Content Guidelines by Post Type

Core Consistency Rules

Style Consistency Principle

If you choose to deviate from the recommended style guidelines below, maintain that deviation consistently throughout the entire piece. Mixing styles within a single post creates jarring reader experiences.

Examples of acceptable consistent deviations:

Using “we” throughout an entire post (but never mixing “we” and “I”)
Writing in third person for a specific piece (but maintaining it throughout)
Using formal academic tone for technical content (but not switching to conversational mid-post)
Adopting a specific narrative voice for storytelling posts

Inconsistency Warnings

AI assistants and editors should flag these inconsistencies:

❌ Switching between “I” and “we” within the same post
❌ Mixing formal and conversational tones randomly
❌ Starting personal then becoming impersonal
❌ Inconsistent use of headers, bullet styles, or formatting
❌ Switching between metaphorical frameworks mid-post
❌ Changing target audience assumptions (expert → beginner → expert)

The goal: Readers should feel like they’re having one coherent conversation, not multiple conversations stitched together.

Universal Writing Style (All Content)

Voice and Perspective

Always use “I” for personal perspective, never “we”
Direct and concise - avoid flowery language where it obscures meaning
Personal but pragmatic tone
Conversational vulnerability - write like you’re having coffee with a thoughtful friend who shares real struggles
Vulnerable but authoritative - show uncertainty alongside expertise
Systems thinking approach - naturally build frameworks and structured approaches
Metaphorical thinking - use consistent metaphors (dragons, mountains, rivers) to explain complex concepts

Language Patterns

Questions to engage readers and introduce new sections
Concrete examples over abstract concepts
“Here’s what I learned” rather than “You should do this”
Strategic use of rich metaphors when they enhance understanding
Self-deprecating humor with phrases like “completely aspirational” and acknowledgment of personal flaws
Vulnerability as strength - openly discussing fears, failures, and contradictions
Research integration - heavy citing of books, studies, and external sources
Avoid marketing speak and buzzwords - no “revolutionary,” “game-changing,” or corporate jargon

Structure Elements

Extensive use of headers for easy scanning
Bullet points to chunk information
Table of contents for longer pieces (auto-generated via vim-markdown-toc)
Heavy cross-referencing using `<div style=”margin-bottom: 0.5rem” class=”summary-link body-only” href=””

Loading ()

</div> ` for internal linking

Progressive disclosure - start with simple concepts, then drill deeper
Iterative development - posts evolve over time with update notes
Framework building - most posts end with practical application methods

Engagement Techniques

Rhetorical questions as section breaks
Direct reader address (“I bet you don’t either”)
Dialog format for internal conflicts and decision-making (real and imagined conversations)
Real-time authenticity - admit uncertainty and show work in progress
Meta-commentary on your own writing and thinking process
Personal anecdotes as teaching tools - stories that illustrate broader principles
Pre-mortem/scenario planning - regular use of “what if” thinking

Content Type Guidelines

1. Book Summaries/Reviews

Purpose: Process learning and share insights from books that shaped your thinking

Structure:

Always include book cover image and Amazon affiliate link
Use chapter-by-chapter breakdown for systematic books
Include “Why this book matters” section
End with “How this applies to you” practical takeaways

Voice: Analytical teacher - “Here’s what I learned and how you can apply it”

Key Elements:

Heavy use of structured outlines and bullet points
Personal application examples throughout
Quote key passages that resonated
Connect to your existing frameworks and other books

Length: 300-600 lines typically

Tags: book-notes, plus relevant topic tags

2. Personal Philosophy/Identity Posts

Purpose: Work through fundamental life questions while creating frameworks others can use

Structure:

Start with personal stakes - why this matters to you
Use creative metaphors consistently throughout (dragons, circles, etc.)
Include both emotional and logical analysis
Create memorable frameworks with clear components

Voice: Vulnerable philosopher - “Here’s how I think about life”

Key Elements:

Dialog format for internal conflicts (“Dragon:” conversations)
Extensive personal anecdotes as proof points
Alert boxes for important caveats
Visual elements (images, diagrams) to break up text
Cross-references to related life frameworks

Length: 400-1000+ lines for major pieces

Tags: how igor ticks, plus relevant topics

3. Professional/Management Content

Purpose: Share hard-won workplace wisdom and practical frameworks

Structure:

Start with the problem/challenge
Provide systematic framework or approach
Include specific workplace examples
Link to deeper reference materials
Include “what doesn’t work” sections

