Sources and References

Good encyclopaedia writing allows readers to distinguish what is documented from what is claimed. Escortpedia therefore asks contributors to provide sources that are identifiable, relevant and appropriate to the statement being supported.

What makes a useful source?

A useful reference has a traceable publisher or author, a date or clear version, an identifiable original location and a reasonable basis for the claim. Independence and subject expertise matter, particularly for contentious or promotional claims.

Examples include legislation and court judgments for legal requirements, official statistical publications for reported figures, peer-reviewed research for research findings, reputable reporting for independently documented events and established reference works for historical context.

Primary and secondary sources

Primary sources can show what an organisation said, how a law is worded or what a particular document records. They should not automatically be used to prove an organisation's prominence, performance or trustworthiness. Independent secondary coverage is normally more persuasive for assessments of public significance.

Sources requiring caution

Advertising copy, affiliate websites, anonymous forum posts, scraped directories, unverified testimonials, social profiles and AI-generated summaries may be useful leads, but rarely establish disputed facts by themselves. Screenshots and archived pages also need context about authenticity and date. Do not cite a source simply because it agrees with a preferred narrative.

Referencing legal and safety information

Specify the country or jurisdiction, the relevant date and the exact authority when describing laws or regulations. Avoid replacing legal or medical advice with broad summaries. Where legislation or guidance may change, point readers to the original source and explain the limits of the article.

Personal accounts

A personal experience may be included when relevant, consented to and clearly attributed. It should not be generalised to an entire population or treated as independent proof of allegations about others. Contributors should not invent professional experience, quotations or visits.

Evidence does not authorise a hyperlink

Contributors may suggest external sources free of charge. A source can be accepted as evidence while its URL remains non-clickable. Every user-requested external hyperlink requires either a paid sponsored authorisation or an independently approved editorial exemption for its exact destination and placement.

Credibility, domain authority, reputation and publication on an official-looking website do not automatically grant a free link. The contributor must disclose relevant relationships, and an authorised editor records a reason for approving or declining a free hyperlink. Editors can substitute another source, request clarification or retain bibliographic details without a clickable URL.

Free editorial approvals and commercial placements are recorded separately. A paying contributor cannot buy a factual conclusion or use citations to add more hyperlinks than their purchased allowance. Internal Escortpedia links remain free, provided they point to valid public content and pass normal editorial review.

Citation format

When submitting a source, include its title, author or organisation, publication date if known, working URL and a brief note explaining which claim it supports. Quote only what is necessary; paraphrase accurately and respect copyright.

Broken links and disputed evidence

An inaccessible URL does not automatically invalidate the underlying work, but a claim may need another accessible reference. If sources conflict, explain the nature of the disagreement and give due weight to the most credible evidence.

To suggest a reference or dispute a citation, see how to contribute or contact hi@escortpedia.org. Our editorial policy governs the final editorial decision.