Scope
TrueNorthBrief is a compact reference site: each entry is a short, scannable brief that answers a direct question or explains a topic in a few paragraphs, with quick facts and links. That focus is deliberate. To keep the site reliable and useful, I have to be equally clear about what it does not cover, so you know when to look elsewhere.
What I do not publish
- Long-form journalism. You will not find investigative series, narrative features, or 5,000-word essays. If you need deep reporting, I recommend established newsrooms and wire services.
- Opinion pieces. No editorials, no hot takes, no personal commentary on current events. The briefs stick to verifiable facts and context.
- Clickbait. No listicles with inflated numbers, no sensational headlines, no “you won’t believe” framing. Every entry must justify its existence with substance.
- User-generated content. The site is written and fact-checked by me alone, Sarah Mitchell. There are no comment sections, forums, or guest posts. This keeps the information consistent and accountable.
Why these limits exist
I spent nearly a decade as a research librarian, and I’m a certified fact-checker who has worked with newsrooms and publishers. That background taught me that accuracy suffers when a site tries to do everything. By limiting scope, I can maintain a high standard for the 983 entries across 8 sections, from People to Places to Things. Each brief is checked against primary sources, and my method is documented on the method page.
The site runs on my own time and savings, with no ads, because I believe reliable facts should be free and unobstructed. That independence also means I can say no to topics that don’t fit the format. For example, I cover Culture and History in brief form, but I won’t attempt a full biography of a figure like Robert Wagner or Phil Donahue — those deserve book-length treatment, not a 300-word summary.
When to look elsewhere
If you need breaking news, legal analysis, medical advice, or financial guidance, TrueNorthBrief is not the right stop. I also skip topics that are purely speculative or that lack a reliable paper trail. For those, I’d point you to official sources, academic databases, or your local library — which, as a librarian, I’m happy to recommend.
If you’re unsure whether a topic fits, check the sources page to see how I verify information, or email me at sarah@truenorthbrief.com. I’ll tell you honestly whether I can cover it — and if not, where to go instead.