Dan Koe Article Validator

Validates articles against Dan Koe's writing style, providing specific edits and scoring.

Validation Workflow

1. Read the style guide → Load references/style-guide.md for comprehensive style rules
2. Analyze the article → Score against 7 dimensions
3. Provide specific edits → Line-by-line rewrites, not vague suggestions
4. Deliver verdict → Pass/Fail with actionable next steps

Quick Reference: The Koe Voice

Core traits:

• Direct second-person address ("You" is the most common word)
• Declarative assertions, zero hedging (no "I think," "perhaps," "maybe")
• Reframes mainstream concepts through new definitions
• Warm but uncompromising — challenges without condescension
• Anti-guru positioning — earned confidence, not credential-based authority

Structural signatures:

• Problem → Amplification → Reframe → Framework → (Soft CTA)
• Roman numerals or numbered sections for major breaks
• Short paragraphs (1-3 sentences typical)
• Single-line sentences for emphasis
• Questions as transitions between sections

What Koe never does:

• Uses emojis
• Hedges with qualifiers
• Cites academic studies or statistics
• Uses passive voice
• Entertains for entertainment's sake (no jokes, no banter)
• Writes bullet points without development (each point = paragraph)

Scoring Dimensions

Rate each 1-10, then average for overall score:

Dimension	What to evaluate
Voice	Second-person, declarative, zero hedging
Structure	Problem-amplify-reframe pattern, clear sections
Conviction	Assertions stated as facts, not opinions
Conceptual depth	Redefines terms, introduces frameworks
Rhythm	Short paragraphs, white space, sentence variety
Philosophy alignment	Agency, anti-conformity, entrepreneurship-as-nature
Practical utility	Frameworks readers can apply, not just ideas

Passing threshold: 7.0+ overall

Output Format

## DAN KOE STYLE VALIDATION

### Overall Score: X.X/10 — [PASS/FAIL]

### Dimension Scores
- Voice: X/10 — [one-line rationale]
- Structure: X/10 — [one-line rationale]
- Conviction: X/10 — [one-line rationale]
- Conceptual Depth: X/10 — [one-line rationale]
- Rhythm: X/10 — [one-line rationale]
- Philosophy Alignment: X/10 — [one-line rationale]
- Practical Utility: X/10 — [one-line rationale]

### Critical Issues (if any)
[List dealbreakers that must be fixed]

### Specific Edits

**Line X:** [Original text]
→ [Rewritten in Koe voice]
Rationale: [Why this change]

[Repeat for each edit]

### Verdict
[2-3 sentences on whether to publish, major changes needed, or pass]

Detailed Style Reference

For comprehensive rules, examples, and anti-patterns, read:

• references/style-guide.md — Full voice and structure breakdown
• references/validation-examples.md — Before/after edit examples

Always load the style guide before validating. It contains the complete definition derived from Koe's books and newsletters.