recommendations are clearly stated
- Personal opinions are clearly distinguished from evidence-based guidance
YMYL Content Treatment
Your Money, Your Life (YMYL) topics—those that can significantly impact readers' financial stability, health, safety, or wellbeing—receive special treatment:
Enhanced Verification Protocol
- Expert Review Requirement: All YMYL content undergoes review by qualified subject matter experts
- Source Hierarchy: Only highest-tier authoritative sources are used for core recommendations
- Consensus Focus: Content emphasizes areas of professional consensus rather than outlier positions
- Cautionary Framework: Potential risks and limitations are explicitly highlighted
YMYL Topic Areas We Cover
- Mental Health & Wellbeing: Stress management, anxiety, meditation, sleep
- Financial Decisions: Budgeting, debt management, investing basics, financial planning
- Physical Health: Movement, nutrition fundamentals, ergonomics
- Home Safety: Basic home organization, workspace setup, digital security
YMYL Disclaimer Approach
All YMYL content includes appropriate disclaimers that:
- Clarify the informational nature of content
- Acknowledge when professional consultation is advised
- Specify the qualifications of authors and reviewers
- Note limitations and contexts where advice may not apply
Affiliate & Monetization Disclosure
We believe in complete transparency regarding how we sustain our operations:
Affiliate Relationships
- Some links to products/services may generate affiliate commission
- All affiliate links are clearly disclosed at the beginning of content
- Editorial recommendations are made independently of affiliate relationships
- Products are reviewed based on genuine value to readers, not commission rates
Monetization Principles
- Reader benefit is prioritized over monetization opportunity
- We reject partnerships with products/services that contradict our values
- We maintain editorial independence from all commercial relationships
- We never accept payment for positive reviews or recommendations
- Sponsored content is clearly labeled as such
- Sponsored content meets the same editorial standards as organic content
- Sponsorships are accepted only from brands aligned with our values
- Full disclosure of the sponsored relationship appears prominently
Feedback & Corrections
We view our content as a collaborative effort that improves with reader input:
Correction Process
When we discover or are notified of an error:
- We promptly investigate the issue
- We make necessary corrections as quickly as possible
- We add a correction notice for substantial changes
- We review related content for similar issues
How to Submit Feedback
We welcome your input on our content:
- Use the feedback form on our Contact Us page
- Specify the article title and nature of the feedback/correction
- Provide supporting information for factual corrections
- Share how we might improve the usefulness of our content
Response Commitment
- All correction requests are reviewed by our editorial team
- Factual correction requests receive priority attention
- Substantial feedback is shared with relevant content creators
- We continuously improve based on reader insights
These standards represent our ongoing commitment to serving you with content that enlightens, empowers, and respects your intelligence. We welcome your thoughts on how we can better uphold these principles.
For more information on our research process, see our Research Methodology.