Voice: Experienced practitioner - “Here’s what works in practice”

Key Elements:

Tactical advice with concrete steps
War stories from actual management experience
References to “Igor’s book of…“ deeper materials
Quantified examples where possible
Team scenarios and people stories

Length: 150-300 lines typically

Tags: manager, software engineering, emotional intelligence

4. Reference/Framework Content

Purpose: Create comprehensive, living documents for personal and public use

Structure:

Comprehensive table of contents
Clear section headers for easy navigation
“Quick reference” sections for immediate use
Update logs showing evolution over time

Voice: Systematic organizer - “Here’s a complete framework”

Key Elements:

Heavy cross-linking between related concepts
Actionable sections with specific steps
Examples and scenarios for each major point
Regular updates with new insights
Multiple entry points for different use cases

Length: 500-1000+ lines for comprehensive guides

Tags: framework, reference, plus topic-specific tags

5. Major Life Decision Documentation

Purpose: Work through significant choices while creating reusable decision-making frameworks

Structure:

Establish stakes and timeline
Map out all considerations systematically
Use creative metaphors to explore emotional aspects
Document decision-making process in real-time
Include uncertainty and evolution of thinking

Voice: Thoughtful decision-maker - “Here’s how I’m working through this”

Key Elements:

Real-time processing with timestamps
Both rational and emotional analysis
Creative frameworks (dragons, councils, etc.)
Progress tracking and milestone documentation
Honest uncertainty and course corrections

Length: 700+ lines for major decisions

Tags: decision-making, plus relevant life area tags

6. Practical Hobby/Lifestyle Posts

Purpose: Share what works in daily life - products, approaches, systems

Structure:

Problem or need statement
Solution overview
Specific recommendations with reasoning
Personal experience and results
Alternative options and trade-offs

Voice: Helpful enthusiast - “Here’s what works for me”

Key Elements:

Product links and specific model numbers
Personal experience with timeline
Comparison with alternatives
Practical setup tips
Cost/benefit analysis

Length: 50-200 lines typically

Tags: toys, biking, health, plus specific categories

7. Journal/Exploration Content

Purpose: Think through emerging topics and capture evolving insights

Structure:

Date-based entries showing progression
Stream-of-consciousness exploration
Questions and uncertainties
Links to related reading/research
Periodic synthesis and pattern identification

Voice: Curious explorer - “Here’s what I’m figuring out”

Key Elements:

Experimental thinking without predetermined conclusions
Question collections and research notes
Pattern recognition across different inputs
Regular synthesis attempts
Links to external sources and influences

Length: Variable, grows over time

Tags: exploration, journal, plus topic tags

8. Personal Narrative/Story Posts

Purpose: Use personal stories and experiences as teaching tools to illustrate broader principles

Structure:

Set scene with personal context
Develop story with specific details and dialogue
Extract universal principles or lessons
Connect to broader frameworks or life philosophy
Invite reader reflection or application

Voice: Reflective storyteller - “Here’s what this experience taught me”

Key Elements:

AI conversations with Tony (life coach) showing real-time processing
Family adventures and moments that illustrate larger principles
Life transition narratives about major changes and decisions
Identity conflict stories (bike vs car, work vs family, etc.)
Dialogue format showing internal or external conversations
Specific sensory details that make stories vivid and memorable

Length: 200-800 lines typically

Tags: story, narrative, plus relevant life area tags

Content Development Workflow

1. Start with Purpose

Personal processing - What am I trying to figure out?
Public value - How can this help others?
Framework building - What systematic approach am I developing?

2. Choose Content Type

Match your purpose to the appropriate content type above
Consider hybrid approaches for complex topics
Plan for potential evolution (exploration → framework → published advice)

3. Apply Type-Specific Guidelines

Use the voice and structure patterns for your chosen type
Include all key elements relevant to that content type
Follow the suggested length guidelines

4. Cross-Link and Connect

Reference related content throughout
Build connections between different frameworks
Update existing content with new insights

5. Tag and Organize

Use consistent tagging system
Include type-specific tags plus topic tags
Consider searchability and future discovery

Special Considerations

Dual-Purpose Content

Most substantial content should serve both personal processing AND public teaching. This is your superpower - turning personal work into valuable public content.

Living Documents

Many pieces should be treated as living documents that get updated over time with new insights, examples, and refinements.

