personal examples

Author: devandapaige

.cursorrules

@@ -153,6 +153,33 @@ Content here...
 - **Focus on practical applications** - Not just theory, but how to actually use it
 - **Run the pre-publication checklist** from BLOG_VOICE_GUIDE.md before finalizing
 
+### CRITICAL: Personal Examples Policy
+
+**NEVER fabricate or invent personal experiences, examples, or stories.**
+
+When content needs personal examples, stories, or specific experiences:
+
+1. **ASK THE USER FIRST** - Before adding any personal example, story, or experience, ask: "Do you have a specific example from your experience I can use here?" or "Can you share a real story about [topic]?"
+
+2. **Use placeholder text** - If you need to show structure, use placeholders like:
+   - "[Your specific example here]"
+   - "[Real story from your experience]"
+   - "[Actual tool you use]"
+   - "[Specific situation you've encountered]"
+
+3. **Flag when examples are needed** - If the content structure requires a personal example but you don't have one, clearly indicate: "⚠️ This section needs a real personal example - please provide one"
+
+4. **Only use examples from existing posts** - You may reference examples from published blog posts (like "scanning medical receipts" from "Rest Mode"), but always cite them as coming from existing content.
+
+5. **Never make up:**
+   - Personal stories or anecdotes
+   - Tool preferences you haven't confirmed
+   - Specific experiences or situations
+   - Quotes or conversations
+   - Specific dates, numbers, or metrics from personal experience
+
+**Remember:** Authenticity is paramount. It's better to ask for a real example or use a placeholder than to fabricate one.
+
 ## Voice Examples
 
 ### Good Voice Patterns

BLOG_VOICE_GUIDE.md

@@ -732,6 +732,40 @@ If you use AI to help draft or edit posts:
 8. **Check service alignment** - Ensure content aligns with your tech coaching focus, not web development services
 9. **Match content type** - Use appropriate voice for blog posts vs resource pages vs newsletters
 
+### CRITICAL: Never Fabricate Personal Examples
+
+**For AI assistants (including Cursor):**
+
+**NEVER invent, fabricate, or make up personal experiences, examples, stories, or anecdotes.**
+
+When content needs personal examples:
+
+1. **ASK THE USER FIRST** - Before adding any personal example, story, or experience, ask: 
+   - "Do you have a specific example from your experience I can use here?"
+   - "Can you share a real story about [topic]?"
+   - "What's a real example of [situation] from your experience?"
+
+2. **Use placeholder text** - If showing structure, use clear placeholders:
+   - `[Your specific example here]`
+   - `[Real story from your experience]`
+   - `[Actual tool you use]`
+   - `[Specific situation you've encountered]`
+
+3. **Flag when examples are needed** - Clearly indicate: "⚠️ This section needs a real personal example - please provide one"
+
+4. **Only reference existing content** - You may reference examples from published blog posts, but always cite them as coming from existing content.
+
+5. **Never make up:**
+   - Personal stories or anecdotes
+   - Tool preferences you haven't confirmed
+   - Specific experiences or situations
+   - Quotes or conversations
+   - Specific dates, numbers, or metrics from personal experience
+   - Client interactions or testimonials
+   - Personal health information or diagnoses
+
+**Remember:** Authenticity is paramount. It's better to ask for a real example, use a placeholder, or skip the example entirely than to fabricate one. Fabricated personal examples are a major AI "tell" and damage credibility.
+
 ---
 
 ## References