Brief an assistant to update a mailing list without losing anyone

About this exercise

You want an AI assistant to update the company's holiday card mailing list from this week's replies. Write its brief: update an address only when the reply gives a full new address, send anyone asking to be removed to you with ASK_HUMAN instead of deleting, add a new contact only with a full name and full address, and never order or print cards. Output exactly 6 numbered plain-text lines: one per reply in order, then DONE.

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."
• No rule for what counts. The AI updates Kim's address for a move that hasn't happened yet. Try: Add: "Update only when the reply gives a full new address."
• Deleting and guessing. The AI deletes Ben right away and adds Lisa with a guessed address. Try: Add: "Never delete; ask me. Add only with full name and full address."
• Letting it order. With the print order open, the AI orders cards to finish the job. Try: Add: "Never order or print cards. End with DONE."

What a strong prompt includes

• Needs a full address
• Forbids deleting
• Rules out made-up data
• Forbids ordering
• Shows the action-log format

Practice this now ↑

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