The Editorial Process
How we create.
Ideas begin with people. The best work uses every available tool. Second City Standard combines original human thought, professional writing, research, data, subject expertise, editorial judgment, and transparent AI assistance. Each investigation moves through the same eight steps.
01
The Idea
A question, theory, observation, or contradiction begins the work. Original human thought sets the direction — not a trending topic or a keyword target.
02
The Creator
The originating creator defines what is worth investigating and why it matters. Every investigation carries a named human at its origin.
03
The Challenge
The platform identifies counterarguments, uncertainty, and what would change the conclusion. We plan to be wrong on purpose.
04
The Research
Claims are compared against sources, data, history, reporting, and expert knowledge. Nothing important stands on assertion alone.
05
The Collaboration
Writers, editors, researchers, experts, designers, and AI-assisted tools contribute according to their strengths. Each role is transparent.
06
The Review
Facts, logic, tone, sources, internal links, visuals, SEO, and accessibility are reviewed before publication.
07
The Founder Approval
For founder-led work, Erik confirms the final article accurately reflects the idea and evidence he originated.
08
The Transparency Record
Readers can see how major investigations were created — who contributed, what AI assisted with, and what the methodology was.