bootstrap

name	bootstrap
description	First-run setup for a new instance of this system. Interviews the user to populate USER.md, configures initiatives (replacing or keeping the defaults), and confirms the DASHBOARD.md priority stack. Use when a user is setting up the repo for the first time.

Bootstrap

Use this skill when a user is setting up a fresh copy of this repo. It replaces the placeholder defaults with real information through a short interview, then configures the system so the next-idea loop can begin.

Do not assume anything about the user. Ask every question. Do not fill in placeholders with invented content.

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Phase 1 - Interview

Ask these questions one group at a time. Wait for the answers before moving to the next group. Do not ask all questions at once.

Group 1 - Identity

Ask:

1. What is your name (or the name you want the AI to use for you)?
2. Do you have a short handle or shorthand you prefer (for example initials or a nickname)? This is optional.

Group 2 - Working style

Ask:

3. How do you prefer to work with the AI? For example: do you want it to plan before acting and wait for your go-ahead, or do you prefer it to move faster and ask forgiveness?
4. Are there any strong preferences or constraints the AI should always keep in mind - things like communication style, tone, topics to avoid, or how you like feedback?

Group 3 - Initiatives

Explain briefly: "This system organizes your work into initiatives - each one is a top-level area of focus. The repo comes with three defaults: My Company (a business), My Personal Life (personal brand and goals), and My Hobby (a creative project). You can keep them, rename them, replace them, or add your own."

Ask:

5. Do you want to keep the three default initiatives, rename them, or replace them with your own? List them out with names and a one-line description of each.
6. Which initiative is most important right now? Which is least?

Group 4 - Context

Ask:

7. Is there anything else the AI should know about you upfront - your background, what you are trying to accomplish this year, constraints on your time or resources, or anything that would help it give better advice?

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Phase 2 - Write USER.md

Using the answers from Phase 1, write USER.md in full. Do not leave placeholder text. Use the standard structure:

# USER.md - About [Name]

_This file helps the AI stay oriented across sessions. Update it as context builds._

---

## Identity

- **Name:** [Name]
- **Handle / Shorthand:** [Handle, or omit line if none]

---

## Active Initiatives

| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| **[Initiative 1]** | [Description] |
| **[Initiative 2]** | [Description] |
| **[Initiative 3]** | [Description] |

---

## Working Style & Preferences

[Write 2–4 bullet points based on their answers. Capture actual preferences, not generic placeholders.]

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## Context & Background

[Write 1–3 sentences based on their answer to question 7. If they gave nothing, write: "No background context provided yet. Add notes here as they become relevant."]

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## Things to Remember

_(One-off facts, preferences, or decisions that don't fit neatly elsewhere.)_

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_The more context here, the less you have to re-explain each session. Update freely._

Show the draft to the user and ask them to confirm or correct it before writing the file.

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Phase 3 - Configure initiatives

Based on the user's answers to Group 3:

If they want to keep the three defaults unchanged:

No folder changes needed. Skip to Phase 4.

If they want to rename one or more defaults:

For each rename, move the existing initiative folder using a git-aware move:

git mv "initiatives/[Old Name]" "initiatives/[New Name]"

Then update the following in the new folder:

• ideas.md - H1 title and any self-references
• wiki/index.md - H1 title and self-references
• wiki/log.md - H1 title

Update DASHBOARD.md - the initiative row name and link path. Update AGENTS.md - the initiative row if it appears there. Update USER.md (just written) - the initiative name in the Active Initiatives table.

If they want to replace one or more defaults with entirely new initiatives:

For each initiative to remove, use the remove-initiative skill (empty defaults can be removed without the Option A / B prompt since they have no active ideas).

For each new initiative, use the add-initiative skill.

If they want to add initiatives beyond three:

Use the add-initiative skill for each additional one.

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Phase 4 - Set the priority stack

Show the user the current Initiatives table from DASHBOARD.md with the names now configured. Ask:

"Here is your initiative priority stack. The tier points control how the AI prioritizes work across initiatives - higher means more pull. Does this order look right, or do you want to adjust the tier values?"

If they want changes, update the Tier points column in DASHBOARD.md accordingly. Keep tiers as distinct integers (for example 9, 6, 3) so the ordering is unambiguous.

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Phase 5 - Confirm and summarize

Tell the user:

1. USER.md has been written with their information.
2. The initiative stack is configured with [N] initiatives: [list names and tiers].
3. What to do next: add projects and ideas to each initiative using the add-project and add-idea skills, then drop any background documents into /raw/ and run the update skill to build the wiki.

Do not create any projects or ideas during bootstrap. That is for the user to do next.

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Guardrails

• Do not invent any personal details, preferences, or initiative descriptions. Every word in USER.md must come from the user's answers.
• Do not write USER.md until the user confirms the draft.
• Do not remove the last initiative. At least one must remain.
• If the user skips a question, leave that field with a clear empty placeholder rather than making something up.