---
name: x-article-formatter
description: Format long drafts for X Articles. Use when a user provides a continuous block of text, such as an essay, explainer, or how-to, that needs clearer sections for X's article format. This skill handles structure and visual placement. It does not rewrite tone or voice.
---

# X Article Formatter

Turn a continuous draft into an X Article with clearer sections, better paragraph breaks, and notes for visuals.

## Process

1. Read the draft and identify: core thesis, main arguments/steps, natural section breaks
2. Structure the draft using the section rules below
3. Apply paragraph rhythm and formatting rules
4. Insert `[VISUAL]` markers where visuals would strengthen the piece
5. Craft title options and opening line
6. Output the formatted article with a brief structural summary

## Section structure

### Subheadings

- Insert bold subheadings every 3-6 paragraphs
- Subheadings are statements or provocations, not topic labels
  - Weak: "Section 2: The Problem"
  - Better: "The traditional bargain is dead"
- Use sentence case, not title case

### Opening

The first 2-3 sentences should do one of these:
- State the argument plainly
- Make the surprising turn clear
- Ground the piece in a personal position

Avoid generic openings:
- "Have you ever wondered..."
- "In today's fast-paced world..."
- Questions as first lines

Better openings:
- "I am not a stock picker. I worship at the altar of..."
- "If you're anything like me, you think X is stupid."
- "The last generation of [X] created a trillion-dollar ecosystem by..."

### The zoom-out move

Every useful X Article has a moment where the piece stops being only about the example and starts showing why it matters. Identify where this should happen, usually 40-60% through the piece, and make the transition clear.

### Closing

End with one of:
- A concrete story or anecdote that crystallizes the thesis
- A framework/checklist the reader can apply
- The strongest remaining example, open question, or concrete next test

Do not end with:
- "What do you think? Let me know in the comments"
- Generic calls for comments
- Trailing summaries that repeat everything

## Paragraph rhythm

- Default to 1-3 sentence paragraphs
- Single-sentence paragraphs for emphasis (use sparingly, 2-4 per article)
- Occasional 4-5 sentence paragraphs for deeper exposition (max 1-2 per section)
- No paragraph should exceed 5 sentences

## Formatting rules

### Lists and bullets

- Use lists sparingly. Do not make them the default structure.
- When used: 3-5 items max, each item punchy
- Prefer prose with inline enumeration when possible
  - Better: "Three things matter here: speed, clarity, and repetition."
  - Weaker: A bullet list for the same content

### Bold text

- Use bold for the phrases that carry the sentence
- 1-2 bold phrases per section maximum
- Never bold entire sentences

### What to avoid

- Headers deeper than H2 (no H3, H4)
- Excessive formatting (italics, underlines)
- Block quotes (unless quoting a specific source)

## Visual placement

Insert `[VISUAL]` on its own line where visuals would strengthen the piece:

- After introducing a complex concept that benefits from illustration
- At natural "pause points" between major sections
- Where data/charts would support a claim
- After the opening section (header image reminder)

Include a brief note in parentheses:
```
[VISUAL] diagram: the feedback loop between X and Y
```

## Title generation

Generate 3 title options following these patterns:

1. **Counterintuitive/contrarian**: "Why X actually does the opposite of what you think"
2. **Specific + stakes**: "The [specific thing] that [consequence]"
3. **Declarative stance**: "[Strong claim about reality]"

Avoid:
- "X Tips for Y"
- "How to [Generic Outcome]"
- "The Ultimate Guide to..."
- Numbers without substance ("7 Ways to...")

## Output format

```
## Title options
1. [Option 1]
2. [Option 2]
3. [Option 3]

## Header image suggestion
[1-2 sentence concept for the header image based on the article's core theme]

---

[article with structure applied]

---

## Structural summary
- Sections: [count]
- Word count: [approximate]
- Zoom-out moment: [where it occurs]
- Visual placements: [count]
```