Closer/seed/questions/QUESTION_CONTENT_GUIDE.md

# QUESTION_CONTENT_GUIDE.md

# Closer Question Writing Guide v3

## 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.

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# Consumer First

Every question must pass this test.

Would a real couple willingly answer this on a Friday night?

If not, rewrite it.

Never write for psychologists.

Write for normal couples.

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# Product Standard

Closer should feel premium.

Every category should feel like it was hand written by an experienced
relationship coach and game designer, not generated by AI.

If a user can predict the next question, the category fails.

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# 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 rare and meaningful.

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# Emotional Mix

Each category should roughly contain:

-   35 percent playful
-   25 percent everyday relationship
-   20 percent meaningful
-   10 percent future focused
-   10 percent deeper vulnerability

Never stack several heavy questions together.

Alternate emotional intensity naturally.

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# Conversation Goals

Every question should create at least one of these reactions:

-   "I didn't know that."
-   "That's adorable."
-   "We should actually do that."
-   "I can't believe you picked that."
-   "I've never thought about that."
-   "That's a really good point."

If none apply, rewrite it.

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# Variety

Never repeat sentence openings.

Mix structures constantly.

Examples:

-   Imagine...
-   Suppose...
-   If we suddenly...
-   Pretend...
-   Pick every answer...
-   Finish this thought...
-   What's one thing...
-   Which tiny habit...
-   If we only had one hour...
-   What would make...
-   When do you feel...
-   Which sounds most like us...

No opening should dominate a category.

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# No AI Writing

Reject questions that sound like:

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

These sound like surveys.

Not conversations.

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# Multiple Choice

Should make people pause because several answers feel right.

Use 4 to 6 options.

Avoid obvious answers.

Avoid filler.

Whenever realistic, allow multiple selections.

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# Single Choice

There should never be one obvious answer.

Every option should feel believable.

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# Scale

Use scales only when measuring intensity genuinely improves the
conversation.

Never use a scale because it is easier than writing good options.

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# This Or That

Keep them:

-   fast
-   funny
-   memorable
-   shareable

Most should take under three seconds.

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# Written Questions

Written questions must earn the keyboard.

Only use them when typing creates something choices cannot.

Good written questions create:

-   stories
-   memories
-   appreciation
-   future plans

Never ask users to write essays.

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# Fun Rule

Every category should include:

-   inside jokes
-   tiny challenges
-   food debates
-   traditions
-   bucket lists
-   silly scenarios
-   future adventures
-   friendly competitions
-   low pressure date ideas
-   unexpected situations

Even serious categories need moments to smile.

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# Relationship First

Anchor every question to:

-   us
-   we
-   you
-   your partner
-   our memories
-   our future

Avoid generic questions that could belong in any survey.

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# Duplicate Prevention

Never repeat:

-   sentence openings
-   concepts
-   option lists
-   conversation goals
-   emotional outcome

If two questions feel similar, delete one.

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# Readability Test

After completing a category:

Randomly read 30 questions.

Reject the category if:

-   the writing feels repetitive
-   the openings repeat too often
-   the tone feels robotic
-   the next question becomes predictable
-   multiple questions blend together
-   it sounds AI generated

This test is mandatory.

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# Premium Test

Before approving every question ask:

-   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?
-   Would I smile while answering it?

If any answer is no, rewrite it.

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# Final Approval

A category is complete only if:

-   schema validation passes
-   duplicate checks pass
-   readability test passes
-   category identity is obvious
-   emotional mix feels balanced
-   consumer test passes
-   premium test passes
-   it does not sound AI generated

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# Final Rule

Conversation quality always beats quantity.

One unforgettable question is worth more than twenty average ones.

Never optimize for finishing faster.

Optimize for creating conversations couples will remember.