---
name: x-article-formatter
description: Format and structure long-form drafts for X Articles. Use when a user provides a continuous block of text (essay, explainer, how-to) that needs to be restructured for X's article format. Imposes section architecture, optimizes for skimmability, and suggests visual placement. Does NOT handle tone or voice—assumes that's already set.
---

# X Article Formatter

Transform continuous draft text into structured X Articles optimized for engagement and readability.

## Process

1. Read the draft and identify: core thesis, key arguments/steps, natural section breaks
2. Impose structure using the Section Architecture rules below
3. Apply Paragraph Rhythm and Formatting rules
4. Insert 📸 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 Architecture

### Subheadings

- Insert bold subheadings every 3-6 paragraphs
- Subheadings are **statements or provocations**, not topic labels
  - ❌ "Section 2: The Problem"
  - ✅ "The Traditional Bargain Is Dead"
- Use sentence case, not title case

### Opening

The first 2-3 sentences must do one of:
- Make a strong declarative stance
- Establish a frame-shift or counterintuitive premise
- State a personal position with conviction

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

✅ Strong 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 strong X Article includes a moment where the specific topic connects to broader implications. Identify where this should occur (usually 40-60% through the piece) and ensure the transition is clear.

### Closing

End with one of:
- A concrete story or anecdote that crystallizes the thesis
- A framework/checklist the reader can apply
- A thesis restatement with forward-looking implications

❌ Never end with:
- "What do you think? Let me know in the comments"
- Generic CTAs
- 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 & Bullets

- Use sparingly and strategically—not as default structure
- When used: 3-5 items max, each item punchy
- Prefer prose with inline enumeration when possible
  - ✅ "Three things matter here: speed, clarity, and repetition."
  - ❌ Bullet list for the same content

### Bold Text

- Use to highlight key phrases within paragraphs
- 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 `📸` 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:
```
📸 (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]

---

[FORMATTED ARTICLE WITH STRUCTURE APPLIED]

---

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