Decision method
Criteria before conclusions.
ToolSieve begins with the job, stage, and budget—not the product paying a commission.
1. Define the decision
Every comparison states the audience, operating job, and constraint it is trying to resolve. A universal “best” product is not a valid starting point.
2. Set criteria before researching vendors
Typical criteria include current cost, workflow fit, plan limits, automation depth, migration burden, data handling, and exit options. The criteria appear before the verdict so a reader can disagree with the weighting.
3. Separate facts from interpretation
Product facts require current official pricing, product, help, migration, privacy, legal, or program sources. A fit recommendation is labeled as editorial interpretation. Documentation does not prove usability, deliverability, support quality, or results.
4. Preserve a “neither” answer
A comparison must identify when to delay a purchase, keep the current tool, test a critical workflow, or widen the shortlist.
5. Keep compensation outside the score
Program eligibility and commissions determine whether a link can be monetized; they do not change the product recommendation. Sponsored relationships are disclosed near the relevant link.
6. Re-verify volatile claims
Prices, limits, plan names, trials, integrations, migration paths, and affiliate terms can change. Commercial content displays a verification date and is reviewed when a material source changes.