A recent date and a source link can make an article feel more trustworthy. Still, check whether that date means the whole text was reviewed and whether the source supports the sentence you care about. Here is how to read Durudam’s publication dates, updates and source information.
What do writing and first-publication dates mean?
A writing date can mean when a draft was first completed; a first-publication date means when readers could first access it. Durudam’s displayed article date uses the first-publication record. It gives context about the material and circumstances behind a text, not a guarantee of how long the information remains valid.
Consider how quickly the subject changes. Basic organizing sequences or cooking principles differ from prices, application procedures, opening hours and product specifications, which may change often. Recheck those details through official channels before use, even in a recent article.
An older article can remain useful if the relevant parts have been maintained. A post published today may rely on old material. That is why the publication date should be read alongside update notes and source-check dates.
Read what changed, not just when
Durudam’s policy is to mark an update when information affecting the meaning of an article or a reader’s actions is rechecked or changed. Examples include procedures, figures, products, conditions, safety guidance and sources. Spacing, typos, flow and image placement may not trigger a date change when the meaning stays the same.
Read any change note with the date. “Source links checked,” “new procedure incorporated” or “eligibility clarified” tells you what was examined. Without an explanation, a recent date alone does not establish that the entire article was reviewed.
No update date may mean there have been no major changes since publication, but does not guarantee everything remains correct. Multiple revisions do not prove the original was inaccurate either. Circumstances may have changed, or a confusing explanation may have been clarified.
How do sources differ from background reading?
A source directly supports a particular fact, rule, figure or procedure. Background references may also include material that helped explain context or define the article’s scope. If these are separated, identify which item directly supports the sentence you want to check.
Open a link rather than stopping at its presence. Does it address the claim? Check its location, intended audience and date too. Official bodies help with rules and public guidance; manufacturers help with specifications and use conditions. The best source depends on the question.
External links help you find material we consulted. They are not an endorsement or guarantee of everything on the linked site. Documents can move or change, so note the title, issuing body and date for important information.
A source-check date is when the material was examined
“Sources checked” records when the editorial process checked the material and whether its links opened. It differs from the document’s own publication or revision date. A recently read old notice can have an old publication date and a new check date.
An external page can change after checking. No stated check date does not prove a source was unread. Still, for changing prices, rules, applications and operating information, knowing the check date helps you judge whether another check is needed.
Read dates and sources together
Each label tells you something different. This sequence helps avoid judging from a single date:
- When was it written or published? Look at the writing date or first-publication date.
- What was checked again? Read the update date and explanation of changes.
- Which material was used? Check whether the source supports the central claims.
- Does it apply to me? Check location, audience, product, health circumstances and terms of use.
- Should I recheck now? Consider how likely the information is to change and the harm if it is wrong.
A recent update may not include the price table you need. An older article that says procedures and links were rechecked may still be useful for those parts. Rather than looking for the newest date, ask when the specific information you will use was checked and against what.
For Food & Health, consider personal circumstances too
Food and health information can apply differently depending on health, amounts consumed, storage, allergies and medication. Sources show the article’s basis, not an individual diagnosis or treatment plan. Where symptoms, an existing condition, pregnancy or medication matter, ask a healthcare professional even if dates and sources are clear.
Do not follow one isolated sentence about food storage or cooking safety. Read temperature, time, packaging and product guidance together. If conditions are missing or conflict with official advice, take a cautious approach and check current official material.
Tell us when labels and content do not match
If a source link fails or a figure differs from the original, use the contact route displayed on the site. Include the article title, sentence, check date and source compared. These details help us find the issue. Do not send personal or sensitive health information.
When a correction is confirmed, the text and date labels should be reviewed together in light of the effect on readers’ actions. Distinguish a wording change from a factual correction. Dates should not imply that more was checked than actually was, so readers can understand the scope.
Durudam aims to help readers understand information and verify it when needed. Dates and sources support that process. For checks before acting on an article, also read 7 Checks for Using Everyday Information Online.