If you're a contributor, have a read of Paperweight's house style guide before pitching to us. We welcome all ideas for articles via email at pitch@paperweightmag.com or by writing to us at 3rd Floor, 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE.
As a new magazine this guide is far from exhaustive and we make additions iteratively. It was last updated on
ai (artificial intellgience)
We don't publish anything that contains AI-generated content, and we don't use AI-generated images†. Paperweight magazine is written for, and by, people who want content produced by real human beings. It's a sanctuary from the ensh*ttification of social media, the internet, and the wider deteriorating information environment. That said, we don't like the idea of dismissing any new technology out of hand, and the potential for artificial intelligence for research and betterment of humanity should not be ignored. For example, if AI helps you process data that leads to an interesting story that you want to write, we would still like to hear about it.
†We can't guarantee that AI-generated content won't be submitted to our editorial team, but we think we're pretty good at spotting it. Our faith in Paperweight's writers and contributors is paramount, so we feel confident that we can keep this promise, but if you think we've been caught out we sincerely ask that you tell us: editor@paperweightmag.com
Words and topics
british spelling
Paperweight is published in London so all words in English should use British spelling, except where it's necessary to repeat a quote or document verbatim.
cyclist, motorist
Distinguishing between bicycle users and car users has generated an unnecessary culture war contrary to Paperweight's belief that most people don't have the luxury to choose which mode of transport for the task at hand. And even if they can choose, that they have the right to decide what's best for their life. It is inaccurate to use the same demonym to describe someone who commutes to work by car - because there's no public transport option - as someone who is a motor car enthusiast. And it's unwise to presume that a 'cyclist' never drives a car, or a 'motorist' never cycles. Bicycles, cars, vans, and lorries are tools for different jobs - not personalities or political positions. Also see 'road users'.
road users
The expression 'road users' should be avoided or used sparingly. Paperweight seeks to overcome unnecessary and unhelpful distinctions between people manufactured by parts of the media. Someone who doesn't own a car still buys goods from shops that receive deliveries from vans and lorries. Someone who cycles is unlikely to never be seen in a taxi. We are all road users.
taxpayer
We don't use the word 'taxpayer' unless it's in a direct quote. Anyone buying a coffee pays VAT, and 99% of households in Great Britain pay council tax. We think that 'taxpayer' is an unecessary term largely intended to generate 'othering' of certain groups of society in an attempt to justify an author's preferred cuts to public spending.