WT Standards

WT Standards

WT Standards is the leading editorial standard for financial and business editors for effective writing. WT Standards have 5 key goals in editorial standard:

  • factual reporting
  • accurate use of numbers
  • provide source, citation and credits
  • write in short sentences, in point points or in summary
  • produce content where 80% of people can read & understand 80% of content within 15 seconds

See articles example:

  • Example 1 – Facts Reporting
  • Example 2 – Press Release Reporting
  • Example 3 – Announcements Reporting
  • Example 4 – Event Reporting
  • Example 5

Example of Inaccurate Reporting

December 2016

An Asian country increased the interest rate.  One global financial media reported the rate at 3%. Another global financial media giant reported the new rate at 2.75%.  A third Asian leading media group reported the rate at 3%.  A check with the official press release confirm the interest rate to be at 2.75%.

Footnote ~ interest has been amended

 

WT Standards encourage

  • explaining history of context or key terms
  • use bullet points to illustrate complex ideas
  • providing background and basis of methods in footnotes

 

WT Standards discourage

  • using difficult to understand vocabularies
  • providing opinions
  • showcasing writing styles

 

Background of WT Standards

Today, global leaders, finance and business professionals make decisions that affect millions and billions of people and capital.  They need to have accurate information but accurate and factual reporting are a thing of the past.  Many focused on viral reporting due to increasing pressures to meet readership targets and growth.

Good in-depth writing is unfortunately, no longer essential in the business and financial industry as live data and information are readily accessible.  The growth of consultancy businesses and research reports published also decreased the need for reporters, journalists, writers and editors to have in-depth knowledge of the industry.  The pace of change naturally means their knowledge lags constantly behind industry change.

Therefore, WT Standards was created to help financial and business reporters, journalists, writers and editors to adjust to the new changes.  The WT Standards connect reporters, journalists, writers and editors to their audience through effective and factual content.

 

Credibility and Integrity

Facts or common knowledge do not have to be cited.  If you are in doubt, especially if you have used a source for the information, to cite the source.  If you can find the information in multiple sources, either cite the ones that you think is the most worthy in your opinion, the one that have shaped your thoughts and writing.

If the information from 2 sources are different, research the source data and information to know who might be wrong and who is correct.  You may also contact them for verification. Do not cite using the more recognised brands and source.