Last updated: November 9, 2026
American Blues Scene covers music because we care about it, and we want readers to know how we work. These are the standards we ask our editors, writers, photographers, and contributors to follow.
Independence
Editorial decisions belong to the editorial team. Advertisers, sponsors, labels, publicists, artists, and other business partners do not get to buy favorable coverage or approve our opinions.
Accuracy and sourcing
We check names, dates, quotations, credits, and other facts before publication. We identify our sources when we can. If a source needs to remain unnamed, an editor must know who the source is and be satisfied that anonymity is justified.
Press releases, artist submissions, and publicity materials can be useful starting points, but they are not a substitute for reporting or editing. We do not knowingly publish copied promotional material as independent editorial work.
Reviews, opinion, and commentary
Reviews and opinion pieces are labeled so readers know what they are reading. They reflect the honest judgment of the named writer, not a paid endorsement.
Bylines and contributor information
Stories carry the real name of the person responsible for the work. Contributor biographies should be accurate and current. We do not use “Admin” or other generic identities as editorial bylines.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we want to fix it. Meaningful factual corrections are made promptly and, when the change matters to a reader’s understanding, noted on the story. Send correction requests to lauren@americanbluesscene.com with the story link and a clear description of the issue.
Conflicts, gifts, sponsorships, and affiliate links
Writers and editors should tell us about personal or financial relationships that could affect their work. If a relationship matters to the reader, we disclose it with the story. Review copies, media access, travel support, sponsorships, affiliate links, and other material connections are disclosed when appropriate. Paid or sponsored material is labeled and is kept separate from independent editorial judgment.
Photography and other media
We use original work, licensed material, public-domain material, or media we have permission to publish. Photographs and other media should include useful captions and clear credits. Before material is sent to a syndication partner, we separately confirm that the rights cover third-party distribution.
Artificial intelligence
Technology may help with tasks such as organizing research, transcription, or early headline ideas. It does not replace the editor or contributor responsible for a story. Anything published under a person’s name must be reviewed, checked, and shaped by a human editor. We do not use AI-generated photography. If AI played a material role in producing a story, we disclose that to readers and to distribution partners that require it.
Submissions and guest work
We welcome pitches, music, photographs, and video submissions, but acceptance is never guaranteed. Submitted work must be original or properly authorized. We do not publish paid guest posts disguised as journalism or links placed mainly to manipulate search rankings.
Syndication
American Blues Scene may license selected stories to approved publishing partners. A story is not cleared for syndication until its byline, sourcing, disclosures, text, photographs, captions, credits, and distribution rights have been reviewed.
Questions
Editorial questions may be sent to lauren@americanbluesscene.com. Business, advertising, and rights questions may be sent to lou@americanbluesscene.com.