FAQ — True Human Mark

Question 1

What is True Human Mark?

Accepted Answer

True Human Mark (THM) is developing an evidence based certification standard for human involvement in written work. THM evaluates documentation of the creation process and will issue certification decisions based on the applicable standard and the evidence submitted. The pilot program launches Winter 2026.

Question 2

Can I get certified right now?

Accepted Answer

No. True Human Mark is in pre-launch and our pilot launches Winter 2026. Click "Get Certified" to send AJ a message and receive pilot updates.

Question 3

Who is True Human Mark for?

Accepted Answer

Right now we focus on long-form writing: sports journalism, newspaper reporting, art reviews, and local pop culture writing. The pilot will be open to writers in these categories nationwide.

Question 4

Is THM an AI detector?

Accepted Answer

No. THM is not an AI detector. No single AI detector can conclusively establish authorship. THM evaluates evidence of how a work was produced — drafts, revision history, research materials, editorial records, and other documentation — rather than relying solely on automated detection tools.

Question 5

Is THM against AI?

Accepted Answer

No. THM is pro transparency, not anti AI. Work that involved AI tools in a supporting role can receive certification under the appropriate designation. THM's purpose is to make the production process of written content more understandable and verifiable. Not to prohibit AI use.

Question 6

Who founded True Human Mark?

Accepted Answer

True Human Mark was founded by AJ Armstrong, an Indiana native, USMC veteran, FAA-certified A&P mechanic, and industrial salesman based in Indiana.

Question 7

Why is THM starting in Indianapolis?

Accepted Answer

Indianapolis and Central Indiana give THM a focused environment to work directly with creators, build relationships, test the certification process, refine standards, and develop early case studies before expanding. Starting locally allows THM to build a credible track record before scaling.

Question 8

Do I have to live in Indianapolis to apply?

Accepted Answer

No. Certification is not geographically restricted to Indianapolis. Eligible applicants outside Indianapolis and Central Indiana can apply through the same certification process. THM does not restrict certification by geography.

Question 9

What types of written work can be certified?

Accepted Answer

When the pilot launches, THM will initially certify original written content, with a focus on sports journalists, newspaper reporters, art critics and reviewers, and local pop culture writers. Other content categories — video, audio, photography, art, and others — may be added after appropriate standards and verification procedures are developed.

Question 10

How can I document that I wrote something myself?

Accepted Answer

Keep dated drafts, version history from your writing app, outlines, interview and research notes, and correspondence with your editor. True Human Mark is designed to turn that kind of record into a certification readers can check.

Question 11

What records should I keep to show my writing process?

Accepted Answer

Early drafts with dates, saved version history, notes and outlines, sources and research, and any edits or feedback from editors. The more documentation you have of your process, the stronger your certification submission will be.

Question 12

How can I share information about AI use in my writing?

Accepted Answer

Be specific about which tools, if any, were used and for what — for example spell-check, research, or editing. True Human Mark will offer a standard, consistent way to communicate this through the three certification designations: Human, Human + AI, and AI.

Question 13

What evidence is required?

Accepted Answer

Evidence requirements are defined in the applicable certification standard, which is in development. Relevant types of evidence include working drafts, version history, research materials, source documents, interview notes, editorial records, assignment correspondence, and creator attestations. Specific requirements will be published when the applicable standard is finalized.

Question 14

How does the certification process work?

Accepted Answer

When the pilot launches, a creator or publisher will submit a specific written work along with supporting documentation of the creation process. THM will review the submitted evidence against the applicable certification standard and issue a certification decision. The certification record will be maintained and publicly verifiable.

Question 15

How long does certification take?

Accepted Answer

Certification timelines are in development and will be published as part of the applicable standard. THM will not commit to specific review times until the process has been tested and timelines can be stated accurately.

Question 16

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing for the paid pilot will be announced before paid certification opens. We will communicate pricing before paid certification launches.

Question 17

What is the difference between a Creator Declaration and THM Certified?

Accepted Answer

A Creator Declaration is self-reported by the writer. THM Certified means True Human Mark has independently reviewed the evidence. Readers will always be able to tell which one applies.

Question 18

Does certification mean AI was never used?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. THM has three certification designations: Human, Human + AI, and AI. The designation reflects the level of human involvement documented in the production of the specific work. A Human + AI designation means AI was used in a supporting role. An AI designation means generative AI produced a substantial or primary portion of the content.

Question 19

Does certification prove the work is original?

Accepted Answer

No. THM certification does not establish legal originality, copyright ownership, or absence of plagiarism. Certification addresses the production process — how the work was created — not its legal status or originality.

Question 20

Does certification guarantee accuracy?

Accepted Answer

No. THM certification does not establish factual accuracy. Certification addresses the production process, not the accuracy of the content.

Question 21

Does certification mean the work is good?

Accepted Answer

No. THM certification does not evaluate quality, editorial merit, or journalistic standards. Certification addresses the production process only.

Frequently asked questions

About THM

Indianapolis

The certification process

What certification means

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