Retrieved date note

A retrieved date note records when a live web source was checked, what version or visible state was observed, and why the source may need to be checked again. It is useful when the cited page can change without a new publication event that is easy for readers to notice.

Schema.org properties such as datePublished and dateModified describe dates attached to a CreativeWork or data feed entry. HTTP headers such as ETag and Last-Modified can help clients validate whether a resource changed. Those signals are useful, but a source trail still needs a human-readable retrieval note when the cited evidence is a live documentation page, policy page, product page, or support article that may change over time.

A practical retrieved date note includes source URL, retrieved date, observed title, relevant section, publisher date fields when visible, HTTP validator if checked, archived copy if available, and the claim that depended on the source. If the claim is sensitive, the note should also include a review trigger such as product release, policy update, legal change, or pricing change.

The point is not to pretend the web is frozen. The point is to separate “this source said X when checked” from “this source will always say X.” That distinction makes later correction easier and keeps citations from becoming stale decoration.

Retrieved date note live web source change risk 2026 06 26

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Retrieved date note live web source change risk 2026 06 26

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