Why we ask, and where it goes.
Evolution Issues has no ads, no paywall and no tracking. That is a deliberate choice, and it means the bills are paid by readers who think the work is worth doing.
The Evaluator, in numbers
Reading a research paper closely is the most expensive thing the site does. Each new evaluation sends the full text to the Claude API, with the rubric and fallacy catalogue, and gets back a graded, quoted analysis. Our estimate is about 9 to 17 cents per source, depending on length and the model we choose. We are running a 20-paper test to replace that estimate with a measured figure, and will publish it.
Three things keep that cost under control, and all of them are built into the system:
- Each source is paid for once. Results are saved. The second person to evaluate a paper gets it free, instantly.
- Monthly allowances. Everyone can read the whole library. New evaluations are limited per person each month.
- A hard spending cap. The system refuses new evaluations rather than go past a daily and monthly limit we set in advance.
Supporters will receive a larger monthly allowance for new evaluations, because it is their giving that pays for them.
How we handle gifts
- Gifts are voluntary and go to Vital-Fill, which operates the site. They are used for running costs and the work of review.
- Unless the checkout page says otherwise, a gift is not a tax-deductible charitable donation.
- Payments are processed by the provider named at checkout. We don't see or store card details.
- Giving doesn't buy influence over what the evidence says or how a claim is graded.
Online giving is being set up. If you'd like to help in the meantime, write to us and we'll be in touch when it is ready.