Research Methodology
The technical and editorial methods Orbilo uses to produce reliable cryptocurrency and blockchain documentation.
This page documents the specific methods, source hierarchy, and quality controls that Orbilo applies when researching and writing about cryptocurrency protocols, blockchain networks, and digital asset technologies.
Source Hierarchy
Orbilo follows a strict source hierarchy. Primary sources are always preferred: (1) Official protocol whitepapers and technical papers authored by core developers. (2) On-chain data retrieved directly from public blockchain explorers. (3) Formal governance proposals, improvement proposals (BIPs, EIPs, SIPs), and their outcomes. (4) Peer-reviewed academic publications. Secondary sources such as news articles or analyst reports are only used to provide contextual dates or to confirm information already documented by primary sources.
Technical Accuracy Standards
When describing protocol mechanics, consensus algorithms, tokenomics, or smart contract behavior, Orbilo references the most recent version of the official technical documentation. When a protocol has undergone multiple versions or forks, each version is clearly identified and dated. Numerical claims (block time, supply caps, transaction throughput) are sourced from on-chain data or official documentation and are not estimated.
Handling Contested or Evolving Information
In cases where technical details are actively debated within a development community, Orbilo presents the officially documented position and notes the existence of ongoing discussion without taking sides. When a protocol is in a transition period (e.g., between consensus mechanisms), both the legacy and the new specifications are documented and clearly labeled.
Language and Tone Guidelines
Orbilo content avoids: speculative financial projections, superlatives without technical basis, comparisons framed as endorsements, and language that implies a hierarchy of value between competing projects. The guiding question for every paragraph is: does this sentence convey verifiable technical information, or does it advocate?
Content Lifecycle and Versioning
Each article tracks its own editorial history. When a major update is applied, the nature of the change is noted in the article metadata. Minor corrections (typos, formatting) are applied without a version note. Significant factual revisions (protocol upgrade, governance outcome, consensus change) are recorded with a date stamp. Readers can identify article currency from the "Last reviewed" date visible on each page.
Scope Boundaries
Orbilo documents what blockchain protocols are and how they work. It does not document: real-time price data, exchange listings, wallet compatibility, or trading strategies. These topics fall outside the educational scope of the platform and are better served by specialized financial data providers.