Editorial Standards

Objectivity, Transparency, and Ethics

Mid-Century Gems (MCG) has earned the trust of our audience by delivering open, honest conversations about the best of mid-century design and lifestyle. Editorial decisions are made exclusively by our editorial team; departments, such as sales, marketing, or ownership, do not influence our coverage. This independence extends to external parties, including advertisers and partners who may contribute affiliate revenue.

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MCG and its writers do not accept gifts or incentives that come with any promise of coverage or a particular tone. We carefully evaluate and feature only what we believe is valuable and relevant to our audience, often collaborating with trusted experts to provide the most accurate and insightful information. While we may accept product samples for testing or photography, these items are returned, donated, or repurposed when appropriate. We also cover travel and hospitality experiences when relevant, with clear disclosure to our readers. Any coverage involving complimentary products or experiences is transparently noted in the text or as a disclaimer.

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Articles with potential affiliate revenue are always accompanied by disclaimers, and any sponsored, branded, or partnership content is clearly labeled as such. If a party featured in an article has a preexisting relationship with another mentioned entity, it will be disclosed in the piece.

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We do not share drafts of editorial content with sources or subjects before publication, nor do we provide interview questions in advance. Except in extraordinary circumstances, we do not remove posts. Additionally, MCG is committed to fair treatment and compensation for freelancers. For more details on our freelancer policies, please refer to our pitch guidelines.

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Accuracy and Accountability

At MCG, much of our work is conducted in the field. For major stories, we visit the architecture or design being covered to provide firsthand accounts. When possible, we let readers know about these experiences and provide authentic insights into the spaces and individuals we feature.

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Our editorial team prides itself on delivering well-researched and thoroughly vetted home tours, interviews, essays, and other formats. Each piece undergoes rigorous editing, typically by two editors. Content in our print publication is reviewed by multiple team members, independently fact-checked, and copy-edited before going to press.

Transparency is a cornerstone of our work. We disclose whether information comes from primary or secondary sources, with citations and links whenever possible. Our coverage frequently references past stories to provide comprehensive context for our readers.

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If an error is identified, an editor will reverify the information. Necessary corrections are made with approval from editorial leadership, and corrections are clearly noted at the bottom of the piece. Updated pieces include timestamps or both the original and revised publish dates.

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Fact-Checking

We collaborate with skilled fact-checkers for our print stories and for sensitive or complex web content. Fact-checkers, editors, or writers may reach out to sources to confirm details such as names, dates, figures, or locations. However, we do not share full sentences, sections, or drafts with subjects or sources.

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Photography, Video & Illustration

MCG photo shoots authentically capture the essence of the homes we feature. We do not stage or alter the furniture and art in homes, ensuring everything belongs to the residents. Similarly, we avoid heavy retouching or manipulation of images that could mislead viewers. Our goal is to present homes with honesty, showcasing their unique character, charm, and imperfections.

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We embrace experimentation, creativity, and a human touch in our visuals, collaborating closely with photographers and stylists on custom shoots. All illustrations are commissioned specifically for our stories, highlighting the artistry and individuality of each piece.

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By adhering to these principles, MCG remains a trusted source for authentic and meaningful content in the world of mid-century design.