Who this helps: Users deciding whether a report is deep enough to rely on, retry, or strengthen with more source material.
Levels
1. Evidence depth describes what the report can actually inspect.
The same visual report shell can contain very different evidence strength. MindShelf should make the evidence level explicit so a reader knows whether conclusions are based on metadata, source text, transcript text, or user-provided source packs.
- Metadata-only: titles, descriptions, profile fields, and visible public metadata.
- Source-backed: public pages, descriptions, pasted material, or cited source text.
- Transcript-backed: spoken or written long-form text that supports deeper rhetorical and reasoning analysis.
Confidence
2. A lower evidence level is not a bug if it is labeled clearly.
Some targets simply do not expose enough material. The correct behavior is to reduce confidence, surface the boundary, and suggest better inputs.
- Do not use a high quality score to hide weak evidence.
- Do separate source coverage from writing polish.
- Do recommend specific additional source types when depth is limited.
Upgrade path
3. Better inputs can produce stronger reports.
User-provided interviews, book excerpts, talks, transcripts, newsletters, and decision records can turn a shallow report into a deeper source-backed research asset.
- Add primary sources when possible.
- Prefer long-form interviews, essays, and talks over short descriptions.
- Treat unsupported claims as questions, not conclusions.
FAQ
4. Frequently asked questions
Why does a report say metadata-only?
It means the system could only inspect shallow public fields such as titles, descriptions, profile text, or limited metadata. The report should not overstate deep reasoning from that evidence.
How do I get a deeper report?
Use a source-rich public target or provide additional high-quality source material such as interviews, essays, talks, transcripts, or notes.
Try it with your own input
Turn this question into a source-bounded report.
Start with a free Quick Scan for a public figure or source pack. MindShelf checks whether there is enough public evidence before you decide to use a report credit.