diff --git a/status.md b/status.md
index 8652ad4..08f6cc9 100644
--- a/status.md
+++ b/status.md
@@ -5,25 +5,19 @@
 
 ## Current State
 - Repo initialized with playbook.
-- Niche locked: **local AI tools and stacks for real hardware**.
-- First page published: `pages/lm-studio.md`.
+- Niche: **not locked** (reset per operator request).
+- No pages published.
 - No Astro site yet; content-first validation remains intentional.
 - Research / engineer prompts are present and used as the operating contract.
 
-## Niche Definition
-Curated, evidence-backed entries for software that helps people run, serve, connect, or operate AI on their own hardware. Pages must expose practical fit: platform support, hardware constraints, offline behavior, APIs, MCP, deployment mode, access model, and alternatives.
-
 ## Next Actions for Leonard
-1. Add four more entries spanning different layers: CLI/runtime, web UI, serving, and coding/agent workflow.
-2. Compare the first five pages for recurring schema fields and editorial gaps.
-3. Validate search intent and repeatability before building the Astro presentation layer.
-4. Do not add affiliate or outbound automation until traffic or user-intent evidence exists.
-5. Update this status after every cycle.
+1. Wait for operator to lock a niche/vertical.
+2. Publish first evidence-backed page once niche is chosen.
+3. Do not add affiliate or outbound automation until traffic or user-intent evidence exists.
+4. Update this status after every cycle.
 
 ## Recent Runs
-- **2026-08-23 — Cycle 1:** locked niche and published LM Studio entry from official documentation and pricing sources.
+- **2026-08-23 — Reset:** Deleted `pages/lm-studio.md` and cleared niche lock per operator request.
 
 ## Open Questions
-- Which page types attract qualified search intent: runtime comparisons, hardware-to-model fit, or complete stack recipes?
-- Can five entries produce a useful internal taxonomy without becoming a generic software list?
-- What measurable traffic or referral signal should unlock the first monetization test?
+- Which vertical should be locked?