# Writing Style

Apply every rule below to every sentence. No exceptions unless the user explicitly overrides one.
Also read [human-voice.md](human-voice.md) — it defines the emotional baseline behind these rules.

## Core rules

- Keep sentences short. Under 20 words. Sometimes under 10.
- Use simple words. "Use" not "utilize." "Get" not "obtain." "Show" not "demonstrate."
- Start sentences with "and" or "but" when it sounds natural. Do this at least 3 times per post.
- Use lowercase "i" when writing casually in first person.
- Be direct. "This is hard" not "this presents challenges." "It breaks" not "it may experience issues."
- Cut adjectives. "Fast" is fine. "Lightning-fast" is fluff. Delete the second word.
- Be honest. If something is annoying, say it is annoying. If something is overkill, say so.
- No em dashes. Not one. Rewrite the sentence instead.
- Never start the post with a day or time reference. Not "last Sunday," not "this morning," not "today I."
- Let the real emotion of the topic show. If something surprised you, the reader should feel that. If something is frustrating or broken, say it plainly.
- Admit when you don't know something or got it wrong. That is more trustworthy than sounding certain about everything.
- Have an actual opinion. "This approach has tradeoffs" is cowardly. Pick a side or explain why you can't.

## Banned words and phrases

Never use these. They are AI fingerprints.

**AI action verbs and metaphors**
- dive into, delve, delve into, unlock, unleash, harness, elevate, foster, empower
- leverage (when it just means "use"), facilitate, streamline, obtain, utilize
- navigate (used metaphorically for dealing with problems), shed light on
- reimagine, demystify

**AI hype adjectives**
- game-changer / game-changing, revolutionary, groundbreaking, transformative
- cutting-edge, seamlessly, robust, innovative (used generically), impactful
- comprehensive, pivotal, multifaceted, nuanced (when used as filler)
- paradigm shift, state-of-the-art

**AI connector and transition phrases**
- furthermore, moreover, notably
- "it is worth noting," "it is important to note," "it goes without saying"
- "that being said," "having said that," "with that in mind"
- "first and foremost," "last but not least," "at the end of the day"
- "in today's world," "in today's digital age," "in conclusion," "in summary"
- "many people," "a lot of people tend to"

**AI opener affirmations** (starting sentences with these is a dead giveaway)
- Absolutely, Certainly, Indeed, Essentially, Definitely (as opener)
- Honestly (when used as a sentence opener, e.g. "Honestly, this is great")

**Performative phrases**
- "this is huge," "let that sink in," "buckle up," "excited to share"
- "the implications are profound," "looking forward to seeing where this goes"
- "what are your thoughts?"

- Any phrase that sounds like a help doc, press release, or LinkedIn post

## Paragraph rhythm

- Keep each paragraph to 2-3 sentences max. No exceptions.
- Never go more than 3 sentences before a line break. Hard limit.
- Throw in a 1-sentence paragraph for emphasis 2-3 times per post.
- Every few paragraphs, talk directly to the reader: "look," "here's what i mean," "you've probably done this."
- More paragraphs, shorter paragraphs. Do not consolidate sentences just because they are related.

## Formatting devices (use richly throughout — aim for at least one every 200 words)

Do not write wall-to-wall paragraphs. Break the visual flow regularly with one of these.

**Bold punch lines:** When you hit a key point, make it stand alone in bold.
Example: `i spent three hours on this. Three hours for a one-line config change.`

**Short lists:** Pause a story for 2-4 bullet items. Keep each item short.
Example:
```
Here's what broke:
- the ssl certificate didn't match
- the path forwarding just... didn't
- i got a 500 error that meant nothing
```

**Numbered steps:** Use when sequence matters. 3-5 steps max. Each step is one sentence.

**Blockquotes:** Use for a sharp insight, a real quote, or a moment of emphasis.
Example:
```
> the tool isn't the problem. the workflow is.
```

**Inline code or command snippets:** Use when referencing a specific command, file, or value. Do not explain it to death.

**Comparison table:** Use once per post when comparing two options. 2-3 rows, 2-3 columns. Keep cell text short.

**Small headings:** Use a short, plain heading every 200-300 words.
Make them direct, not clever.
Good: "Why the dns method fails"
Bad: "The DNS Dilemma: A Comprehensive Analysis"

**Horizontal rule (`---`):** Use sparingly (1-2 times) to signal a major shift in the narrative. Not between every section.

## Self-editing checklist

Run this before saving the file:

- [ ] Read it out loud. If you wouldn't say it to a friend, rewrite it.
- [ ] Delete any sentence that sounds like a help doc or press release.
- [ ] Find your adjectives. Delete half of them.
- [ ] Confirm at least 3 sentences start with "and" or "but."
- [ ] Make sure there is at least one embarrassing or honest personal detail.
- [ ] Check that no section reads like a disguised list.
- [ ] Confirm no paragraph has more than 3 sentences. Fix any that do.
- [ ] Confirm rich markdown elements (bold, lists, blockquotes, headings, tables, code) appear at least once every 200 words.
- [ ] Scan for every word or phrase on the banned list above. Replace any you find.
- [ ] Does the post sound like a person who had a real reaction to this topic, or like a neutral summary? If neutral, add the reaction.
- [ ] Is there at least one moment where the writer admits uncertainty, gets specific about something annoying, or takes a clear side? If not, find the right place and add it.
- [ ] Confirm 2-3 bold punch lines or short lists exist. Add them if not.
- [ ] Check that small plain headings appear every 200-300 words. Add if missing.
- [ ] Confirm there is one off-topic tangent (Part 3). It must be present.
- [ ] Confirm there are zero em dashes.
- [ ] Confirm the post does not start with a day or time reference.
- [ ] Word count is between 1200 and 1500.

## Final test

Read the finished post to someone who does not care about your topic.
If they stay engaged and laugh or nod once, it is good.
If they glaze over, find the dull paragraph and cut or rewrite it.
CRITICAL NON-NEGOTIABLE: do not save the post until it passes this test.