directory-engine/decisions.md

# Decisions Log

## 2026-08-22 — Repo creation
- Created Tony_tech/directory-engine as the home for Leonard-powered niche directory work.
- Structure and playbook seeded from Startup Ideas Podcast directory thesis.

## 2026-08-23 — Reset
- Operator requested deletion of the LM Studio page and full reset of niche lock.
- Previous niche decision (local AI tools and stacks for real hardware) and Cycle 1 entry removed.

## 2026-08-23 — Afterthedemo LOCKED (Operator confirmed)

**Name:** Afterthedemo  
**Core focus:** Real shipped products built by people using AI tools (especially Hermes and similar agent stacks).

**Operating rules (locked):**
- Product Directory is the only initial pillar.
- Every entry must have a public, verifiable artifact (live site, installable package, open repo, running bot, downloadable tool, etc.).
- The product must be past the demo stage.
- No scoring system.
- No tool directory, tutorial site, or VeriPath/client-work content.
- Defer builder spotlights and walkthroughs until 8–12 entries and measurable traffic exist.

**Content pillars (staged):**
1. **Product Directory** (active now — evergreen, evidence-backed entries)
2. Weekly Builder Spotlight (deferred)
3. Creation Walkthroughs (deferred)
4. Tool Tutorials & Setup Guides (secondary, only when grounded in real shipped work)
5. Process Notes (secondary)

**Rationale:** Matches operator taste, existing Hermes/Leonard work, and the Grokbot directory thesis. Strong differentiation via the past-demo + public artifact filter. Natural later expansion to newsletter / referral deals once traffic exists.

## 2026-08-23 — Full podcast incorporation
- Added `best-practices.md` with 4-week cadence, Chief of Staff pattern, routines, anti-patterns, and the three business shapes.
- Added `agents/chief-of-staff-prompt.md`.
- Directory is the chosen entry point; newsletter and site-builder stack are explicit future expansions once traffic exists.