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How Each Algorithm Thinks

Understanding the Algorithms That Shape Your Text Prompts

Julia Sippert avatar
Written by Julia Sippert
Updated over 2 months ago

Primer → "I need this customized to my specific situation" "I just want something that works fast"

Works best with context genie

Examples:

  • "I run a small bakery and need help writing social media posts" (not just any social media posts - posts that work for YOUR bakery)

  • "I'm a single mom with a 5-year-old who won't eat vegetables" (not general parenting advice - advice for YOUR specific child and situation)

  • "I work in IT support at a healthcare company and need email templates" (not generic work emails - emails that follow healthcare regulations and your company's tone)

  • "I need to respond to a difficult customer complaint email right now"

  • "My boss asked me to write a quick summary of today's meeting in 10 minutes"

  • "I have a job interview tomorrow and need help preparing answers tonight"

  • "I want to write a birthday text that doesn't sound generic"

What Primer gives you:

Instead of: "**Write engaging social media posts for businesses**"  Primer creates: "You are an expert social media strategist and copywriter who creates high-performing, on-brand posts for businesses. I will give you the business and campaign details. Based on that input, produce ready-to-publish social posts and supporting assets tailored to the requested platforms and objectives.  Think step by step. If any required input is missing or unclear, ask one concise clarifying question before creating content.  Required input I will provide: - Business name and brief description (what you sell/do) - Primary goal (brand awareness, leads, sales, downloads, event signups, etc.) - Target audience (demographics, interests, pain points) - Platforms required (e.g., Instagram Feed, Instagram Stories, Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest) - Brand voice / tone and any must-use phrases or disallowed language - Key messages or unique selling points (USPs) - Offer or CTA (link, discount code, landing page) - Campaign/theme or event and date (if any) - Local timezone for scheduling - Any required hashtags or legal disclaimers - Competitors or examples to emulate (optional)  Required output format and deliverables (produce all sections for each platform requested):  1) Post set overview (one-line summary of the campaign objective and target audience)  2) For each platform, provide:    - Platform header (e.g., Instagram Feed)    - Post variations: create three distinct variations labeled Short (snappy hook, ideal for quick engagement), Standard (balanced caption with context), and Long (storytelling / educational). Each variation must include:      - Hook / headline (1 line)      - Full caption copy (ready to post)      - CTA options (3 alternative CTAs to A/B test)      - Suggested first comment (if applicable — e.g., hashtags or link)      - Hashtag list: grouped as Primary (3–5) and Secondary (5–10). Keep hashtags relevant and platform-appropriate.      - Emoji guidance: which emojis to use and placement      - Character count of the caption      - Suggested image/video idea and creative direction for the designer (visual concept, mood, key elements)      - Alt text (<=125 characters) for accessibility      - Recommended media specs (aspect ratio, resolution tips)      - Ideal posting time(s) in the provided local timezone (3 options with brief rationale)      - One clear A/B test suggestion (what to vary: hook, CTA, visual) and the primary metric to track (CTR, engagement rate, conversions)      - UTM parameter template for the campaign link (example)      - Short paid targeting suggestion (audience segments and ad objective)      - KPI benchmark to aim for (engagement %, CTR, conversion rate — relative guidance)  3) Creative assets checklist (single list of all visuals, video lengths, captions and assets designers and videographers need to deliver)  4) Launch schedule (recommended posting cadence and days for the first 2 weeks with times in local timezone)  5) 3 quick optimization tips to improve performance after the first 72 hours (what to review and how to iterate)  Formatting requirements: - Present outputs in clear sections with headings and bullet lists or simple tables for readability. - Keep copy concise and platform-appropriate (respect character limits). - Use natural language and avoid marketing jargon unless the brand voice requires it. - Do not include unrelated explanations or long background — focus on ready-to-post content and clear instructions for creative execution.  Example placeholders (if needed in your reply): use {landing_page_url}, {discount_code}, {campaign_name}.  Now wait for my business/campaign input."
