Editorial & AI Policy

How our content is made

Research, comparisons, scores, and draft copy on this site are produced using Claude, an AI system built by Anthropic. The AI gathers and synthesizes publicly available material: manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, professional reviews, owner feedback, recall and safety notices, and price history.

A human editor reviews every article before it is published, checks the claims that matter, and is accountable for what ships.

What we do not do

• We do not test products in a lab or in the field. We do not run benchmarks, take measurements, or perform durability testing ourselves. When we cite test results, they come from a named third party.
• We do not accept payment to write a positive review. Commissions are earned on purchases, not on verdicts.
• We do not accept free samples, gifts, or press units from manufacturers or PR agencies.
• We do not publish AI-generated quotes, interviews, or first-person experiences. If we did not do a thing, we do not claim to have done it.

How we make money

Paid affiliate commissions and display advertising. When you buy through a link on this site, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Compensation may influence which products we cover and how they are placed, and commission rates can differ between the products we link to. As an Amazon Associate The Shakedown earns from qualifying purchases. The complete statement is on our Affiliate & AI Disclosure page.

How scores work

Scores are on a 10-point scale and are relative to a product’s category and price class — an 8 for a $60 keyboard does not mean the same thing as an 8 for a $300 one. Scores reflect the balance of published evidence at the time of writing, weighted toward the factors that matter most for how the product is actually used.

Prices, updates, and corrections

Prices are hand-entered at time of writing and go stale quickly. Always confirm at the retailer. When a product is discontinued, recalled, or superseded, we update or retire the article.

Found an error? Email theshakedowntech@gmail.com with the article and the problem. We correct factual errors promptly and note material corrections at the bottom of the affected article rather than quietly editing them away.

Safety and professional advice

Nothing here is professional advice. For anything with a safety, medical, structural, or financial dimension, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a qualified professional.