Content publishing
Decide which old pages need a real update
An old page needs an update when its facts, steps or links no longer work for the reader, or when it misses what readers now ask. Review each page against its purpose, note the specific problem and write the correction. Leave pages that still work alone.
A text to start with
I manage these pages: [list of titles and links]. For each, the intended reader is [reader] and the page helps them [task]. Here is what I know has changed since publication: [changes]. Here are questions readers have sent: [questions]. List which pages have a factual or practical problem, what the problem is and what correction would fix it. Do not suggest edits to pages where nothing has changed.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Page review list
Repeat this block for each page. Page title and link: [ ] Published or last verified date: [ ] What the reader uses this page to do: [ ] Reader problem found: [ ] Evidence it is out of date or incomplete (changed fact, failed step, dead link, reader question): [ ] Where I confirmed the current information: [ ] Proposed correction: [ ] Severity for the reader: [blocks task / causes confusion / minor] Decision: [update / leave as is / merge / retire] Date the content was actually changed: [ ] Reviewed by: [ ]
Edits that add no value
Changing a published date or rephrasing sentences without changing the content gives the reader nothing and can mislead them about when it was last verified. Check that each correction names a specific fact, step or link that is wrong, and that you have confirmed the new version yourself. Be wary of added sections justified as "comprehensive" when no reader question calls for them. A page whose purpose has ended may be better retired or merged than refreshed. Check instructions that depend on third-party screens or rules against that provider's current version.
Ask another agent to check the result
Look at this list and flag any proposed update that changes only a date, wording or layout without correcting a fact, step or missing answer. Also flag corrections that cite no source for the new information. For each, say whether the page should stay unchanged.
Work the list in order
Sort the pages by how badly the problem affects a reader trying to finish the task. Fix broken instructions and wrong facts first. Verify each new fact from a source you can name before editing. Change a page's date only when its content has changed. Keep the list so you can see which pages you reviewed and chose to leave.