Editorial Standards
Eton Collge VIP is a satirical publication.
That does not mean that we have no standards.
On the contrary, effective satire depends upon readers understanding the difference between reality, exaggeration and invention.
1. Satire Should Be Recognizable
Articles may imitate the structure and tone of conventional journalism for comic purposes.
We may publish fictional headlines, fictional quotations, fictional announcements and fictional events.
The overall context of the website identifies the material as satire.
2. Real Facts and Fiction
We may use real historical events and contemporary events as the starting point for satire.
Where an article relies on factual background, we aim to represent that background responsibly.
The fictional portion of an article is intentionally imaginative.
3. Real People
Public figures and other recognizable individuals may appear in satirical articles.
Their appearance does not mean that they actually participated in an event described in a fictional story.
Invented quotations are part of the satirical format and should not be interpreted as genuine quotations.
4. Eton Pupils
Because Eton is an educational institution, we recognize that pupils require particular care.
We do not intend to make factual allegations about individual pupils merely for comedic effect.
Our satire generally focuses on institutions, public figures, traditions, cultural practices and broader social questions.
5. Historical Material
Eton has a long history, and historical material may be used extensively in our articles.
We attempt to distinguish historical fact from humorous invention.
An imaginary conversation between a historical figure and a modern institution is satire, not a historical transcript.
6. Headlines
Satirical headlines may deliberately exaggerate a premise.
Readers should consider the headline together with the article and the site’s overall satirical identity.
7. Corrections
If we discover a genuine factual error in non-fictional background material, we may correct it.
A correction does not mean that fictional satire itself was intended to be factual.
8. Editorial Independence
Our editorial material is independent.
Commercial arrangements, advertising or sponsorship should not automatically determine editorial conclusions.
9. Public Interest
We believe institutions with significant cultural, political or social influence are legitimate subjects for satire and criticism.
Eton’s historical and cultural significance makes it particularly suitable for examination through humor.
10. Our Standard
The basic editorial question is simple:
Is the reader likely to understand what is fact, what is opinion and what is satire?
That distinction matters.
The joke can be ridiculous.
The reader should not have to be.