Corrections Policy
How Off the Couch handles factual errors, important clarifications and meaningful updates after publication.
Why corrections matter
Accuracy is an ongoing responsibility. Articles can contain mistakes, sources can be updated, and better evidence can change how a claim should be presented. When a meaningful problem is identified, we aim to correct the record rather than quietly leave an inaccurate version in place.
What we correct
01
Factual errors
Incorrect names, dates, figures, definitions, source descriptions or other verifiable factual mistakes should be corrected when confirmed.
02
Materially misleading wording
A sentence can be technically true but still create a misleading impression. If wording overstates what the evidence supports, we may revise it for accuracy and context.
03
Source or attribution problems
If a claim is attributed to the wrong source, a source does not support the statement made, or important context has been omitted, we will review the passage.
04
Important omissions
Sometimes an article needs correction because a missing qualification or piece of context changes how a reasonable reader would understand the issue.
What is usually an update rather than a correction
Not every edit means the original article was wrong. We may update an article because new evidence becomes available, guidance changes, a source is replaced with a stronger one, or an explanation can be made clearer.
Minor spelling, grammar, formatting or link repairs may be fixed without a formal correction note when they do not change the meaning of the article.
How we review a correction request
1
Identify the exact claim
We first establish which sentence, figure, attribution or implication is being challenged.
2
Check the underlying evidence
We review the cited source and, when needed, stronger or more current primary material.
3
Assess significance
We consider whether the issue is cosmetic, clarifying or substantive enough to change a reader’s understanding.
4
Correct and document when needed
For meaningful factual changes, we aim to make the corrected text clear and, where appropriate, add a visible note explaining what changed.
Correction notes
When an error is substantive enough to affect the meaning, accuracy or fairness of an article, we may add a correction or update note with the date and a concise explanation of the change.
We do not use correction notes as a substitute for fixing the actual article. The text itself should be corrected as well.
Requests involving opinion or disagreement
A correction request does not automatically mean a change is required. Readers, researchers and professionals may reasonably disagree about interpretation. Where the facts are accurate but the issue is genuinely contested, we may clarify the range of evidence or perspectives rather than replacing one defensible interpretation with another.
How to request a correction
Please use the Contact page and include the article URL, the specific passage you believe needs attention, why you believe it is inaccurate or misleading, and any supporting source you think we should review.
Specific, source-based correction requests are much easier to investigate than general objections.