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Merge a messy chat thread of supply requests into one order
Practice: Asking for a format you can use. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
You collected office supply requests from a busy chat channel and need to paste one clean order into the supplier form. Merge duplicates and different spellings into one numbered line per item (there should be 5), alphabetical, each as Item - total unit with the added amounts in parentheses, and no names. Apply cancellations, leave out anything that isn't a supply, plain text, nothing else.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Not saying to merge. The AI copies each request on its own line, names and all, so pens show up three times. Try: Add: "Merge duplicates and spellings like blk pens and post-its into one line per item."
- Missing the cancellation. The AI counts Raj's printer paper even though he took it back. Try: Add: "Apply cancellations and leave out non-supplies like the standing desk."
- Leaving the shape open. The AI adds a heading, a table and a note about the deadline. Try: Show it: "1. AA batteries - 2 packs. Alphabetical, no names, nothing else."
- Forgetting where it goes. AI loves markdown tables and bold, which show up as clutter in a supplier form. Try: Add: "Plain text, no bold, headings or tables."
What a strong prompt includes
- Asks to merge duplicates
- Applies cancellations
- Asks for alphabetical order
- Drops names
- Asks for plain text
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