Closer/seed/questions/QUESTION_CONTENT_GUIDE.md

# Closer Question Writing Guide v2

**See also:** [QUESTION_SCHEMA.md](QUESTION_SCHEMA.md) — JSON schema & validation rules | [QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md](QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md) — rewrite checklist & category order | [QUESTION_QUALITY_CHECKLIST.md](QUESTION_QUALITY_CHECKLIST.md) — quality gate before commit

## Mission

Closer is not a questionnaire.

Closer is not therapy homework.

Closer is not a personality quiz.

Closer should feel like a conversation game couples voluntarily keep playing because they are having fun.

Every question should move the couple toward at least one of these:

* laughing
* flirting
* learning something new
* remembering something
* planning something together
* feeling understood
* feeling appreciated
* creating a future memory

If a question does none of those things, delete it.

## Consumer First

Every question must pass this test.

Would a real couple answer this on a Friday night?

If not, rewrite it.

Never write for psychologists.

Write for normal couples.

## Question Mix

Per 250 questions:

* 140 multi_choice
* 50 single_choice
* 35 scale
* 15 this_or_that
* 10 written

At least 76 percent must be choice based.

Typing should feel special.

Never force users to type constantly.

## Emotional Mix

Every category should roughly include:

* 35 percent playful
* 25 percent everyday life
* 20 percent meaningful
* 10 percent future
* 10 percent deeper

Alternate emotional weight naturally.

Do not stack heavy questions.

## Conversation Goals

Every question should create at least one reaction:

* I did not know that.
* That is adorable.
* We should do that.
* I cannot believe you picked that.
* I never thought about that.
* That is actually a good idea.

If none fit, rewrite it.

## Variety

Avoid repeating openings.

Use varied openings such as:

* Imagine...
* Suppose...
* If we suddenly...
* Pick every answer...
* Finish this thought...
* Would you rather...
* When do you...
* What is one thing...
* Which tiny habit...
* If we had one free hour...
* What would make...
* What feels most like us...

Never allow obvious patterns.

## No AI Writing

Reject wording like:

* Describe...
* Reflect on...
* Discuss...
* Evaluate...
* In what ways...
* How satisfied are you...
* What boundary around...
* Explore your feelings about...
* Rate the effectiveness of...
* Identify the ways...

These sound like surveys.

Not conversations.

## Written Questions

Written questions must earn the keyboard.

Use them only when choices cannot create the same value.

Good:

* What's something tiny I do that means more than I realize?

Bad:

* Describe your communication style.

## Multiple Choice

Options should be interesting.

Avoid obvious answers.

Avoid yes or no disguised as choices.

Allow multiple selections whenever realistic.

Use prompts like:

* Pick every answer that fits.
* Choose your top three.
* What sounds good to you?
* Which of these feel true?

## Single Choice

There should be no obvious correct answer.

The user should hesitate because several options feel plausible.

## Scale

Only use scales when intensity matters.

Do not use scales just because they are easy to generate.

Good scale topics:

* comfort
* confidence
* closeness
* interest
* frequency
* importance

## This Or That

Keep these:

* fast
* funny
* shareable
* easy

They should take under three seconds.

## Fun Rule

Every category should include:

* inside jokes
* tiny challenges
* food debates
* traditions
* bucket lists
* silly scenarios
* friendly competitions
* future plans
* low pressure date ideas

Even serious categories need relief.

## Relationship First

Anchor every question to:

* you
* your partner
* your relationship
* your memories
* your future

Avoid generic questions that could belong in a workplace survey.

## Duplicate Prevention

Never repeat:

* sentence structure
* concepts
* option lists
* conversation goals

If two questions feel similar, delete one.

## Premium Test

Reject any question if the answer to any of these is no:

* Would I pay for this?
* Would this start a real conversation?
* Would this create a memory?
* Would I screenshot this?
* Would I send this to my partner?

## Final Rule

Conversation quality always beats quantity.

