How We Create Content for the Learning Center

1. Topic Research

Topic selection is the initial step. The objective is to select topics relevant to user needs. The team identifies potential topics by analyzing:

  • Questions asked on subreddits like /r/terraform or /r/devops.
  • Problems and questions from the Scalr community.
  • Industry developments and challenges, especially in platform engineering.

2. User Interviews

Scalr users are frequently involved throughout the content creation process. This engagement serves to validate identified problems, proposed approaches, and potential solutions. Such interactions enable a more thorough examination of issues, help avoid superficial content, and can reveal internal blindspots.

3. Fact Checking

All significant information, including code samples, technical details, and examples, undergoes verification. Accuracy is a primary requirement. This involves:

  • Consulting original sources.
  • Referencing reputable studies or organizations.
  • Obtaining insights from subject matter experts.

4. Neutrality Review

Content is reviewed for neutrality. The goal is to present information fairly and comprehensively. This review seeks to identify and address:

  • Language that could unduly influence opinion.
  • One-sided presentations where multiple perspectives exist.
  • Unstated assumptions.

5. Spellcheck & Grammar

Standard spellchecking and grammar checks are performed. A human editorial review is also conducted to identify errors automated tools might miss, ensuring the final text is clear and professional.

6. AI for Clarity and Readability

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools, specifically Google's Gemini and Anthropic's Claude, are utilized at a specific stage of the workflow. This occurs after core content creation, including research, writing, fact-checking, and neutrality review, has been completed by the human team.

The AI's role is to assist in enhancing clarity and readability. For example:

  • Suggesting revisions for complex sentences.
  • Proposing simpler alternatives for technical jargon.
  • Identifying areas where narrative flow can be improved.

All AI suggestions are reviewed by human editors who make the final determination on implementation. AI functions as a refinement tool; it does not make final editorial decisions. The human team retains full control over the content.