Authentic Vulnerability

Your willingness to show uncertainty, mistakes, and work-in-progress thinking is what makes the content uniquely valuable. Maintain this across all content types.

Framework Thinking

You naturally build systematic approaches to complex topics. Lean into this strength by making frameworks explicit and reusable.

Meta-Awareness

Your ability to comment on your own thinking process adds depth and authenticity. Include this meta-commentary where it serves the content.

Technical Implementation Guide

Alert Boxes

Use alert boxes to highlight important information, warnings, or construction notices:

Syntax:

<div class="alert alert-info" role="alert">Your message here</div>

<div class="alert alert-warning" role="alert">Warning or caution message</div>

<div class="alert alert-danger" role="alert">Work in progress notice</div>

Common use cases:

Construction/work-in-progress notices
Important caveats or disclaimers
Cross-references to related content
Privilege acknowledgments

Example:

<div class="alert alert-warning" role="alert">🚧 Construction Zone 🚧 This post is in heavy progress! 🔨 Check back later for updates ⏳</div>

URL Redirects

Set up redirects for shorter, memorable URLs using both redirect_from and alias:

Syntax:

redirect_from:
  - /shortname
  - /abbreviation
alias:
  - /shortname
  - /abbreviation

Example:

redirect_from:
  - /7habits
  - /7h
alias:
  - /7habits
  - /7h

Book Links and Amazon Affiliate Integration

Use the Amazon include for book references with ASIN numbers:

Syntax:

<div class="amazon-products" style="margin: 20px 0">
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/ASIN_NUMBER?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="ASIN_NUMBER"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/ASIN_NUMBER.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
  
</div>

<script>
  document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
    // Check all Amazon images once they've had a chance to load
    setTimeout(function () {
      document.querySelectorAll(".amazon-image").forEach(function (img) {
        // If image failed to load or is too small (1x1 pixel), show text fallback
        if (!img.complete || img.naturalWidth <= 1 || img.naturalHeight <= 1) {
          img.style.display = "none";
          var fallback = img.nextElementSibling;
          if (fallback && fallback.classList.contains("amazon-text-fallback")) {
            fallback.style.display = "block";
          }
        }
      });
    }, 2000); // Wait 2 seconds for images to load
  });
</script>



<div class="amazon-products" style="margin: 20px 0">
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/ASIN1?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="ASIN1"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/ASIN1.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/ASIN2?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="ASIN2"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/ASIN2.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/ASIN3?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="ASIN3"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/ASIN3.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
  
</div>

<script>
  document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
    // Check all Amazon images once they've had a chance to load
    setTimeout(function () {
      document.querySelectorAll(".amazon-image").forEach(function (img) {
        // If image failed to load or is too small (1x1 pixel), show text fallback
        if (!img.complete || img.naturalWidth <= 1 || img.naturalHeight <= 1) {
          img.style.display = "none";
          var fallback = img.nextElementSibling;
          if (fallback && fallback.classList.contains("amazon-text-fallback")) {
            fallback.style.display = "block";
          }
        }
      });
    }, 2000); // Wait 2 seconds for images to load
  });
</script>

Examples:

<div class="amazon-products" style="margin: 20px 0">
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071499938?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="0071499938"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/0071499938.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="Product 0071499938"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 160px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
          margin: 0 auto;
        "
      />
      <div style="margin-top: 10px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.4">
        <div style="font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 5px">
          Product 0071499938
        </div>
        
      </div>
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
  
</div>

<script>
  document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
    // Check all Amazon images once they've had a chance to load
    setTimeout(function () {
      document.querySelectorAll(".amazon-image").forEach(function (img) {
        // If image failed to load or is too small (1x1 pixel), show text fallback
        if (!img.complete || img.naturalWidth <= 1 || img.naturalHeight <= 1) {
          img.style.display = "none";
          var fallback = img.nextElementSibling;
          if (fallback && fallback.classList.contains("amazon-text-fallback")) {
            fallback.style.display = "block";
          }
        }
      });
    }, 2000); // Wait 2 seconds for images to load
  });
</script>



<div class="amazon-products" style="margin: 20px 0">
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LDSPRYM?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="B07LDSPRYM"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/B07LDSPRYM.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00506CSDQ?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="B00506CSDQ"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/B00506CSDQ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
   
