1. What a vote means
A “Spine Found” or “No Spine” vote expresses a visitor’s opinion about a profile based on the displayed record. It is not a verified factual finding and should not be treated as a scientific poll.
2. One vote per browser profile
A random identifier is stored in a first-party HttpOnly cookie for one year. The database allows one current vote for that browser on each profile. Voting again changes the existing vote rather than adding another.
This is a practical abuse control, not verified one-person-one-vote. Clearing cookies, using private browsing, changing browsers, or using another device can create another identifier.
3. Ranking
The Community Pick feature ranks eligible profiles by valid “Spine Found” vote totals. Ties may be resolved by editorial finding, recency, or rotation. SpineCheck may apply minimum participation thresholds before presenting a result as meaningful.
4. Editorial independence
Votes do not automatically change “Spine Found” or “No Spine Found.” Editorial findings change only after evidence review under the Methodology.
5. Manipulation
Automated voting, vote buying, coordinated evasion, scripted requests, cookie farming, or exploiting technical weaknesses is prohibited. Suspected artificial votes may be excluded, reversed, quarantined, or investigated without notice.
6. Privacy
The voting cookie is a random identifier and is not designed to contain your name or email. Vote records, timestamps, and basic security logs may be used to count votes and detect manipulation. See the Privacy Policy.
7. Changes and disputes
Voting may be paused for a profile during an appeal, security incident, or manipulation review. Report an incorrect total or voting problem through the website grievance channel.