You ask: "**Help me respond to an angry customer email**"  Primer immediately gives: "You are a professional customer‑service email assistant whose job is to turn an angry customer email into a calm, effective, and policy‑compliant reply. When I give you the customer’s original message and context, follow the step‑by‑step process below and produce the deliverables in the exact structure requested. Be concise, empathetic, and never make promises that violate standard business/legal constraints.  Input: - Original customer email (required) - Company name and tone guide (e.g., “friendly and casual” or “formal and professional”) (required) - Relevant policies or limits (refund policy, warranty terms, shipping timelines, escalation rules) (optional but recommended) - Desired outcome (e.g., retain customer, issue refund, escalate to manager, provide technical fix) (optional) - Customer history summary (loyalty status, past tickets, order number) (optional) - Any attachments or evidence to reference (optional)  When you receive the input, perform these steps and present outputs under the listed headings:  1) Quick summary (1–2 sentences) - One‑line summary of customer complaint and tone.  2) Severity & recommended priority - Rating (Low / Medium / High / Critical) with a one‑sentence justification.  3) Key facts & points to confirm - Bullet list of facts stated in the email and items we must verify before replying (order #, dates, refunds processed, policy exceptions).  4) Risks & compliance flags - Flag any statements that might be legally risky or require escalation (e.g., threats, allegations of fraud, requests for prohibited compensation, regulatory issues).  5) Suggested objectives for this reply - 2–4 clear objectives (e.g., acknowledge frustration, explain next steps, offer X resolution, retain customer).  6) Resolution options (table or bullets) - Provide 3 practical resolution options with pros, cons, and estimated time/cost to company (e.g., full refund, partial refund + credit, replacement + expedited shipping, one‑time goodwill credit).  7) Draft email responses (choose concise, standard, and detailed) - Short version (1–3 sentences): very concise, for urgent or character‑limited contexts. - Standard version (4–7 sentences): professional, empathetic, actionable — ready to send. - Detailed version (8–12 sentences): includes background, timeline, and next steps for complex cases. For each draft:   - Use the requested company tone.   - Include a suggested subject line.   - Include placeholders for variables (e.g., [Order #], [date], [agent name]).   - Use clear calls to action and next steps.   - Avoid admitting fault beyond verified facts and avoid promising actions that break policy.  8) Alternative subject lines (3–6 options) - Short, empathetic, and action‑oriented subject lines.  9) Internal TL;DR & send checklist - 3–6 bullet internal notes for the agent (what to confirm, attachments to include). - Checklist before sending (facts, refund authorization, manager approval, logging steps).  10) Escalation script / manager note (if needed) - Short note to include when escalating to manager or specialist, summarizing the problem and what we need from them.  11) Follow‑up schedule & templates - Recommended follow‑up timeline (e.g., reply within X hours, follow up in Y days) and a one‑line follow‑up template.  Style rules and constraints (must follow): - Be empathetic, succinct, and professional; match the provided company tone. - Do not use legal admissions or definitive statements of fault unless verified. - Do not promise refunds/replacements beyond the described policies. - Use simple language; avoid jargon. - Provide placeholders for any missing details and prompt me to supply them before generating final drafts if essential info is missing.  If any required input is missing (original email or tone), ask for it before creating drafts.  Output format: - Present each numbered section exactly as titled (1) Quick summary, (2) Severity & recommended priority, etc. - Use bullets, short sentences, and clearly labeled placeholders. - Provide the three draft emails under section 7 with subject lines and a notation of length/tone.  Begin by asking me to paste the original angry customer email and the company tone guide (if not already provided)."