  <div
    class="amazon-product"
    style="
      display: inline-block;
      margin: 10px;
      vertical-align: top;
      max-width: 200px;
    "
  >
    <a
      href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C66Z4M4?tag=ighe-20"
      target="_blank"
      rel="noopener"
      class="amazon-link"
      data-asin="B07C66Z4M4"
      style="text-decoration: none; color: inherit"
    >
      
      <img
        src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/P/B07C66Z4M4.01._SCLZZZZZZZ__SL160_.jpg"
        alt="View on Amazon"
        class="amazon-image"
        style="
          max-width: 120px;
          height: auto;
          border: 1px solid #ddd;
          padding: 5px;
          display: block;
        "
      />
      
      <span
        class="amazon-text-fallback"
        style="
          display: none;
          padding: 10px 20px;
          background-color: #ff9900;
          color: white;
          text-decoration: none;
          border-radius: 4px;
          font-weight: bold;
          text-align: center;
          margin-top: 10px;
        "
        >View on Amazon →</span
      >
    </a>
  </div>
  
</div>

<script>
  document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", function () {
    // Check all Amazon images once they've had a chance to load
    setTimeout(function () {
      document.querySelectorAll(".amazon-image").forEach(function (img) {
        // If image failed to load or is too small (1x1 pixel), show text fallback
        if (!img.complete || img.naturalWidth <= 1 || img.naturalHeight <= 1) {
          img.style.display = "none";
          var fallback = img.nextElementSibling;
          if (fallback && fallback.classList.contains("amazon-text-fallback")) {
            fallback.style.display = "block";
          }
        }
      });
    }, 2000); // Wait 2 seconds for images to load
  });
</script>

How it works:

ASINs are looked up in _data/asins.json for title, image, and description
Automatically includes affiliate tag (ighe-20)
Falls back to generic Amazon image if product data not available
Supports multiple books separated by semicolons
Images are styled consistently with fallback text if images fail to load

Best practices:

Use ASIN numbers (found in Amazon URLs) rather than direct links
Group related books together in single include
Place near relevant text sections
ASIN data is managed automatically via scripts in /scripts/ directory

Images

Use the custom image includes for consistent formatting:

Right-floating images:

<img src="https://github.com/idvorkin/blob/raw/master/blog/image-name.webp" class="float-right-img" alt="" />

Standard images:

![](https://github.com/idvorkin/blob/raw/master/blog/image-name.webp)

Small right-floating images (25% width):

<img
  src="https://github.com/idvorkin/blob/raw/master/blog/image-name.webp"
  class="img-fluid float-end w-25"
/>

Image best practices:

Use WebP format for efficiency
Store images in the GitHub blob: https://github.com/idvorkin/blob/raw/master/blog/filename.webp
Reference using relative paths in includes: blog/filename.webp
Place floating images near relevant text sections

Cross-References and Internal Linking

Use the summarize-page include for rich internal linking:

Syntax:

<div
  style="margin-bottom: 0.5rem"
  class="summary-link body-only"
  href="/page-name"
>
  <a href="/page-name"> Loading (/page-name) </a>
</div>

How it works:

Automatically pulls title and description from the linked page
Creates a styled summary box with proper attribution
Uses data from back-links.json for consistent metadata
Provides rich preview of the linked content

When to use:

Referencing related comprehensive posts
Building connections between related frameworks
Providing deeper dive options
Creating content clusters around themes
Cross-linking between book summaries and related life posts

Examples:

<div
  style="margin-bottom: 0.5rem"
  class="summary-link body-only"
  href="/7habits"
>
  <a href="/7habits"> Loading (/7habits) </a>
</div>

<div
  style="margin-bottom: 0.5rem"
  class="summary-link body-only"
  href="/death"
>
  <a href="/death"> Loading (/death) </a>
</div>

<div
  style="margin-bottom: 0.5rem"
  class="summary-link body-only"
  href="/gap-year"
>
  <a href="/gap-year"> Loading (/gap-year) </a>
</div>

Jekyll Front Matter Essentials

Include these key elements in post front matter:

---
title: "Your Post Title"
layout: post
permalink: /url-slug
imagefeature: https://github.com/idvorkin/blob/raw/master/blog/image.webp
tags:
  - relevant-tag
  - category-tag
redirect_from:
  - /short-url
alias:
  - /short-url
---

IMPORTANT IMPLEMENTATION RULE: Always use these technical elements consistently. Alert boxes for important notices, redirects for memorable URLs, affiliate links for books, proper image includes for formatting, and summarize-page includes for internal references.