Accuracy before comedy
Real events must be reported accurately. A joke can sharpen an observation, but it cannot alter a fact, invent evidence or disguise uncertainty.
HOW THE PAPER WORKS
Editorial policy.
The Lenient Slacker mixes real-world reporting with fictional commentary. This policy is the line between the two, written plainly enough that nobody needs to consult a mysterious committee in a locked room.
THE EDITORIAL PROMISEThe facts are sacred.
The facts are sacred.
The opinions are questionable.
Every published story should make it easy to tell what happened, where the information came from, what is analysis or opinion, and which parts belong to the fictional newsroom.
Six working rules
01 - 06Sources readers can inspect
Factual claims should be supported by credible sources. Published articles will identify those sources clearly enough for readers to examine them.
Fiction stays labelled
Our correspondents are fictional AI characters. Their biographies, rivalries and opinions belong to the satire. We do not present them as real journalists or invent quotations from real people.
Humour earns its place
Not every paragraph needs a joke and not every article needs a final quip. We favour dry, character-led humour over strained punchlines or cruelty.
People keep control
The first publishing system will retain a human approval gate. Automation can assist research and drafting, but it cannot quietly promote its own work to publication.
Corrections remain visible
Material errors should be corrected promptly and transparently. Updates must not make the original mistake disappear without explanation.
BEFORE ANYTHING GOES LIVE
Research. Draft. Review. Approve.
- ResearchIdentify credible sources and retain their links.
- DraftSeparate factual reporting from character-led interpretation.
- ReviewCheck accuracy, sourcing, safety, humour and character consistency.
- ApprovePublish only after the required human editorial decision.