stop-slop ยท diff
git:20260426.621f24f to v1.1.0
8 added, 1 removed. Audit A to A.
---
name: stop-slop
description: Remove AI writing patterns from prose. Use when drafting, editing, or reviewing text to eliminate predictable AI tells.
+ argument-hint: "[text or file]"
+ license: MIT
+ metadata:
+ version: 1.1.0
+ author: Gaurav Tiwari
---
-
# Stop Slop
Eliminate predictable AI writing patterns from prose.
## Core Rules
1. **Cut filler phrases.** Remove throat-clearing openers and emphasis crutches. See [references/phrases.md](references/phrases.md).
2. **Break formulaic structures.** Avoid binary contrasts, dramatic fragmentation, rhetorical setups. See [references/structures.md](references/structures.md).
3. **Vary rhythm.** Mix sentence lengths. Two items beat three. End paragraphs differently.
4. **Trust readers.** State facts directly. Skip softening, justification, hand-holding.
5. **Cut quotables.** If it sounds like a pull-quote, rewrite it.
## Quick Checks
Before delivering prose:
- Three consecutive sentences match length? Break one.
- Paragraph ends with punchy one-liner? Vary it.
- Em-dash before a reveal? Remove it.
- Explaining a metaphor? Trust it to land.
- Same concept called three different names? Pick one and repeat it.
- "Serves as" or "stands as" where "is" works? Use "is."
- Stacked "from X to Y" ranges? Pick one specific example.
- Closing paragraph could apply to any article? Make it specific.
+ - Caption or alt text explains how the image was made, or why it beats a stock photo? Replace it with what the image shows, or remove it.
## Self-Audit (Final Pass)
After writing, ask: **"What makes this obviously AI-generated?"** Read every paragraph looking for:
1. Synonym cycling (same thing, different words each time)
2. -ing gerund clusters (highlighting, showcasing, fostering)
3. Significance inflation (testament, pivotal, transformative)
4. False comprehensiveness (from X to Y, whether A or B)
5. Generic optimistic closing
Fix every instance found. Then read once more.
## Scoring
Rate 1-10 on each dimension:
| Dimension | Question |
|-----------|----------|
| Directness | Statements or announcements? |
| Rhythm | Varied or metronomic? |
| Trust | Respects reader intelligence? |
| Authenticity | Sounds human? |
| Density | Anything cuttable? |
Below 35/50: revise.
+
+ This grid is a quick self-check, not a gate. For a scored audit with severity tiers, run the sibling [slop-detector](../slop-detector) skill: exact production-narration constructions fail outright, broad lexical matches only prompt review, and the advisory score (0 to 5 clean, 6 to 15 needs editing, 16+ rewrite) decides pass or fail.
## Examples
See [references/examples.md](references/examples.md) for before/after transformations.
## License
MIT