Source fallback
Source fallback explains when .auDO uses an alternate public source or collection path because a preferred source is unavailable or incomplete.
What .auDO records
The source path used for collection
Fallback metadata identifies the public source selected, why a preferred source was not used and whether the response was available. Fallback describes collection context, not domain posture.
Technical fields
Why it is recorded
Source changes affect comparability
Why it matters
Fallback supports collection resilience while making source differences visible to readers and maintainers.
What fallback may mean
It may reflect temporary source unavailability, incomplete responses, retry behaviour or differences between public source representations.
Interpretation limits
Fallback is not operational change
A changed source path can affect consistency and comparability. It does not establish that the observed domain changed operationally.
Where to use this reference
Understand collection and source-quality context
Related evidence context