A template for researching humans without turning into a goblin

People-focused investigations need tighter legal and ethical controls than generic company or infrastructure research.

This template covers

• Subject identifiers and source confidence tracking.
• Cross-platform social analysis without assuming every "John Smith" is your John Smith.
• Public records, business ties, and timeline construction.
• Reporting patterns that separate evidence from speculation, which remains one of history's finest ideas.

Suggested profiling structure

Identity anchors

• Full name and known variants.
• Approximate age or birth markers.
• Current and historical locations.
• Employment, education, and recurring usernames.

Corroboration map

• Social profiles that likely refer to the same person.
• Public records tying them to places, companies, or filings.
• Professional associations, boards, alumni links, and conference appearances.

Timeline

• Build dated events from records, posts, and public mentions.
• Flag unexplained gaps or contradictions.
• Note which parts are confirmed versus merely likely.

Reporting template

1. Subject summary.
2. Verified identifiers.
3. Key associations and timeline notes.
4. Confidence and caveats.
5. Legal or privacy concerns.

Ground rules

• Be lawful.
• Be proportionate.
• Be specific.
• Be the kind of analyst who can explain every conclusion without waving their hands like a budget wizard.