Transparency
AI & Editorial Standards
Humanistan deliberately combines fiction and research. Our job is to make the boundary unmistakable.
1. Research reality first
When a Humanistan story is built around a real human phenomenon, the research comes first. We identify credible scholarship, historical material, statistics and reporting before inventing the fictional expression.
2. Extract the human phenomenon
The fictional story is based on the underlying human question—not on cosmetically changing the names of a real culture or event.
3. Maintain an air gap
Real-world cultural references used in research generally do not enter the Humanistan image brief. We do not ask AI to disguise, remix or reenact a real culture as Humanistan.
4. AI imagery is illustration, not evidence
Generated Humanistan imagery is a modern form of illustration using the visual language of photography. It must never be presented as documentary evidence of a real person, place, culture or event. Humanistan images should avoid real flags, maps, national symbols, place names and identifiable cultural references unless there is an exceptional editorial reason.
5. Documentary images should be believable, not perfect
When we use a documentary photographic style, we favor one believable moment over a scene that explains everything. Mundane activity, uneven composition, weathered surfaces, partial occlusion, natural light and unrelated background behavior can make an image feel observed rather than staged. The goal is serious photographic craft without glossy advertising or cinematic spectacle.
6. Real World has a separate visual system
Research stories use a distinct typographic and editorial treatment. This is not merely design. It helps readers understand subconsciously that they have crossed from imagination into evidence.
7. Uncertainty belongs in the article
Real World stories should distinguish what evidence suggests from what it does not establish. Where researchers disagree, the disagreement belongs in the story. Where evidence is thin, we say so.
8. Sources must be real and inspectable
We do not invent citations. Sources are linked whenever practical so readers can inspect the underlying material. Important factual claims should be traceable to credible evidence.
9. Corrections are part of the work
Research changes and mistakes happen. If a factual error or misleading formulation is identified, we want to correct it. Use the Contact page to flag something that deserves review.
10. Fiction stays fiction
Humanistan can borrow from human reality at the level of behavior and questions. It should not masquerade as a real country, fabricate evidence, or allow fictional details to migrate into Real World reporting as fact.