Editorial Policy

1. Introduction

Screenpixel is committed to the highest editorial and ethical standards in the provision of all its online content.

Screenpixel website is funded by Pixel Software LTD. It is committed to providing objective and trustworthy information and guidance on all aspects of information technology.

Screenpixel will ensure that content is evidence-based, and that it is founded on the best technical knowledge currently available.

The following sections set out our editorial principles, standards and processes:

2. Principles

2.1. Accuracy: Screenpixel website content will be accurate, balanced and transparent. Information given will be judged against the best available technical evidence and sources named wherever possible.

2.2. Accountability: Screenpixel is accountable to its audiences and will deal fairly with them. It will be open in admitting mistakes and encourages a culture of learning via user feedback. The editorial processes will be transparent.

2.3. Serving the public: Screenpixel will put its audiences’ interests first when sourcing and developing content. It will consult with relevant professional bodies and other interest groups but serving its local communities will remain of paramount importance.

2.4. Taste and decency: All content on Screenpixel website will be suitable for a general audience and will not include material that might reasonably be deemed offensive.

2.5. Impartiality and diversity of opinion: Screenpixel will be objective, impartial and even-handed. Where views differ and no technical consensus can be found it will reflect all significant strands of opinion and state the uncertainty clearly.

2.6. Privacy: Screenpixel is committed to ensuring that strict privacy controls are maintained. Personal information, including any correspondence, will not be disclosed without the prior explicit consent of the user, unless Screenpixel is required to do so for legal reasons (such as a Court Order), or disclosure is in the public interest. Permission will be sought from service users where photographic images are used.

2.7. Funding: Screenpixel online communications are funded by Pixel Software LTD. It does not carry advertising and does not accept corporate sponsorship.

3. Standards

Screenpixel has a dedicated team of editors. It has a clear mandate to produce accurate, balanced and transparent information.

No website editor, author, administrator will be asked, or is permitted, to provide favoured treatment to any partner organisation and all editorial staff must fully disclose any financial or other interests they may have in any software-related companies or organisations.

In accordance with Screenpixel, all staff, including editorial staff, are required to disclose any conflict of interests with other organisations, including software related companies.

The Website Editor will report any potential conflict of interest to the Director who will investigate the matter and reach a decision.

Where content is produced by outside organisations or individuals, Screenpixel requires that such agents make a similar disclosure of outside interests.

4. Staff Training

All editorial staff are given training to ensure editorial standards are met.

5. Editorial process

5.1. Step 1 – Research

The evidence-based knowledge that informs all Screenpixel communications content is derived from the direct experience of software developers, other technical specialists, PC users and the public.

In pulling together this knowledge to provide users with a rounded and balanced package of material on a particular subject, Screenpixel requires its content authors to consult the following resources:

• For peer-reviewed research, they consult the Microsoft Support Center, Wikipedia, as well as the support centers for computer and laptop manufacturers, which have developed comprehensive knowledge bases.

For knowledge of direct experience they consult:

• Practicing software developers and other IT specialists with direct and current experience in solving software problems and solving them;
• Technical support specialists from software development companies and computer manufacturers with recognized experience;
• PC users and ordinary members of the wider public who may be directly affected by a topic or issue.

5.2. Step 2 – Production

Once a piece of content has been drafted, it is edited by a member of the Screenpixel:

It is checked for:

• Accuracy
• Balance
• Accessibility
• Tone

Written content is then passed on to Website Editor:

• Common factual errors
• Spelling
• Grammar
• Adherence to house style
• Overall presentation
• Clarity

5.3. Step 3 – Policy sign-off

Any Screenpixel policies before they are published online must be approved by the Director.

5.4. Step 4 – Review of content

The content of the Screenpixel website is reviewed systematically. Major content is reviewed every six months, and content less susceptible to change in knowledge and evidence is reviewed at least annually.

Comments from users and stakeholders on published content are considered on a day-by-day basis as they arrive, and content reviewed and amended immediately if necessary.

6. Appeals procedure

In the unlikely event of a complaint about online content that cannot be resolved by the Website Editor the matter will be escalated to the Chief Executive.