Only technology-related educational content is allowed (e.g. programming, hardware, software, IT theory). Non-technical or unrelated topics (fashion, politics, etc.) are prohibited.
Authors must write with the tech-savvy audience in mind, keeping explanations clear and directly relevant to learning objectives. Content should stick to the subject and reinforce the educational purpose.
Content can be text with a banner image, and will expand to include video and audio. All formats must meet accessibility standards: videos need accurate captions/subtitles and audio content must have full transcripts.
Use concise, clear presentation in every format. For example, keep video and audio segments brief and focused, in line with the word-count brevity rule.
Ensure images have descriptive alt text. Avoid using illegible text overlays on images, as they hinder readability. These practices (transcripts, captions, alt text) comply with accessibility guidelines so all learners can benefit.
Headline: Must be no more than 12 words to ensure clarity and impact.
Body Text: Each piece should be 80–120 words. This concise length is based on professional writing principles of brevity.
Keep paragraphs focused and to the point. Brevity improves comprehension and retention, so eliminate fluff (every word must serve a purpose).
At least one source link is required in each content piece. Sources should be authoritative: peer-reviewed journals, academic (.edu) or government (.gov) sites, official publications, or respected technical organizations.
Use a consistent citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) as part of an editorial style guide. Clearly attribute any facts, quotes, or data to the original source.
Content must be factually correct and verifiable. As noted in writing best practices, “being correct also means providing accurate information”. Always back up claims with citations so readers can verify and learn more.
Banner images must be appropriate and relevant to the content topic (e.g. a code screenshot for a programming article). Avoid any image that is offensive, distracting, or off-topic.
Do not place large blocks of text on banner images unless it is essential for understanding; text-on-image can be hard to read and inaccessible. If minimal labels or diagrams are needed for clarity, keep them simple.
Every image should enhance the educational message. Provide helpful alt text for all images to assist users who rely on screen readers.
The tone can vary (formal, conversational, or even light/witty) but must always be professional and respectful. Choose a style that fits the audience and purpose. For example, a tutorial may be casual, while a whitepaper-style post may be formal.
Use clear, concrete language and an active voice. Avoid jargon or complex language unless it’s defined. Strive for clarity and precision: each sentence should convey one idea clearly. Every word should work toward educating the reader.
Be courteous and unbiased: use tactful language and avoid any derogatory, discriminatory, or potentially offensive terms. Content should not show political, social, or cultural bias. This means presenting information factually and neutrally.
Follow a consistent editorial style (grammar, spelling, formatting) across all content. Consistency (style guide use) makes the material look professional and builds trust.
Accuracy is critical. All content must be fact-checked. Only true, real, and verifiable information is allowed. Do not publish rumors, myths, or unchecked claims.
Use precise and specific terms. Avoid vague or subjective phrasing (e.g. “very fast”, “good thing”). Instead, quantify or qualify with facts (e.g. specify measurements, version numbers, performance benchmarks).
Ensure the educational goal is clear: each piece should teach or explain a concept. Content should answer questions a learner might have, without assumptions. Being complete means covering the necessary steps or facts for understanding.
High-quality writing establishes credibility. As one guide notes, writing that adheres to principles of clarity and correctness “helps to establish your credibility as a technical professional”. Content that is sloppy or filled with errors undermines trust.
Eliminate bias: present balanced viewpoints and data. Do not let personal opinions, political views, or social biases color the explanation. Focus on objective facts and use language that is fair and inclusive.
All submissions must be reviewed by a moderator before publishing. The moderator checks adherence to these guidelines on focus, accuracy, tone, etc.
Approval: If a submission meets all standards, the moderator approves it and leaves a brief comment justifying approval (e.g. “Meets guidelines: concise, clear, well-sourced”). This transparency helps authors understand the decision.
Rejection/Edits: If content violates any rule (off-topic, factual errors, poor tone, etc.), the moderator rejects it with feedback. Provide clear, constructive reasons and instructions for how to fix the issues. Request revisions and allow the author to resubmit.
Moderators should apply the rules consistently. No content that fails to meet these guidelines should ever be published.
AI-assisted or AI-generated content is allowed only if it meets all the same standards. Human editors must review any AI output for accuracy, clarity, and bias.
Verify all facts and figures that come from AI. AI can produce plausible-sounding but incorrect information, so cross-check against reliable sources.
Treat AI content just like human-written content: ensure it has a clear educational purpose, uses credible citations, and follows the tone and style rules. Don’t publish AI text without human proofing and editing.
No text overlays on images: Except when absolutely necessary (e.g. labeling a chart), avoid putting significant text in images. This keeps visuals clean and accessible.
Subtitles & Transcripts: All videos must include accurate subtitles/captions. All audio materials (podcasts, lectures, etc.) must have a written transcript available. This ensures compliance with accessibility guidelines so learners with hearing impairments can follow along.
Moderator Training: Staff who approve content should be trained on these guidelines, content evaluation, and basic bias/accessibility awareness. They should understand how to check sources and give constructive feedback.
Appeals Process: If a contributor’s content is rejected, there must be a formal channel to appeal or request a review. The author can submit a written appeal; another moderator or editorial lead will re-evaluate the content against these guidelines. This ensures fairness and transparency.