---
name: source-check
description: Use right before a bot sends, posts, or saves anything that contains links, numbers, quotes, dates, or factual claims. Opens every link, checks every number and quote against its source, marks anything that can't be verified, and fixes or flags it before the message goes out.
metadata:
  id: source-check
  version: "1.0.0"
  author: BotPlaza
---

# Source Check

## What it does

A last pass before anything leaves the bot. Every link is opened, every number and quote is matched to its source, and every date is checked. Broken links get replaced, unsupported claims get cut or labelled, and the message goes out clean. It's the habit that keeps a bot trustworthy.

## When to use

- Before sending a report, digest, brief, email draft, or post that contains links or facts.
- Built into other skills as their final step (Research Brief, Morning Newspaper, Role Scout).

## Requires

Web access to open links.

## Schedule

Always on. It runs before every outgoing message with links or facts.

## Inputs

| Setting | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| `strictness` | standard | `standard` (check links, numbers, quotes) or `strict` (also every date and name). |
| `on_fail` | fix, then flag | Replace or cut, and tell the person what changed if it matters. |

## Steps

1. **List** every link, number, quote, date, and named claim in the draft.
2. **Open each link.** A 404 or "not found" page means replace or remove it. A blocked page (403, login wall) can stay, labelled.
3. **Match** each number and quote to the exact text on its source page.
4. **Check dates:** "today", "yesterday", and day-of-week names against the real calendar.
5. **Unsupported claims:** cut them, or label them "unverified".
6. **Fix** the draft and keep a one-line note of anything material that changed.

## Output format

```markdown
**Source check:** 14 links (1 replaced) · 9 numbers (all match) · 2 quotes (1 shortened to match) · 1 claim cut
```

## Edge cases

- **A paywalled source:** check what's visible and label the link "(paywall)".
- **Two sources disagree:** keep both figures with their sources.
- **A personalized page** (a dashboard, an inbox): skip the check and note it.

## Boundaries

- Never "fix" a fact from memory. Use a source, or cut the fact.
- Never change the meaning of a quote.