# Principles

## Evidence before narrative

Original artefacts, machine observations, human-confirmed knowledge and generated storytelling are different things. The website and future product should make those boundaries visible.

## Local-first by design

Memory Farm aims to keep original material and core processing under the user’s control wherever practical. Any optional external processing must be clear about what leaves a device and why.

## Ownership and portability

Original artefacts should remain independently usable. Derived material should use documented, exportable formats. A user should not need an enduring account, vendor or model to retain their archive.

## Replaceable components

AI models are tools, not permanent custodians of an archive. The project should favour components that can be inspected, replaced or removed.

## Honest uncertainty

An inference is not proof. A generated narrative is not truth. Uncertainty, confidence and supporting evidence should be visible rather than hidden behind fluent language.