01
Independent first
The verified-independence filter would be the core of the proposed product.
Project Independent principles
Discovery without the usual distortions.
These are the proposed operating rules. The product would only have a reason to exist if they stayed clear when commercial pressure arrived.
02
Ranking is not for sale
Participating businesses would not be able to buy higher public position.
03
Discovery, not judgement
The proposed pilot would not include a star-rating system or open review feed.
04
Verification has to mean something
The place mark would be based on eligibility verified by Project Independent, not whether a business paid for it.
05
Maintain what is stable
Project Independent would hold slow-changing facts and link out for live information.
06
Evidence, not surveillance
A future scan would not equal a sale. A direction request would not equal footfall.
Place identityMake local character easier to find.
Fair visibilityDiscovery without auctioning attention.
Honest evidenceUseful reporting with the caveats left attached.