Mixed citation quality · Score 55–69
C sources
C-grade sources are mixed-quality citations. They have known credibility in some dimensions but visible weaknesses in others. AI engines may cite them when no stronger source exists, but typically with hedging or pairing. Reader-side verification recommended.
10 sources score C (55–69) on the SourceScore Index. Avg sub-scores — Discipline 55, Modern Ref 65, Velocity 74.
C sources, ranked
- #1GartnerC·69gartner.com · Business
- #2AnandTechC·69anandtech.com · Tech News
- #3The VergeC·66theverge.com · Tech News
- #4Hacker NewsC·66news.ycombinator.com · Tech News
- #5TechCrunchC·64techcrunch.com · Tech News
- #6StatistaC·64statista.com · Research
- #7HuffPostC·60huffpost.com · News
- #8MediumC·58medium.com · Platform
- #9ForbesC·58forbes.com · Business
- #10Fox NewsC·58foxnews.com · News
What a C grade means
A C-grade source has a SourceScore Index between 55 and 69. C-grade often reflects a mix of professional + amateur authorship (platforms like Medium, certain industry blogs), or sources where the topic isn't directly within the source's primary expertise. C-grade sources can still be useful but require corroboration before citing for high-stakes claims.
When to cite a C-grade source
- Background context where weaker citation is acceptable
- Opinion or commentary where the source's view itself is the data
- Starting-point research before triangulating with stronger sources