One unforgettable question is worth more than twenty average ones.
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`# Closer Question Writing Guide v2`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`See also: [QUESTION_SCHEMA.md](QUESTION_SCHEMA.md) — JSON schema & validation rules \| [QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md](QUESTION_REWRITE_PLAN.md) — rewrite checklist & category order \| [QUESTION_QUALITY_CHECKLIST.md](QUESTION_QUALITY_CHECKLIST.md) — quality gate before commit`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Mission`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Closer is not a questionnaire.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Closer is not therapy homework.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Closer is not a personality quiz.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Closer should feel like a conversation game couples voluntarily keep playing because they are having fun.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Every question should move the couple toward at least one of these:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* laughing`
			`* flirting`
			`* learning something new`
			`* remembering something`
			`* planning something together`
			`* feeling understood`
			`* feeling appreciated`
			`* creating a future memory`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`If a question does none of those things, delete it.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Consumer First`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Every question must pass this test.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Would a real couple answer this on a Friday night?`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`If not, rewrite it.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Never write for psychologists.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Write for normal couples.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Question Mix`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Per 250 questions:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* 140 multi_choice`
			`* 50 single_choice`
			`* 35 scale`
			`* 15 this_or_that`
			`* 10 written`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`At least 76 percent must be choice based.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Typing should feel special.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Never force users to type constantly.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Emotional Mix`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Every category should roughly include:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* 35 percent playful`
			`* 25 percent everyday life`
			`* 20 percent meaningful`
			`* 10 percent future`
			`* 10 percent deeper`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Alternate emotional weight naturally.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Do not stack heavy questions.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Conversation Goals`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Every question should create at least one reaction:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* I did not know that.`
			`* That is adorable.`
			`* We should do that.`
			`* I cannot believe you picked that.`
			`* I never thought about that.`
			`* That is actually a good idea.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`If none fit, rewrite it.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Variety`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Avoid repeating openings.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Use varied openings such as:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* Imagine...`
			`* Suppose...`
			`* If we suddenly...`
			`* Pick every answer...`
			`* Finish this thought...`
			`* Would you rather...`
			`* When do you...`
			`* What is one thing...`
			`* Which tiny habit...`
			`* If we had one free hour...`
			`* What would make...`
			`* What feels most like us...`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Never allow obvious patterns.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## No AI Writing`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Reject wording like:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* Describe...`
			`* Reflect on...`
			`* Discuss...`
			`* Evaluate...`
			`* In what ways...`
			`* How satisfied are you...`
			`* What boundary around...`
			`* Explore your feelings about...`
			`* Rate the effectiveness of...`
			`* Identify the ways...`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`These sound like surveys.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Not conversations.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Written Questions`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Written questions must earn the keyboard.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Use them only when choices cannot create the same value.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Good:`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* What's something tiny I do that means more than I realize?`
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			`Bad:`

docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* Describe your communication style.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Multiple Choice`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Options should be interesting.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Avoid obvious answers.`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Avoid yes or no disguised as choices.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Allow multiple selections whenever realistic.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Use prompts like:`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* Pick every answer that fits.`
			`* Choose your top three.`
			`* What sounds good to you?`
			`* Which of these feel true?`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Single Choice`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`There should be no obvious correct answer.`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`The user should hesitate because several options feel plausible.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Scale`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Only use scales when intensity matters.`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Do not use scales just because they are easy to generate.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Good scale topics:`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* comfort`
			`* confidence`
			`* closeness`
			`* interest`
			`* frequency`
			`* importance`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## This Or That`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Keep these:`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* fast`
			`* funny`
			`* shareable`
			`* easy`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`They should take under three seconds.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Fun Rule`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Every category should include:`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* inside jokes`
			`* tiny challenges`
			`* food debates`
			`* traditions`
			`* bucket lists`
			`* silly scenarios`
			`* friendly competitions`
			`* future plans`
			`* low pressure date ideas`
remove 2026-06-21 20:12:36 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Even serious categories need relief.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Relationship First`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Anchor every question to:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* you`
			`* your partner`
			`* your relationship`
			`* your memories`
			`* your future`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Avoid generic questions that could belong in a workplace survey.`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Duplicate Prevention`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Never repeat:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* sentence structure`
			`* concepts`
			`* option lists`
			`* conversation goals`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`If two questions feel similar, delete one.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Premium Test`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Reject any question if the answer to any of these is no:`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`* Would I pay for this?`
			`* Would this start a real conversation?`
			`* Would this create a memory?`
			`* Would I screenshot this?`
			`* Would I send this to my partner?`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`## Final Rule`
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docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`Conversation quality always beats quantity.`
remove 2026-06-21 19:45:55 -05:00
docs(seed): replace question guides with v2 — content guide, rewrite plan, new quality checklist 2026-06-25 18:48:37 -05:00			`One unforgettable question is worth more than twenty average ones.`