Documented
Strong primary records, official data, research, or multiple strong independent sources.
EvidenceMethod before conclusion
What do we actually know?
Every consequential claim should show what supports it, what remains uncertain, and what would change our assessment.
Reported
Credible journalism or reliable testimony without enough primary evidence for documented status.
Observed
Firsthand documentation. Observation alone does not establish prevalence, causation, or organizational responsibility.
Claimed
An assertion by an involved party that Dear Burning Man has not independently established.
Unsubstantiated
Investigated, but the evidence currently available is insufficient. It will not be presented as fact.
Research is underway.
The first findings will focus on the strongest available evidence. We will distinguish participant conduct from organizational responsibility and on-playa impacts from off-playa impacts.