HOLE · alpha · worked example
How to build a research Trail with a source ledger
A useful research Trail keeps claims connected to their sources. Collecting links is a starting point; note what each source supports and where uncertainty remains.
Updated October 10, 2026 · by thecreatingco
A small example to work through
Our original research question is how to prepare a short film shoot. The example ledger separates primary camera specifications, a first-person production account and an unsourced checklist.
| Item | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Camera specification | Primary documentation | Use for supported recording formats |
| Production account | First-person report | Use for that crew experience only |
| Unsourced checklist | Unknown origin | Verify claims before reuse |
| Your summary | Synthesis | Link each factual claim to evidence |
Download the editable text worksheet · Download the CSV worksheet
Use the blank observation and decision fields to record your own result. These downloads are planning worksheets; they do not load an app project or demonstrate a completed export.
Try it and inspect the result
- Open HOLE and search a focused question. Review each result before adding it to a Trail.
- Record creator, source URL, date and the specific claim supported. Prefer the original source when a repost points to it.
- Review Trail visibility before sharing. Keep a separate ledger and distinguish your interpretation from statements the source actually makes.
When the result differs
- Results repeat one article
- Find the original rather than counting reposts as independent evidence.
- Claim has no source
- Mark it unverified and continue searching.
- Source changed since collection
- Revisit important claims and record the date you checked them.
What this example establishes
This is an original source-review exercise, not actual search results or a published Trail. Collected material still needs rights and attribution review. Search ranking alone is not evidence that a claim is correct.
This page supplies a worked example and a review method. It does not report a newly completed end-to-end app test. For current availability and edition details, read the HOLE overview.