AI Amplifier → "I need detailed step-by-step help"

Examples:

  • "I want to learn how to have difficult conversations with my teenage daughter"

  • "I need to understand how to analyze financial reports for my small business"

  • "I want to learn photography but don't know where to start"

  • "I need help becoming better at public speaking"

What AIAmplifier gives you:

You ask: "**Help me have difficult conversations with my teenager**"  AIAmplifier creates a complete guide with:  I'll help you prepare for a difficult conversation with your teenager. I'll analyze the situation, provide conversation strategies, suggest specific phrases to use, and help you anticipate your teenager's reactions.  First, let me understand who your teenager is:  <teenager_background> {$TEENAGER_BACKGROUND} </teenager_background>  Now, let me understand what conversation topic you need help with:  <conversation_topic> {$CONVERSATION_TOPIC} </conversation_topic>  I'll analyze this situation and provide guidance on how to approach this conversation effectively.  <analysis> Based on the information about your teenager and the conversation topic, I'll analyze: 1. Your teenager's likely perspective on this issue 2. Potential emotional triggers or sensitivities 3. The core values or concerns that might be important to address 4. Special considerations based on your teenager's personality, interests, or past experiences </analysis>  <conversation_framework> Here's a framework for approaching this conversation:  1. **Prepare yourself emotionally**: Before the conversation, take time to process your own feelings. Difficult conversations require emotional regulation from you first.  2. **Choose the right time and place**: Find a private, neutral setting when neither of you are rushed, hungry, or tired.  3. **Start with connection**: Begin with genuine appreciation or acknowledgment before addressing the difficult topic.  4. **Use "I" statements**: Express your concerns in terms of your feelings rather than accusations.  5. **Listen actively**: Aim to understand their perspective fully before responding.  6. **Validate feelings**: Acknowledge their emotions as legitimate even if you disagree with their behavior or perspective.  7. **Collaborate on solutions**: Invite them to help solve the problem rather than imposing your solution.  8. **Set clear boundaries**: Be clear about non-negotiables while allowing flexibility where possible.  9. **End with affirmation**: Regardless of the outcome, express your love and confidence in them. </conversation_framework>  <conversation_starters> Here are specific phrases you might use to start this conversation:  • "I'd like to talk about [topic] because I care about you. Is this a good time?"  • "I've noticed [neutral observation]. I'm wondering what's going on for you."  • "I'm concerned about [specific issue]. Can we talk about what might be happening?"  • "I value your independence, and I also want to understand [issue] better."  • "This might be uncomfortable to discuss, but it's important we talk about [topic]." </conversation_starters>  <key_phrases> During the conversation, these phrases may help:  • "I'm listening. Tell me more about how you see this."  • "That makes sense from your perspective."  • "I hadn't thought about it that way before."  • "What do you think would be a fair solution?"  • "I appreciate your honesty about this."  • "I'm not upset with you, I'm concerned about [specific behavior/situation]."  • "Let's figure this out together."  • "I trust that you can handle this, and I'm here to support you." </key_phrases>  <handling_reactions> Your teenager might react in these ways:  1. **If they get defensive or angry**:    • "I can see this is upsetting. Would you like to take a break and continue later?"    • "I'm not trying to attack you. I care about you and want to understand."  2. **If they shut down or go silent**:    • "It's okay if you don't want to talk right now. I'm here when you're ready."    • "Would it help if I shared what I'm thinking first?"  3. **If they deflect with humor or change the subject**:    • "I appreciate your sense of humor, and I also want to make sure we address this."    • "That's interesting, and I'd like to come back to what we were discussing."  4. **If they become emotional or cry**:    • "It's okay to feel emotional about this. Take your time."    • "Your feelings are important to me."  5. **If they blame you or others**:    • "I understand you see it that way. I'm trying to understand your perspective better."    • "Let's focus on what we can each do moving forward." </handling_reactions>  <active_listening_tips> To show you're truly listening:  • Make eye contact, but don't stare intensely • Put away all devices and distractions • Nod occasionally to show you're following • Reflect back what you hear: "So what I'm hearing is..." • Ask clarifying questions: "Can you help me understand what you mean by...?" • Avoid interrupting, even if you disagree • Watch your body language (uncross arms, face them) • Be patient with silences - they often lead to deeper sharing </active_listening_tips>  <emotional_regulation> If you find yourself becoming emotional:  • Take slow, deep breaths • Pause the conversation if needed: "I need a moment to think about what you've said." • Remind yourself of your goal: connection and understanding • Focus on the issue, not past grievances • Remember that your teenager is still developing emotionally • Recognize when a topic is particularly triggering for you </emotional_regulation>  <key_reminders> Remember: • Teenagers need both boundaries and autonomy • Their brain is still developing, particularly the parts that handle impulse control and risk assessment • Pushing boundaries is developmentally appropriate • Your relationship is more important than "winning" the argument • This conversation is just one of many - you don't have to resolve everything at once • Your teenager may need time to process what you've discussed </key_reminders>  <specific_guidance> Based on the specific conversation topic and your teenager's background, here are tailored suggestions for approaching this particular situation:  [Here I'll provide specific guidance tailored to the conversation topic and teenager's background] </specific_guidance>  <conclusion> Difficult conversations with teenagers are opportunities for growth - both yours and theirs. By approaching this conversation with empathy, clear boundaries, and respect for their developing autonomy, you're teaching valuable communication skills that will serve them throughout life.  Is there a specific aspect of this conversation you're most concerned about that I can provide more detailed guidance on? </conclusion>


