Content Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

SMIRC’s mission is to provide high‑quality, well‑researched, and engaging content across a broad range of niches (Automotive, Financial, Healthcare, Tech, Indigenous Australia, etc.). This content policy outlines the standards for all published material, contributor submissions, and user-generated content. It applies to SMIRC authors, guest contributors, editors, and community members.

2. Accuracy and Trustworthiness

1. All factual content must be accurate, verifiable, and, where appropriate, cited from reliable sources.
2. Opinions and analysis should be clearly distinguished from facts.
3. When referencing data, statistics, or research, links to reputable sources should be included.
4. Contributors should avoid making unsubstantiated claims, hyperbole, or sensationalist statements.

3. Originality and Plagiarism

• Content must be original. Plagiarism (copying from other websites, books, or publications without appropriate attribution) is strictly prohibited.
• If reusing or quoting from other sources, contributors must provide proper citation and, where possible, link to the original.
• Content should not simply be repurposed from elsewhere without adding unique value, analysis, or perspective.

4. Tone, Respect & Inclusivity

• SMIRC values respectful discourse. Content should not promote hate speech, discrimination, harassment, or defamation.
• Authors should be particularly sensitive and respectful when writing about race, religion, Indigenous topics, gender, disability, or other identity‑based themes.
• Use inclusive, clear, and professional language. Avoid unnecessary jargon, or explain it when used.

5. Legal and Ethical Compliance

• Follow Australian law: content must not encourage or promote illegal activity.
• Avoid defamation: do not publish false or unverified statements that could harm a person’s reputation.
• Respect intellectual property: only publish images, graphics, or media you own, are licensed for, or are in the public domain.
• For Indigenous Australia content, be culturally sensitive, accurate, and respectful. Do not appropriate or distort traditional stories or cultural practices.

6. Sensitive Topics

Given the range of SMIRC’s niches, some topics may be sensitive (e.g., healthcare, immigration, politics):

• Present information on health, immigration, legal, or financial matters responsibly — clearly clarify that content is for informational purposes and not a substitute for professional advice.
• Avoid sensationalising trauma, violence, or personal suffering. Use trigger‑warnings sparingly and where relevant.

7. Guest Contributions & Submissions

• Guest posts should be original, well-researched, and relevant to SMIRC’s niche areas.
• Submissions should be at least a certain minimum word count (you can define this — e.g., 800+ words) and structured (with subheadings, sources, etc.).
• Authors must disclose conflicts of interest (e.g., they are promoting a product, service, or brand) transparently.
• SMIRC reserves the right to review, edit, or reject content that does not comply with this policy.

8. User Comments / Community Interactions

• Comments should remain on-topic, constructive, and respectful of others. This aligns with moderation practices used in Australian government blogs.
• Offensive, abusive, or defamatory user comments will not be tolerated and may be removed or hidden.
• No spamming, self-promotion, or repeated posting of the same link or message.
• Personal data (yours or others’) should not be shared publicly in comments.

9. Moderation & Review

• SMIRC team (or appointed moderators) will monitor submitted content and may remove or refuse to publish content that violates this policy.
• For user comments: moderation may include pre- or post-publication review, as needed, to ensure compliance.
• Authors whose content is rejected or edited will receive feedback and may be invited to revise.

10. Corrections & Retractions

• If a published article contains a factual error, SMIRC will correct it promptly, with a note indicating what was changed (date + what changed).
• For serious mistakes or misrepresentations, SMIRC may issue a retraction or add a prominent correction notice.

11. Copyright & Licensing

• Contributors grant SMIRC the non-exclusive right to publish, edit, and distribute their submissions.
• SMIRC retains the right to use submitted content across its digital channels (website, newsletters, social media).
• Authors should retain copyright but grant SMIRC a license to re-publish.

12. Transparency & Disclosure

• Any sponsored content, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships must be clearly disclosed.
• Authors should disclose relevant affiliations, funding, or relationships that could influence their content.

13. Updates to Policy

• SMIRC reserves the right to update this content policy at any time.
• When the policy is updated, changes will be posted on the SMIRC website, and, where feasible, authors and contributors will be notified.
• Contributors are responsible for reviewing current policy before submitting content.

14. Reporting Violations

• Readers, contributors, or users who believe content violates this policy can report it by contacting us.
• Reports will be reviewed, and SMIRC will take appropriate action (correct, remove, or respond).