Stop Slop

Eliminate predictable AI writing patterns from prose. Apply these rules to any writing task.

Core Principles

1. Eliminate filler - Remove predictable opening phrases and emphasis words
2. Avoid formulaic patterns - Sidestep binary contrasts and dramatic structures
3. Vary sentence rhythm - Mix lengths and paragraph endings
4. Write directly - Trust readers without excessive explanation
5. Remove quotable moments - Rewrite anything that reads like a pull-quote

Quick Audit Before Finalizing

• Check for repetitive sentence lengths
• Look for monotonous paragraph endings
• Remove unnecessary em-dashes
• Cut over-explained metaphors

Assessment Framework

Rate prose 1-10 on each dimension:

• Directness - Does it get to the point?
• Rhythm - Does sentence length vary naturally?
• Trust - Does it respect reader intelligence?
• Authenticity - Does it sound like a human wrote it?
• Density - Is every word earning its place?

Below 35/50: revise.

Reference Files

See the references/ directory for:

• phrases.md - Specific phrases to eliminate
• structures.md - Formulaic patterns to avoid
• examples.md - Before/after transformations