Our commitment: Creative Loafing Charlotte is an independent publication exploring research, innovation, companies and ideas that shape better lives. These standards explain how we research, verify, disclose, correct and publish our work—including articles developed with AI assistance.
Accuracy, sourcing and evidence
We favor primary sources such as peer-reviewed studies, regulatory records, official filings, interviews and original documentation. We distinguish confirmed facts from analysis, speculation, opinion, marketing claims and preliminary findings. Significant statistics and quotations should be traceable to named sources. We do not invent interviews, quotes, citations, documents or personal experiences.
Scientific studies are described with their methodology and limitations when material. Health coverage distinguishes laboratory, animal, observational and interventional human evidence. Financial coverage distinguishes company statements, third-party analysis and the publisher’s opinions.
Our use of artificial intelligence
CLCLT may use AI to identify potential stories, organize research, prepare initial drafts, edit language, create illustrations, generate summaries, suggest headlines and support technical publishing work. AI output is not accepted as fact without appropriate review. An accountable human publisher reviews editorial judgment and significant claims before publication. AI does not independently decide to publish medical, investment or other high-stakes advice.
Articles are not described as original reporting or interviews unless that reporting actually occurred. AI-created images are labeled as illustrations when a reasonable reader could mistake them for documentary photographs. We disclose material AI use when it affects the reader’s understanding of how content was created.
Editorial independence and conflicts of interest
Advertising never guarantees independent editorial coverage, favorable reporting, rankings or particular conclusions. Sponsored material is prominently labeled. The publisher and contributors should disclose relevant financial holdings, commercial relationships or business interests when they could reasonably affect how coverage is understood. Sponsored content must meet basic accuracy and legal standards.
Corrections and updates
Readers can report potential errors by emailing publisher@clclt.com. Include the article URL, the specific statement, and relevant evidence. We assess substantiated corrections and update the article as warranted. Material corrections should be clearly identified, rather than silently changing the meaning of important claims. Routine spelling, formatting and link fixes may be made without a correction notice.
Health, financial and other sensitive subjects
Health information is for general education, not individualized diagnosis or treatment. Financial reporting is not personalized investment advice. Medical and investment claims require stronger source review and careful discussion of uncertainty, conflicts and potential harms. We do not substitute AI-generated answers for the judgment of a licensed professional.
Originality, attribution and rights
We credit reporting and research from other publications, link to original sources when practicable, and respect copyright and permissions for text, photography and graphics. We prefer explanatory reporting that contributes analysis, clarity or valuable local context rather than rephrasing existing articles at scale.
Tips, submissions and partnerships
Send original tips, verifiable research leads or corrections to publisher@clclt.com. Event submissions use our event submission process. Commercial requests go to Advertising & Partnerships. Submissions do not guarantee publication. Paid content must be clearly labeled and approved under separate commercial guidelines.
Ownership and accountability
CLCLT is published by Womack Digital LLC. Publisher: Alex Womack. Our publication’s mission and ownership are described on the About CLCLT page. For questions about these standards, email publisher@clclt.com.