The Best Prompt May Need Less of the Record

A useful AI request often needs less information than the folder beside it contains. It may need a writing goal, audience, tone, a few verified facts, and a clear boundary. It does not automatically need account numbers, private correspondence, personal circumstances, or uncertain claims.

“What Does the Tool Need?” practices a simple discipline: name the task first, then sort the available material before sharing anything. Keep what is required now. Generalize what is useful but too specific. Mark uncertain facts for verification. Keep private records out, or route them to an approved system and responsible person.

This is not a promise that a smaller prompt makes any task appropriate. It is a way to keep a drafting request useful while making its limits visible.

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Source: labs/what-does-the-tool-need/companions/article-medium-draft.md