Editorial Policy

This policy explains how Top Ten St. Louis researches, writes, edits and updates what we publish. Our editor is Kathleen Graves.

Sourcing

  • We rely on primary sources wherever possible: businesses’ own websites and announcements, event organizers, government agencies and public records.
  • We link to our sources so readers can check them.
  • When we use reporting from another outlet, we credit and link to it.

Fact-checking

  • We publish only what we can verify. If we can’t confirm a fact, we leave it out.
  • Details such as addresses, hours, prices and event dates are checked before publication and rechecked when a list is updated.
  • Laws, deadlines and similar rules are described as general information, not professional advice.

How list rankings are made

  • Our editors pick which businesses appear on a list and in what order, based on public information such as menus and offerings, location, reputation, longevity and what makes each place stand out.
  • Each list explains what we looked for.
  • Inclusion cannot be bought. Businesses may suggest themselves via our contact page, but suggestions are reviewed like any other lead.
  • Lists show a “Last reviewed” date and are updated when facts change.

Independence

  • Our editorial decisions are made by our editors alone.
  • We do not accept payment, free goods or services in exchange for coverage or placement.
  • If a writer has a personal or financial connection to a subject, we disclose it or assign the story elsewhere.

Ethics

  • We aim to be accurate, fair and transparent.
  • We do not invent ratings, scores, reviews, quotes or statistics.
  • We respect the privacy of private individuals and do not publish personal information without good reason.
  • We correct errors promptly and openly.

Use of AI tools

We may use AI tools to help with research, drafting, summarizing and formatting. A human editor reviews, fact-checks and approves everything before it is published, and our editors are responsible for every article. AI tools are never used to invent facts, quotes, reviews or images presented as real.

Advertising and sponsorship

Advertising and sponsorships are kept separate from editorial content. Advertisers and sponsors have no say over what we cover or how businesses are ranked. Any sponsored content or affiliate relationship will be clearly labeled as such.

Corrections

See our Corrections Policy.

Contact

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