Types of articles on this site.

On this site, we have several different types of articles. See below for notes about bias and for more information about each article type.

Bias

All articles may contain some amount of bias. Typically, explicit or strong bias is only applied to opinion pieces. Other types of articles may contain some bias, though it would often be less explicit and less intentional.

Selective reporting is a type of bias that should be watched for. When reading an article, consider: Are some facts over or understated? Is certain context left out? Were several reasonable perspectives shared? Were certain controversial perspectives or facts left out? Are factual statements framed in a manner that suggests blame or illicits an emotional response?

For example, "Jamontey Neal was killed by Decatur police" is a true statement. However, it is lacking context and may predispose you to think the police acted inappropriately. Conversely "Decatur Police were involved in a shootout and the armed subject was killed" is a true statement. However, it is lacking context and may predispose you to think the police acted appropriately. The actual story is more complex and nuanced than either of these statements may suggest. And even the structure of this paragraph and what is stated first/second may represent a bias.

Original Report

An original report is centered around first-hand knowledge of the author or an assistant of the author. This knowledge may be sourced from first-hand experience, from interviews, or from reading source documents. An original report may include second-hand reporting, such as from other news reports, but these shall not be the central topic of the article.

For example, if the author attends city council meeting and writes about what happened at it, this would be original reporting.

Meta Report

A meta report is centered around second-hand knowledge. Typically the author would acquire this second-hand knowledge by reading others' news reports and compiling or summarizing information. Meta reports may contain first-hand knowledge, but this typically would not be the centerpiece of a meta report.

For example, if the author reads several news reports about a piece of legislation and summarizes those various reports into a well-sourced article, this is a meta report.

Summary

A summary is typically short and focused on a single issue. A summary may include first hand or second hand knowledge, but typically will not include much additional context or reporting.

For example, if the author reads a piece of legislation and writes a condensed summary of that legislation, this would be a 'Summary'. However, if the author also interviews politicians or legal experts for additional context and information, that would likely be considered original reporting.

Fact Check

A fact check is a straightforward assessment of a claim or alleged fact.

Opinion

An opinion piece reflects the views and opinions of the author and is not necessarily a reflection of the views of Decatur Vote. An opinion piece should be viewed with additional scrutiny. There may be a bias that does not express the full context or all of the facts. Facts written should be true. Facts written may be well sourced, but do not have to be. Readers should do additional research to assess opinion pieces and claims found within.

Blog

A blog is an article about Decatur Vote by an author working for Decatur Vote. Blogs are typically intended to convey information about Decatur Vote and are sourced from Decatur Vote representatives. Typically blogs do not include much sourcing and information may be subject to change.

For example, an article about our plans for the 2023 election, or a review of our performance during the 2022 election would be a blog. Announcements about new features or organizational changes would also be blogs.