Doctrine · Published 2026-07-10

An addressing convention

A lesson in making references stable enough to be checked.

Before

A reference could depend on shared context or a remembered location.

After

A reference identifies its subject clearly enough for a reader to follow it.

Evidence only helps when a reader can find the thing being discussed. A vague reference leaves too much work to memory, access, or interpretation. A clear address gives a statement somewhere to stand.

The point is not to expose every internal detail. Public writing should use a public-safe reference that lets a reader understand the kind of evidence at hand and follow the published record where one exists. Private material stays private; the public reference describes the boundary rather than pretending it is not there.

An addressing convention is a small discipline with a large effect: claims become easier to verify, and the limits of what is being shown remain clear.

Adopted doctrine

Give each published reference a clear, stable, and audience-safe address.

Public evidence

Follow the published record