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A note from the founder of
Starstream Research:
Our policy on unnamed sources, background and deep
background information.
It recently was brought to my attention that Starstream Research lacked
a proper editorial policy with respect to undisclosed, unnamed sources
and leads. Working our way through murky waters surrounding rumor and
innuendo about advanced technology, paraphysical and paranormal
phenomena, and beyond, I came to realize the importance of providing a
public statement for SSR and our various sources.
[Note added on October 13th, 2007: The new STARpod.org website is
intended to eventually take up the distribution of stories of interest
to the public.]
Starstream Research was never intended to be based around a journalistic
enterprise. I originally conceived of SSR as a way to organize sources
of information, and provide creative input to various contacts I had
developed in the past ten years or so. The need for SSR to establish
a home base on the internet followed from initial efforts to
disclose information, using PR Web to distribute press release
statements. SSR press release statements are often copied and cloned on
numerous web sites, and the original statements often reach hundreds of
thousands of readers. Contacts from various film makers, the producer of
a national syndicated radio program and individuals looking for
additional information, as well as input coming from various sources
required SSR to establish a web site where we could provide an easily
accessed information center.
In developing the web site, I often decided to put raw material ahead of
functionality and press forward in spite of glaringly obvious
deficiencies in production value. Our research is first and foremost the
primary goal and SSR product follows as a means of disseminating some of
our results. In addition to providing stories, we recently introduced
a forum to allow visitors to our web site to express their opinions and
interact with each other. Our addition of Caryn Anscomb as
contributing writer has provided a badly needed additional point of
view.
The Starstream Research web site evolved into an internet destination
for stories provided by sources that often prefer to remain
unnamed. Various reasons are given, usually related to their present or
past work for the government. The need for a policy statement regarding
sources is well overdue. I recently discussed the need for 'deep
background' with a source that I shall refer to as 'deep thought' (with
all due respect to the late Douglas Adams, author of "The Hitchhiker's
Guide to the Galaxy.")
In the past SSR reporting has been operating in 'rogue' mode.
(I use this definition: "Operating outside normal or desirable
controls.")
I thought it might be wise to review the accepted working definition of
"deep background." As there are some disagreements about the meaning
of deep background, I consulted the Washington Post "Policies on
Sources, Quotations, Attribution, and Datelines."
The most celebrated deep background of the past fifty years was 'deep
throat,' Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward's source during the
Watergate investigation. Washington Post policy guidelines describe deep
background as information that, "...can be included in the story, but
not attributed. That means there is no way to help readers understand
where it is coming from, which is why we discourage the use of deep
background."
The primary use of deep background information is to direct the
investigation to other sources that are able to confirm the developing
storyline.
Ultimately the SSR information base must be developed from 'official'
government and private sector documentation. This, for example, is why
we rely heavily on CIA released STAR GATE files as basis for further
investigation. To address issues that are more speculative, but
important, I created "The Psi Spy" series. The information and feedback
we receive on background and deep background are an essential part of
this series.
Many sources are employees past and present of the government, the
military or advise the government, often at a very high level. Other
sources interact directly with parties identified as key figures in our
investigation.
Our primary purpose then, is to enlighten both the public and especially
those in positions of influence able to affect the direction of our
national interests, and the world community as a whole.
In order to effectively build confidence with our sources in the
future, I have decided that SSR policy on unnamed sources will generally
follow from guidelines provided to journalists working for the
Washington Post.
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STARpod.org Policy Statement on Sources and Methods
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STARstream Research
is a provider of intelligence and
analysis on futuristic national and international defense,
security and risk developments. Starstream Research is an
independent organization that relies on a network of researchers
around the world with vested interest in cutting edge and beyond
the edge developments in exotic phenomenology and human effects.
SSR provides information targeted to members of the defense and
intelligence community by offering unique reports that examine
topics considered off-limits by other private intelligence
organizations.
Founded in 2004, Starstream
Research is positioned to offer
the public a view of the
developing 21st Century, by
providing a specialized
synthesis of cutting edge
information, background material
and analysis not available
anywhere else on line.
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Last modified:
Tuesday, December 22, 2009 12:04:04 -0600
STARpod.org Policy Statement on Sources and Methods
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