How Error Responses Are Formatted Under Rule 8 to Achieve a Matter-of-Fact Tone

Rule 8 of the i-have-adhd skill mandates that error messages must use calm, factual language to state the precise cause and required fix while eliminating dramatic phrases like "Uh oh" or "There seems to be a problem," ensuring the focus remains on actionable technical details rather than emotional framing.

The ayghri/i-have-adhd repository establishes a communication protocol designed to reduce cognitive load and anxiety for readers with ADHD. Within this framework, error responses formatted under Rule 8 follow strict guidelines documented in the project's skill definition to remove unnecessary emotional language that can distract from problem resolution. These specifications ensure that every error communication delivers only the essential technical information needed for immediate action.

Rule 8 Specifications in SKILL.md

In skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md at lines 96-102, Rule 8 defines the standard for error message construction. The guideline explicitly prohibits sympathetic phrasing and dramatic punctuation that might increase stress or obscure technical details. According to the source code, the rule requires error responses to function as concise technical directives rather than conversational warnings.

The Three Components of Rule 8 Compliance

Matter-of-Fact Language

Use straightforward statements without exclamation points or sympathetic phrasing. The tone must remain neutral and administrative, avoiding any language that suggests catastrophe or personal fault. This approach prevents the cognitive overwhelm that emotional framing can trigger in readers with ADHD.

Explicit Cause Identification

Every error message must identify exactly where the problem occurs, including specific file names, line numbers, or configuration keys. Precision eliminates ambiguity and allows the reader to locate the issue immediately without searching through logs or documentation. The source specifies that vague references to "issues" or "problems" violate Rule 8 standards.

Actionable Fix Instructions

Provide the precise correction or code change required to resolve the error. The response must contain complete technical details—such as exact syntax changes or header values—enabling immediate implementation without additional research. This requirement ensures that the error message serves as a direct instruction manual for resolution.

Code Examples: Dramatic vs. Matter-of-Fact Responses

The following examples from the repository demonstrate the transformation from prohibited dramatic tone to Rule 8-compliant formatting.

Bad error response (dramatic tone):

Uh oh, the test is failing. There seems to be an issue...

Good error response (matter-of-fact):

Test fails at `auth.spec.ts:42`: expected 200, got 401. Cause: missing auth header. Fix: add `Authorization: Bearer ${token}` to the request.

Another good example for a missing configuration:

Configuration load error at `config.json:7`: unexpected token '}'; likely a trailing comma. Fix: remove the extra comma and re-save the file.

Implementation Across the Repository

While SKILL.md contains the primary Rule 8 definitions, the README.md references these guidelines to establish the repository's overarching communication philosophy. The implementation requires that all automated responses, documentation, and technical instructions follow this matter-of-fact structure. By adhering to these specifications, contributors ensure that error communications remain accessible and actionable for users with ADHD.

Summary

• Rule 8 in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md (lines 96-102) mandates calm, factual error messages without dramatic language.
• Matter-of-fact language replaces emotional phrases like "Uh oh" with neutral technical statements.
• Explicit cause identification requires specific file paths, line numbers, and error types.
• Clear fix instructions must provide exact code changes or corrections needed for resolution.
• This formatting reduces cognitive load and supports ADHD-friendly communication by eliminating distraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Rule 8 prohibit phrases like "Uh oh" in error messages?

Phrases like "Uh oh" and "Oh no" introduce emotional framing that can increase anxiety and cognitive load for readers with ADHD. Rule 8 eliminates this dramatic language to keep the focus purely on technical resolution, ensuring the reader can process the error information without unnecessary stress reactions.

What file contains the complete Rule 8 specifications?

The complete Rule 8 specifications are located in skills/i-have-adhd/SKILL.md at lines 96-102. This file defines the matter-of-fact tone requirements and provides the bad and good examples that illustrate compliant error formatting.

How does matter-of-fact formatting help users with ADHD?

Matter-of-fact formatting reduces cognitive overwhelm by removing emotional distractions and presenting only essential technical information. This direct approach allows readers with ADHD to focus immediately on the cause and fix without processing sympathetic or alarmist language that might divert attention from problem-solving.

Can I use exclamation marks in error responses under Rule 8?

No, Rule 8 explicitly prohibits exclamation marks and other dramatic punctuation in error responses. The guideline requires neutral, administrative language that states facts without emphasis or emotional indicators, maintaining the calm tone necessary for ADHD-friendly communication.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "instagit": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "instagit@latest"]
    }
  }
}