Brief an assistant to turn a time log into a draft invoice

About this exercise

You want an AI assistant to turn last week's time log into an invoice for your client at $85 an hour. Write its brief: bill only client work, show each line's math (hours x $85), ask you about any entry with unclear hours instead of guessing, and never send the invoice. Output exactly 6 numbered plain-text lines: 4 invoice lines, an ASK_HUMAN line, then DONE with the total as math.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Not showing the log format. Left alone, the AI writes a friendly report with headings instead of a checkable action log. Try: Show it literally: "Format every line like 1. ACTION: tool(args), then ASK_HUMAN: and DONE: lines. Plain text."
• Hiding the math. The AI shows amounts only, and a slip in one line goes unnoticed. Try: Say: "Show hours x $85 = amount on each line."
• Allowing guesses. The AI bills the runaway timer or picks a likely number for the call. Try: Add: "Bill client work only. If hours are unclear, ASK_HUMAN."
• Letting it send. Given send_invoice, the AI finishes by emailing the client. Try: Add: "Never send. End with DONE showing the total as math."

What a strong prompt includes

• Gives the rate
• Bills only client work
• Asks for the math
• Rules out made-up data
• Forbids sending

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