โ๏ธ Lab Note Style Guide
This guide describes how Lab Notes should feel, not just how they are shaped.
It is advisory, not enforced. When in doubt, clarity beats cleverness.
What a Lab Note Isโ
A Lab Note is:
- an observation
- a pattern
- a synthesis
- a record of thinking
It is not a blog post, marketing copy, or a hot take.
The goal is useful signal, not persuasion.
Tone Guidelinesโ
Aim for:
- Clear
- Grounded
- Curious
- Calmly confident
Avoid:
- Inflated language
- Absolutes without evidence
- Performative certainty
- Unexamined moralizing
If a sentence feels like itโs trying to โwin,โ rewrite it.
Titlesโ
Good titles:
- Describe the pattern directly
- Use contrast when helpful
- Avoid clickbait phrasing
Examples:
- Being Talked About vs. Talked With
- When Advocacy Happens Without Participation
- Incentive Drift in Quiet Systems
Subtitleโ
If present, the subtitle should clarify why the note exists, not repeat the title.
Structure (Recommended)โ
Observationโ
Implicationsโ
Evidenceโ
Related Patterns (optional)โ
Card Style Usageโ
Use card_style sparingly and intentionally.
- Default to department styling
- Use
sagefor reflective or analytical notes - Use
vesperfor cautionary or power-analysis notes
TL;DRโ
Clarity > cleverness
Patterns > opinions
Tone matters
Leave room to think
Welcome to the Lab.