There's a lot of buzz around content matters these days, but not always a lot of hard facts. The folks at Content Science [1] are aiming to change this with a study on Content and Credibility. Meanwhile, here's their recap of what we already know:

"Consumer Reports sponsored a study of web credibility in the U.S. nearly 10 years ago. The result was a set of tips that we consider to be 'Credibility 101.'

• Identity: Do you clearly state who you are and where you do business?
• Advertising and Sponsorships: Is your advertising or sponsored content clearly disclosed and distinguished from other content?
• Customer Service: Are all charges fully disclosed? Are return, cancellation, and other pertinent policies clearly disclosed?
• Corrections: Do you make corrections in a timely manner, especially when they affect people's decisions to buy or sign up?
• Privacy: Do you make your privacy policy clearly available?"

Ten years is a long time to be working off first principles. The results of the new study from Content Science promise to be interesting indeed.