How We Score Reviews at The Stock Dork
Every TSD rating is calculated using a five-dimension rubric applied consistently across all reviews. Here's exactly how a score is reached — and what it means for you as an investor.
The TSD Score at a Glance
Each review gets a single score out of 10, calculated as the weighted average of five dimensions. The final score is rounded to one decimal place. Below is what each range means in plain language.
The Five Scoring Dimensions
All five dimensions are scored from 1–10 by the review author after completing the review process. The fact-checker verifies the scores against source material before the review is published.
10/10 example: Detailed methodology, cited data, specific past calls with verifiable outcomes, genuine analysis of risks.
1/10 example: Thin content that mirrors the product's own marketing copy with no independent analysis.
10/10 example: All tiers listed with exact prices, renewal terms, what's included at each level, and any trial conditions clearly stated.
1/10 example: Pricing is vague or buried, renewal rates are not disclosed, or advertised price differs from checkout price.
10/10 example: Long published track record, audited performance claims, editor credentials linked to verifiable prior roles.
1/10 example: Unverifiable or cherry-picked performance claims, anonymous editors, no disclosed track record methodology.
10/10 example: Clean interface, clear portfolio tracking, responsive support, delivers on stated features.
1/10 example: Hard-to-navigate portal, no support contact, alerts arrive late or lack context.
10/10 example: Unconditional money-back guarantee with a clear time window and simple process.
1/10 example: No refund policy, complex cancellation terms, or known reports of refund difficulties.
Example Score Breakdown
Here is how the Oxford Communiqué review score of 8.2/10 was calculated:
The Oxford Communiqué — Score Breakdown
Weighted calculation: (9 × 0.25) + (6 × 0.25) + (8 × 0.20) + (8 × 0.20) + (10 × 0.10) = 8.15 → rounded to 8.2/10
Our Review Process — Step by Step
Every review follows the same six-step process before it is published. No step is skipped for any product, regardless of affiliate relationship.
The author subscribes to or creates an account with the product being reviewed. We test with real credentials. For investment newsletters, this means receiving and reading actual issues. For apps and platforms, we log in and navigate the member experience firsthand.
We independently verify credentials, look up the editor's background, check third-party review platforms (BBB, Trustpilot), and assess the legitimacy of any performance claims. We do not rely solely on the company's own marketing material.
The author scores each of the five dimensions independently based on their findings. Scores must be supported by specific evidence documented in the review text — a score cannot be assigned without a stated justification.
The review must include at least one section describing direct, first-hand experience with the product — specific details that could only be known by a genuine user. Screenshots are included where relevant and permitted.
A second TSD editor reviews the draft for factual accuracy. The fact-checker verifies: pricing details, company background claims, performance statistics, and whether the TSD Score matches the evidence in the review text. The fact-checker's name is displayed on every review page.
Prices, features, and refund policies change. Every review is flagged for re-evaluation at least once every 12 months, or immediately if we receive notice of a significant product change. The "Last Reviewed" date on each page reflects the most recent evaluation.
Affiliate Relationships & Independence
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on TSD review pages are affiliate links. If you subscribe to or purchase a product through one of these links, The Stock Dork may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These relationships are always disclosed on the review page with a "Partner Link" label.
Affiliate relationships do not influence our scores. The five-dimension rubric is applied identically to all products regardless of whether an affiliate relationship exists. Products we do not have an affiliate relationship with are reviewed and scored using the same criteria.
If a product we review changes its affiliate terms, the score is not adjusted. If a product materially changes its features or pricing after publication, the score is updated based on the new facts — not on commercial considerations.
Author Independence
TSD review authors are not employed by, paid by, or given equity in any product they review. Authors may hold personal brokerage accounts or subscriptions independently, and any such holdings are disclosed in the review where relevant.
The Stock Dork does not accept payment for favorable reviews or for including specific products in "best of" lists. Our editorial team makes all decisions on what to cover and how to rate it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a higher TSD score mean I will make money?
No. A TSD score reflects our assessment of the product's quality, transparency, and credibility — not a prediction of future returns. A 9/10 newsletter can still make calls that lose money. Investing always involves risk. Use the score as one input in your decision, not as a guarantee.
How often are scores updated?
Every review is re-evaluated at least once every 12 months. We also update immediately if we learn of a material change to the product — such as a price increase, change in refund policy, or a significant editorial team change. The "Last Reviewed" date at the top of each review reflects the most recent full evaluation.
Why does the TSD score sometimes differ from user reviews on other platforms?
Our score is based on a structured rubric focused on investment-relevant criteria: research quality, pricing transparency, track record, member experience, and refund policy. User reviews on platforms like Trustpilot often reflect customer service experiences, billing disputes, or emotional reactions to trade outcomes. Both are useful but measure different things.
Can a company request a review or challenge a score?
Companies can submit factual corrections if specific information in a review is inaccurate — for example, if a price has changed or a feature description is wrong. We will verify and update the fact. They cannot request a score change, ask us to remove negative findings, or influence the review's conclusions. Score changes happen only when the underlying facts change.
Who writes and fact-checks TSD reviews?
All TSD reviews are written by named authors with disclosed backgrounds in finance, investing, or fintech writing. Each review is independently fact-checked by a second editor whose name is displayed on the review page alongside the author. Author bio pages with credentials and LinkedIn profiles are linked from every review.