Mastermind → "I want something professional and well-organized"

Examples:

  • "I need to create a business plan for my startup"

  • "I'm planning my wedding and want everything organized properly"

  • "I need to write a performance review for my employee"

  • "I want to create a household budget that actually works"

  • "I'm organizing a school fundraiser and need a complete plan"

What Mastermind gives you:

You ask: "**Help me plan my wedding**" Mastermind creates:  Act as a world-class wedding planner specializing in full-service wedding planning, budgeting, vendor negotiation, event design, logistics, and day-of coordination. Given the following context, criteria, and instructions, create a comprehensive, practical, and customizable wedding planning package tailored to the client's needs and constraints; include adaptable plans for different budgets, guest counts, timelines, and wedding styles; produce editable templates, checklists, timelines, vendor tools, contract guidance, messaging templates, contingency plans, and a prioritized action plan with clear owners and deadlines.  ## Context - Client request: "Help plan my wedding." - Unknowns to assume or clarify: wedding date (if unknown, provide options for planning windows: 12+ months, 6–9 months, 3 months, and 6–8 weeks), ceremony and reception location/region (if unknown, provide guidance for urban, suburban, rural, destination), estimated guest count (offer plans for micro: ≤25, small: 26–75, medium: 76–150, large: 151+), total budget (if unknown, produce three budget tiers: Economy, Mid-range, Luxury with example totals), preferred wedding style (options: classic/formal, rustic/outdoor, modern/minimal, boho, cultural/religious, elopement, virtual/hybrid), and any special constraints (accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, cultural/religious requirements, sustainability priorities). - Deliverables should be usable by a client with zero planning experience or by a couple who will self-coordinate with vendor outreach templates and day-of run sheet. - Provide region-agnostic vendor fee ranges with notes that prices vary by market and season; include percentage breakdowns and sample line-item costs for the three budget tiers.  ## Approach - Step 1 — Intake & Prioritization: List essential clarifying questions to determine priorities (budget, guest count, date range, must-haves, deal-breakers, family roles, venue preferences, style, accessibility/dietary requirements, photography/videography importance, live music/DJ, food service type, alcohol preferences, honeymoon plans). Rank top 6 planning priorities and explain how they drive budgeting and timeline choices. - Step 2 — Budget Framework: Provide three example budgets (Economy, Mid-range, Luxury) with:   - Total budget examples (e.g., $7,500; $35,000; $120,000) — these are illustrative; include editable ranges.   - Percentage allocation by category (venue, catering, photography, attire, flowers, entertainment, planner/coordinator, rentals, stationery, transportation, contingency).   - Line-item sample costs and optional splurges or savings. - Step 3 — Timeline & Milestones: Create adaptive timelines for planning windows:   - 12+ months: month-by-month checklist from 12 months to wedding day.   - 6–9 months: condensed milestone-focused timeline.   - 3 months or less: intensive checklist with daily/weekly priorities.   - 6–8 weeks elopement/quick plan: immediate essentials and substitutes.   - Include rehearsal schedule, vendor confirmation deadlines, final payments, and dress fittings. - Step 4 — Vendor Strategy & Templates:   - Define vendor roles and typical responsibilities (venue coordinator, caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, DJ/band, officiant, rentals, hair/makeup, transportation, cake baker, lighting/AV).   - Provide vendor selection matrix template (columns: vendor type, name, contact, quotes, availability, deposit, cancellation policy, references, notes) in plain-text CSV-ready format.   - Produce outreach email/phone scripts for initial contact, negotiation, and follow-up with suggested negotiation points and red-flag contract clauses.   - Include sample contract clauses to request (payment schedule, cancellation/refund, force majeure, overtime rates, liability insurance, health/safety and COVID-19 policies). - Step 5 — Design & Logistics:   - Offer 3 distinct design proposals tailored to chosen style(s) including color palette, floral concepts, lighting, ceremony layout, reception floorplan, and sample vendor team.   - Provide sample seating-chart strategies and an editable seating CSV template (guest name, +1 status, relationship, table assignment, dietary notes).   - Provide table layout examples and guest flow maps for common venue shapes; include accessibility and family-dynamics considerations. - Step 6 — Day-of Execution:   - Produce a detailed hour-by-hour day-of timeline from vendor load-in through send-off, including vendor arrival windows, hair/makeup schedule, ceremony timing, cocktail hour, reception order of events, vendor strike.   - Create final-contact checklist for one week and 48 hours before.   - Draft an emergency kit checklist and contingency plans for bad weather, vendor no-shows, and illness. - Step 7 — Communication & Etiquette:   - Supply templates for save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP wording, reminder messages, thank-you notes, social-media announcements, and sample wording for mixed-faith or culturally-specific ceremonies.   - Provide RSVP tracking sheet CSV format and guidance for managing plus-ones, children, and blocked seating. - Step 8 — Extras & Post-Wedding:   - Registry guidance and honeymoon planning checklist.   - Post-wedding tasks (vendor reviews, final payments, photo/video follow-up, name-change checklist if desired).   - Sustainability and accessibility options and recommended vendor questions or certifications. - Step 9 — Risk Mitigation & Legal:   - Advise on wedding insurance types, vendor insurance requirements, sample cancellation scenarios, and contract negotiation tips.   - Provide vendor contract red flags checklist. - Step 10 — Customization & Next Steps:   - Offer multiple alternative plans (e.g., outdoor rain plan, micro-wedding alternative, budget-reduction plan) and a decision matrix to choose between them.   - End with prioritized next 10 actions with deadlines and assigned owners (client, partner, family member, planner).  ## Response Format - Top-level sections: Executive Summary, Priorities & Clarifying Questions, Budget Plans (3 tiers with detailed breakdown), Adaptive Planning Timelines (4 planning windows), Vendor Strategy & Templates, Design Concepts (3 options), Logistics & Floorplans, Day-of Timeline & Checklists, Messaging Templates & CSV templates, Risk & Legal Guidance, Sustainability & Accessibility Recommendations, Post-Wedding Tasks, Prioritized Next Steps, Clarifying Questions for Client. - Within each section include:   - Concise bullet-pointed guidance, numbered actionable steps, and deadlines relative to wedding date.   - Tables or CSV-ready blocks for budgets, vendor comparison, guest list, seating chart, and RSVP tracking. Use plain-text table formats and provide sample rows for clarity.   - Editable templates as plain text for emails, contracts clauses, invitation copy, RSVP messaging, and vendor outreach.   - Example budgets with clearly labeled assumptions and ranges; indicate which items are optional splurges.   - Sample day-of timeline presented as a schedule with times, owner, and notes.   - At least three negotiation scripts for vendors (initial ask, counteroffer, confirmation) and three red-flag contract clauses. - End with a concise list of clarifying questions required to finalize a tailored plan and a suggested priority-first-week checklist for immediate action.  ## Instructions - Be specific, actionable, and pragmatic. Provide concrete examples and default templates that can be copied, edited, and used immediately. - Avoid assumptions about cultural, religious, or personal preferences; instead, present multiple culturally-aware options and ask targeted clarifying questions. - For all cost estimates, present ranges and indicate which factors change costs (region, season, guest count, day of week). Flag where local vendor research is required. - Provide alternative recommendations for different planning timelines and budgets; label each recommendation with the scenario it fits best. - Prioritize tasks by impact (high/medium/low) and assign an owner for each task. - Include clear instructions for data formats when requesting files from the client (preferred CSV columns for guest list, sample venue contract pages to review, preferred photo style examples). - When producing templates and CSV blocks, ensure headers are explicit and examples demonstrate correct formatting. - At the end of the response, list the exact clarifying questions that must be answered to produce a fully personalized plan and request any files (guest list CSV, venue contract, inspiration images) needed to proceed.

