Editorial Policy

Our Commitment to Accuracy

isHistory is dedicated to publishing accurate, well-researched narratives about the history of technology. Every article undergoes a rigorous research and writing process designed to ensure factual correctness, proper attribution, and balanced representation of historical events. We believe that historical accuracy is not optional — it is the foundation upon which the entire archive is built. When we encounter conflicting accounts of an event, we present all credible perspectives and clearly indicate where historical certainty ends and interpretation begins.

Research Methodology

Each article in the isHistory archive is researched using primary and authoritative secondary sources. Our research process involves consulting original academic papers, patent filings, contemporaneous news reports, archival interviews, and first-person accounts wherever possible. When primary sources are unavailable, we rely on peer-reviewed academic publications and established institutional archives (such as the Computer History Museum, IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, and ACM Digital Library). We do not rely on Wikipedia or unverified secondary summaries as primary sources, though we may use them as starting points for locating original materials. Our complete research methodology is documented in the Vault Research Methodology page.

Fact-Checking Process

Every factual claim in isHistory articles is verified against at least one authoritative source before publication. Dates, names, institutional affiliations, and technical specifications are cross-referenced against multiple sources when available. Direct quotations are verified against original transcripts or published recordings. When a claim cannot be independently verified, we explicitly note the uncertainty within the article text using phrases such as "according to some accounts" or "the exact details remain disputed." We do not present speculation as fact, and we clearly distinguish between documented historical events and interpretive analysis.

Source Attribution

isHistory articles reference their sources through in-text citations and contextual references embedded within the narrative. We are committed to transparency in sourcing — every significant claim can be traced to its origin. Where articles describe events based on widely-documented historical consensus (such as the date of the Dartmouth Conference or the publication year of the Perceptron), the sources are drawn from the established historical record. For more specialized or contested claims, specific sources are identified within the text. Our goal is to enable any reader to independently verify the information presented in our articles.

Editorial Independence

isHistory operates with full editorial independence. Our content is not influenced by any technology company, academic institution, funding body, or commercial entity. We do not accept payment for favorable coverage, and we do not alter our editorial judgments to accommodate sponsors, partners, or advertisers. The archive is entirely self-funded and volunteer-driven, which insulates our editorial process from commercial pressures. If a conflict of interest ever arises — for example, if an article covers a technology developed by an entity with which we have a relationship — we will disclose it prominently within the article.

Corrections and Updates

When errors are identified in published articles, we correct them promptly and transparently. Substantive corrections are noted at the bottom of the affected article with the date of the correction and a description of what was changed. Minor typographical or formatting fixes do not require correction notices. When new historical information comes to light that materially changes the understanding of an event we have covered, we update the relevant article and add an editorial note explaining the revision. Readers can report potential errors through our contact page.

Content Scope and Exclusions

isHistory focuses on the history of computing and technology, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, software engineering, and the human stories behind major technological developments. We do not cover current news, product reviews, or speculative future predictions. Our articles are historical narratives, not tutorials or technical documentation. While we strive to make technical concepts accessible to a general audience, we do not simplify at the expense of accuracy. If a concept requires technical depth to be correctly understood, we provide that depth alongside explanatory context.

Author and Review

All articles in the isHistory archive are written and edited by Ishaan, the founder and sole editor of the project. Each article represents the product of extensive independent research, synthesis of primary and secondary sources, and iterative revision. While we do not currently have a formal peer-review board, we welcome feedback from subject-matter experts and the broader technology history community. Our GitHub Discussions forum provides a public channel for scholarly feedback, corrections, and supplementary information.

Contact

For questions about our editorial practices, to report a factual error, or to suggest a correction, please reach out through our contact page or email us at ishistory@proton.me.