The Moon Picke approach
Real research.
Clear recommendations.
A useful evaluation should connect evidence to a real decision.
Our goal is not simply to collect specifications or repeat marketing claims. We look at what matters to the person making the choice, compare relevant alternatives and make the reasoning behind our conclusions clear.
1. Define the decision
We begin with the person making the choice: what they need to accomplish, their budget, environment, constraints and priorities.
A recommendation such as “best for a small home office” is more useful than “best overall” without context.
The criteria we use should reflect the actual decision being made.
2. Identify relevant options
We compare products, tools or services that reasonably address the same need.
Where relevant, we check model numbers, configurations, plans, regions and versions so differences in naming do not hide meaningful differences in features, pricing or support.
We do not include an option simply because an affiliate relationship is available.
3. Research the documented facts
We review relevant information such as:
- official specifications and documentation
- manuals and support resources
- pricing and plan details
- warranties and return policies
- compatibility and requirements
- maintenance or ongoing ownership costs
- independent sources where they provide useful additional evidence
Time-sensitive information should be checked as close as reasonably possible to publication or revision.
Depending on the decision, we may consider factors such as:
Physical products
- dimensions, materials and compatibility
- usability, adjustment and practical limitations
- maintenance and replacement parts
- warranty, returns and total ownership cost
Digital products and services
- workflow fit and supported platforms
- features, plan limits and integrations
- data portability and export options
- administration and migration requirements
- recurring costs and additional fees
The relevant criteria will vary by category. We do not apply the same checklist to every product or service.
4. Separate evidence from interpretation
A specification tells us what is documented or claimed. It does not automatically tell us how useful or effective something will be in practice.
We distinguish documented facts from our interpretation of those facts.
Where evidence is incomplete or uncertain, we aim to make that uncertainty visible rather than present assumptions as established facts.
5. Compare meaningful trade-offs
Few choices are best for everyone.
We look for the differences that can materially affect the decision, including advantages, limitations, ownership considerations and situations where another option may be more appropriate.
A recommendation should explain not only why something may be a good choice, but also why it may not be the right choice for someone else.
6. Explain the recommendation
Our recommendations should make the reasoning visible.
Where appropriate, an evaluation may explain:
- the best use case
- the most relevant facts
- meaningful strengths
- important limitations
- who the option may suit
- who should consider an alternative
We do not use numerical scores simply to create the appearance of precision. If a score is used, the criteria and method behind it should be clear enough to understand.
7. Describe testing honestly
Not every Moon Picke article involves hands-on testing.
When we conduct direct testing, we aim to explain what was tested, the relevant version or configuration, how it was used and any important limitations of the test.
When an article is based on research, documentation and comparison rather than direct hands-on experience, we describe it accordingly.
We do not represent researched information as personal product testing.
8. Consider commercial relationships separately
Moon Picke is independently operated.
Affiliate relationships, commissions, retailer availability or commercial arrangements do not determine our editorial conclusions.
We may evaluate or recommend options for which no affiliate relationship exists, and the availability of an affiliate program does not guarantee inclusion or favorable coverage.
For more information, see our Affiliate Disclosure.
9. Revisit material changes
Products, services and markets change.
A new model, discontinued product, significant pricing change, altered plan, updated specification or newly identified error may affect an existing recommendation.
When we materially update a guide, the relevant facts and conclusion should be reviewed rather than changing the date alone.
Corrections and significant updates should reflect substantive changes to the content.
Our standard
A Moon Picke recommendation should help the reader understand three things:
What matters.
What the evidence shows.
Why the conclusion follows from it.
That is the standard we aim to apply across the publication.
Affiliate Disclosure · Editorial Standards
Last updated: 31 August 2026