Turn backup notes into a checklist with owners

About this exercise

Turn the file server's backup notes into a recurring checklist. Write exactly 6 numbered checklist items, each ending with '(Owner: name, how often)', using the newest setup where the notes were updated. Only owners named in the notes. Plain text, under 120 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• A generic checklist. The AI writes industry best practices like the 3-2-1 rule instead of your actual setup. Try: Say: "Use only the backup notes. Only owners named there."
• Using the old schedule. The AI keeps the weekly offsite copy and misses the Oct 1 update. Try: Add: "Where the notes were updated, use the newest setup."
• Adding the wish list. The AI turns 'ideas for later' into checklist tasks. Try: Say: "Skip anything marked not approved."
• No owner or schedule. A checklist without who and how often doesn't get done. Try: Show the end of each line: "(Owner: name, how often)."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for "under 120 words" and it often lands well over. Try: Ask for less than the limit and cap each line: "each line under 15 words, under 90 words total."
• Letting markdown in. AI adds bold and headings by default, and in a printed checklist they show up as stray symbols. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."

What a strong prompt includes

• Asks for owner and frequency
• Uses the newest setup
• Says exactly how many
• Keeps it to the material
• Asks for plain text

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises

• Accept a job offer and confirm the exact terms (Writing AI · Job seekers)
• Answer a 'where is my order' email with the real new date (Writing AI · Customer support teams)
• Answer a big discount ask with two priced options (Writing AI · Sales and customer success)
• Answer a buyer's HOA questions from the bylaws (Research & AI Search · Real estate agents)
• Answer a charge nurse application question with evidence (Writing AI · Nurses and healthcare workers)