House Rules for Writing

Every article on BelmakDesign passes through the same short set of rules before it is published. They are not a style guide in the narrow sense of commas and capital letters. They describe what we owe readers who trust us with their time, their devices and sometimes their money.

1. Answer the question in the title

If a headline asks how to do something, the steps come early, not after five paragraphs of scene-setting. Background is welcome, but it should help the reader act, not delay them.

2. Plain words first

We use everyday language and explain technical terms the first time they appear. Acronyms are spelled out. If a sentence only makes sense to someone who already knows the answer, it gets rewritten.

3. No invented evidence

• No made-up statistics, surveys, studies or percentages.
• No fabricated quotes or anonymous "experts".
• No imaginary case studies presented as real.

If a number matters, it comes from a public source we can name. If we cannot find one, we describe the point in words instead.

4. Risks in the main text

Downsides do not belong in footnotes. When an article covers investing, borrowing, property or starting a business, the risks and costs are discussed alongside the benefits, and the piece makes clear that it is general information rather than advice. Our guide on starting a small business with no money shows how that looks in practice.

5. Instructions that can be followed safely

Device how-tos name the menu path as precisely as we can and mention where versions differ. Before any step that could delete data, we remind readers to make a backup first.

6. Fair to companies, loyal to readers

We may mention a business or product when it helps explain a topic. We describe it accurately, avoid exaggerated claims in either direction and do not suggest that one provider is the only sensible choice. A mention is never a guarantee, so weigh the alternatives before you choose.

7. No borrowed authority

Our writers use pen names and do not claim professional qualifications. We never present ourselves as advisers, engineers or lawyers, and we point readers to qualified people when the situation calls for one.

8. Respect for privacy

We do not encourage readers to collect other people's data, bypass security or use tools in ways that break the law or a service's terms.

9. Original writing

Articles are written for this magazine. We do not copy text from other publications, and when we draw on someone else's idea, we put it in our own words and give credit where it is due.

10. Keep it current

Technology moves quickly, so we revisit older pieces when menus, products or rules change. Errors are handled under our corrections policy, and readers can flag problems through the contact page.