Agent skill

outline-first

Create and confirm article outlines before any drafting in the AI 实践记录 workflow.

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Forks 31

Install this agent skill to your Project

npx add-skill https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/tree/main/skills/data/outline-first

SKILL.md

outline-first

This skill enforces outline-first writing for the AI 实践记录 / Real World AI Log project.

It ensures the human reviews and selects a clear outline before any drafting begins.


When to Use

Use this skill when:

  • A topic or idea has been selected
  • You need to propose structure before writing
  • The human wants options and tradeoffs

Do NOT use this skill for:

  • Draft writing
  • Style polishing
  • Publishing tasks

Required Workflow

1. Context Intake (Mandatory)

Before proposing outlines, the agent MUST:

  1. Read README.md
  2. Read AGENTS.md
  3. Scan the latest 2–3 files in content/published/ (if any)
  4. Identify:
    • Target audience
    • Related column/series (if any)
    • Tone constraints and boundaries

Summarize understanding in 5–7 bullet points.

STOP and wait for confirmation if understanding is unclear.


2. Outline Proposal (Mandatory)

Propose 2–3 outline options, each with:

  • Central question / problem statement
  • Intended reader takeaway
  • High-level section list
  • Tradeoffs (why choose / not choose this outline)

The agent MUST ask the human to choose one option.

Do not proceed until a choice is confirmed.


3. Outline Creation & User Confirmation (Mandatory)

After an outline is selected, the agent MUST:

  1. Create the outline file in content/outlines/<slug>.md
  2. Wait for the human to:
    • Confirm the outline is ready, OR
    • Manually edit/revise the outline
  3. Only after explicit user confirmation/approval, proceed to next step
  4. Clarify scope limits (what the article will NOT cover)
  5. Confirm the next task (typically draft writing)

CRITICAL: The agent MUST NOT proceed to draft writing until the human explicitly confirms the outline is finalized (either original or after manual edits).


Writing Constraints

  • Practice-first, not theory-first
  • No authoritative tone
  • Short to medium paragraphs
  • No exaggerated AI claims
  • Avoid tutorial-style imperatives

Guardrails (Hard Rules)

  • ❌ Do not draft without an approved outline
  • ❌ Do not invent facts or experiences
  • ❌ Do not skip confirmation steps

Success Criteria

This skill is successful when:

  • The human quickly selects an outline
  • The scope is explicit and reviewable
  • The workflow reduces decision fatigue before drafting

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