When does Deploy Grade publish?
Twice a week, at 6 AM Pacific Time: the Teardown on Wednesday and the Change Report on Friday. The first issue is Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
Who is it for?
Founders, operators, and budget owners who choose AI tools, justify the spend, and live with the bill.
How are grades decided?
Each deployment is scored 0–4 on five weighted criteria (evidence, measured outcome, cost and payback transparency, durability and risk controls, transferability). The weighted score maps to a letter from A to F. The full method is on the rubric page.
Does a low grade mean the deployment failed?
No. A low grade means the public evidence is weak. Companies can raise their grade by publishing better data, and we re-grade and note the change.
Can a company pay for a grade or review it before publication?
No. No company pays for or reviews a grade, and we don't contact graded companies before publication. Sponsors never touch grades.
Is it free?
Yes. Both weekly issues, every grade, and every correction are free. A Pro tier at $19 a month is planned, with trackers, worksheets, and templates. It never hides a grade.
How do I subscribe or unsubscribe?
Subscribe at deploygrade.substack.com. Every email has a one-click unsubscribe link handled by Substack.
How do I sponsor an issue?
See the sponsor page for slots and policy, then email deploygrade@pm.me. Rates are quoted from real, dated audience figures.
I found an error. What happens?
Email deploygrade@pm.me. We fix errors in the web version and note the fix at the top of the issue.
Is this investment advice?
No. Grades are editorial opinion based on public evidence on the publication date.
More questions? deploygrade@pm.me