Closer/seed/questions/QUESTION_CONTENT_GUIDE.md

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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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Single Choice

There should never be one obvious answer.

Every option should feel believable.


Scale

Use scales only when measuring intensity genuinely improves the conversation.

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


This Or That

Keep them:

  • fast
  • funny
  • memorable
  • shareable

Most should take under three seconds.


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.


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.


Relationship First

Anchor every question to:

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

Avoid generic questions that could belong in any survey.


Duplicate Prevention

Never repeat:

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

If two questions feel similar, delete one.


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.


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.


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

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.