Stop sending
slop.
Slop is anything that asks for more attention than it's worth. It's disrespectful, and a better message won't always fix it.
- Sometimes, write less.
- Sometimes, say “I don't know.”
- Sometimes, say nothing at all.
1.Add something
Text you didn't write or weigh isn't a contribution, however long it is or however long it took.
✕ Don't
we need a database for the new service, Postgres or Mongo? opinions?
Great question! Both are excellent choices. Here's a breakdown:
PostgreSQL
- Strong consistency and ACID compliance
- Rich querying with SQL
[...]
✓ Do
we need a database for the new service, Postgres or Mongo? opinions?
No real opinion, I've never run either in prod. Sam has though, worth asking her.
Tim could have asked an AI directly, but wanted Ray's opinion, and didn't get it. Ray's second reply admits what Ray doesn't know, and still helps.
2.Stand behind it
People engage with what you send as yours: they ask why, push back, build on it. If you can't answer, there's no one for them to talk to.
✕ Don't
here's the plan for friday
why freeze writes before the backup? that's 2h of downtime
no idea, AI wrote that part
✓ Do
plan for friday: freeze writes, back up, migrate (~2h down)
why freeze writes before the backup? that's 2h of downtime
otherwise the backup misses the last writes. if 2h is too long we can do it in two passes
Henry can't discuss the plan with Nina, only with a model through her. If you can't explain what you sent, you weren't ready to send it.
3.Make it yours
Form signals review. Obviously generated text tells the reader you never engaged with it, even when every word of it is right.
✕ Don't
could you look at my cover letter before I send it tonight?
Great cover letter! Here's some feedback:
✅ Strengths
- Clear and professional tone
- Strong opening that grabs attention
🔧 Areas for improvement
- Consider quantifying your achievements
- Tailor the closing to the company
Overall, it's a compelling letter. Good luck! 🚀
✓ Do
could you look at my cover letter before I send it tonight?
Read it! The middle paragraph is the strong part, I'd open with the migration project. The last paragraph could go to any company, though.
Jules can't tell which points Kim actually holds, or whether Kim read the letter at all. All that comes across is that Kim didn't care.