Editorial Standards: Research, Sources, Corrections & AI Policy | Dr. Layne McDonald

Trust depends on being clear about what is fact, what is analysis, what is faith-informed interpretation, and what is still uncertain. These standards describe how material published on LayneMcDonald.com should be researched, reviewed, corrected, and presented.

Purpose

LayneMcDonald.com publishes Christian faith and family resources, movie and media guidance, leadership and creative-media material, AI and digital-wisdom resources, and news or commentary. The goal is to be useful, understandable, well-sourced, fair to the available evidence, and transparent about perspective.

Sources and factual claims

For factual claims, preference is given to primary sources such as official records, original documents, direct statements, public filings, first-party data, peer-reviewed research, and other authoritative material. Reputable secondary reporting may be used for context and corroboration. A source should not be cited merely because it repeats a claim.

When a fact is uncertain, developing, disputed, estimated, or based on incomplete information, the uncertainty should be stated. Rumor, inference, commentary, and verified fact should not be presented as though they are the same thing.

News, analysis, and opinion

News reporting and factual summaries should be distinguished from analysis, commentary, pastoral reflection, or personal opinion. Faith-informed interpretation is part of this site’s voice, but it should not be used to disguise a factual assertion that cannot be supported.

Christian movie reviews and parent guides

Movie reviews and parent guides are intended to help families make informed decisions. They may discuss language, violence, sexuality, frightening material, substance use, themes, age appropriateness, worldview, and faith-related questions. Factual content observations should be separated from personal judgment or Christian interpretation. Parents should still make decisions based on their own children, convictions, and circumstances.

Artificial intelligence and digital tools

AI tools may assist with research organization, brainstorming, transcription, summarization, editing, comparison, data review, or production workflows. AI output is not treated as an authoritative source simply because a model produced it. Material factual claims, quotations, statistics, names, dates, and citations should be checked against reliable sources before publication. Fabricated quotations, citations, credentials, sources, or evidence are not acceptable.

When an article is substantially about AI, the aim is to explain both capabilities and limitations, distinguish tested behavior from speculation, and update guidance when products or policies materially change.

Corrections and updates

When a material factual error is identified, the article should be corrected as promptly as practical. For consequential corrections or evolving news, an update or correction note may be added when it helps readers understand what changed. Minor spelling, grammar, formatting, or clarity edits may be corrected without a formal notice when they do not change the substance.

Fairness, attribution, and quotations

Claims about people, organizations, churches, companies, or public events should be attributed carefully. Quotations should be traceable to a reliable source and represented in context. Criticism should focus on evidence, ideas, actions, and consequences rather than unnecessary personal attack.

Commercial relationships and recommendations

Recommendations should be based on usefulness, relevance, experience, research, or clearly stated editorial judgment. Sponsorships, affiliate relationships, or paid arrangements should not purchase favorable conclusions, and sponsored material should be identified when applicable.

Health, legal, financial, and pastoral boundaries

Educational and faith-based content is not a substitute for individualized medical, mental-health, legal, financial, emergency, or other licensed professional care. Pastoral and spiritual guidance should be presented with appropriate humility, especially when a situation requires qualified professional support.

Corrections and questions

Readers who believe an article contains a meaningful factual error, broken source, misleading attribution, or outdated information may contact contact@laynemcdonald.com with the page URL and the specific issue. Useful documentation or a primary source is encouraged when available.

Last updated: September 7, 2026.