Editorial policy

We go to the original source

Every factual claim in a Smart Dating guide links to where it comes from, in the sentence that makes the claim. We prefer primary sources: peer-reviewed studies, official statistics, surveys that publish their methodology and sample size, dictionaries, and prices published by the business or regulator that sets them.

We read the source itself, not a summary of it. If a study has been corrected or questioned, we say so. If we cannot confirm a claim, we leave it out, however often it is repeated elsewhere.

Facts carry dates

Every guide shows when it was first published and when it was last updated. Figures that change, such as prices, fares or survey results, are given with the date we checked them or the year of the study.

Every guide is checked before it is published

Before publication, each guide goes through an independent review, separate from the writing. The review checks every number, quotation and link against its source, and confirms that the guide answers the question it sets out to answer. Guides are reviewed again when we update them.

Our own data is open

When we publish original data, such as the First Date Cost Index, we publish the method with it and make the underlying data available to download. Every row names its source and the date it was collected. See our data page for the license and terms of reuse.

Real people only

Our guides are written by the Smart Dating Editorial Team. We do not create personas, invent experts or publish made-up testimonials, reader letters or case studies. When we quote a person, we use their real name and role, and we quote them with their permission or from a published source.

Corrections

If we get something wrong, we fix it. When we correct a fact, we update the guide and its updated date, and we note significant corrections at the end of the guide. To report an error, please see our contact page.

Sponsorship

Our editors decide what we cover and what we conclude. We do not accept payment for coverage and we do not publish sponsored content.