The Way We Write

A consistent style makes a magazine easier to read and easier to trust. These are the habits every Cuswpc Tech article is edited against, whether the subject is a router setting or a business form.

Answer first, context second

If the headline asks a question, the opening paragraphs answer it. Background, history and nuance follow for readers who want them, but nobody should have to scroll past a long introduction to find out what an LLC is or why a Wi-Fi signal drops in the back bedroom.

Plain language, defined terms

Technical and financial vocabulary is sometimes unavoidable. When a term appears for the first time, we explain it in a sentence, then use it the same way throughout. Abbreviations are spelled out on first use. If a simpler word does the job, we use the simpler word.

Steps in the order you meet them

Instructions are written in the sequence you will actually encounter them on screen or on paper. Each step does one thing. Where a step could delete data or commit you to something, a warning comes before it, not after. Our guide to two-factor authentication is a good example: saving backup codes comes before switching on the feature.

Honest about location

Many of our readers are in different countries, and business, tax, insurance and property rules vary widely. When we describe a requirement, we say where it applies. When we cannot cover every jurisdiction, we say that too and suggest checking the official source for your area.

No invented evidence

We do not make up statistics, studies, survey results, expert quotes or customer stories. If we cannot point to a reliable public source for a figure, we explain the idea in words instead. Personal experience is labelled as such.

Balanced, not breathless

New tools are interesting, but every option has costs and limits. We describe them alongside the benefits and avoid promising outcomes. Words like "guaranteed", "best" and "revolutionary" rarely survive editing.

Information, not instructions for your money

Finance, legal and insurance articles are general information. We explain how things work and what questions to ask; we do not tell you which product to buy or which contract to sign. Those pieces carry a short note saying so, and when a situation calls for it we suggest talking to a qualified professional.

Readable on any screen

• Short paragraphs and descriptive subheadings.
• Lists for steps and options; tables when a comparison genuinely helps.
• Links only where they add something, with link text that says where they lead.

Kept up to date

Articles are reviewed when the products or rules they describe change. Corrections are handled as described on Getting It Right, and the subjects we focus on are outlined on What to Expect Here.