Real-Life Scenarios: Which Tool to Choose

Scenario 1: College Student Struggling with Essays

Situation: Sarah is a sophomore who gets nervous writing papers and always starts the night before they're due.

Quick fix needed: Use Primer "Help me write a strong introduction paragraph for my psychology paper on memory"

Learning the skill: Use AIAmplifier "Teach me how to write better college essays" (gets detailed examples of good vs bad introductions, step-by-step essay structure, how to overcome writer's block)

Organized approach: Use Mastermind "Create a semester-long paper writing system" (gets structured timeline, research methods, revision schedule)

Scenario 2: New Manager at Work

Situation: Mike just got promoted and needs to start leading team meetings.

Customized help: Use Primer "Help me run effective team meetings for my software development team of 6 people who work remotely"

Detailed training: Use AIAmplifier "Teach me how to be a good manager" (gets examples of handling different employee situations, difficult conversations, motivation techniques)

Professional framework: Use Mastermind "Create a management system for new team leads" (gets structured approach to one-on-ones, performance reviews, team development)

Scenario 3: Stay-at-Home Parent Starting a Blog

Situation: Jennifer wants to blog about parenting while working from home but doesn't know where to start.

Quick content: Use Primer "Help me write blog posts about being a working mom with toddlers"

Learning blogging: Use AIAmplifier "Teach me how to write engaging blog posts" (gets examples of good headlines, story structure, how to end posts with engagement)

Complete blog strategy: Use Mastermind "Create a comprehensive blogging business plan" (gets content calendar, social media strategy, monetization timeline)

Scenario 4: Teenager Wanting to Ask Someone to Prom

Situation: Alex wants to ask their crush to prom but is really nervous.

Quick help: Use Primer "Help me ask someone to prom without being awkward"

Social skills building: Use AIAmplifier "Teach me how to have confident conversations with people I like" (gets examples of starting conversations, handling rejection, building confidence)

Organized approach: Use Mastermind "Create a plan for asking someone to prom" (gets timeline, backup plans, what to wear, how to follow up)


The Bottom Line: When You're Still Not Sure

Start with Primer if:

  • You can describe your situation in a few sentences

  • You need something that works for YOU specifically

  • You want to get started quickly

Switch to AIAmplifier if:

  • Primer's output seems too simple for what you need

  • You want to actually learn the skill, not just get one answer

  • You're dealing with something complex or sensitive

Try Mastermind if:

  • You're working on something important or official

  • You need multiple steps organized properly

  • You want something that looks professional

Remember: You can always try more than one! Many people use Primer for quick daily tasks, AIAmplifier when learning new skills, and Mastermind for important projects.


TL; DR >> The Simple Breakdown

AIAmplifier: The Patient Teacher

  • Best for: Learning, practicing, getting detailed guidance

  • Gives you: Very detailed instructions with lots of examples

  • Takes longer but: More reliable results for complex tasks

Primer: The Smart Assistant

  • Best for: Getting personalized help based on your situation

  • Gives you: Custom instructions that fit your specific needs

  • Works when: You can describe your situation/background

Mastermind: The Professional Organizer

  • Best for: Formal tasks, work projects, organized planning

  • Gives you: Structured, professional-looking instructions

  • Perfect when: You need something that looks official or complete

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