RULES.md — Permanent Operating Rules
These rules are ALWAYS in effect. Do not violate them without explicit permission.
---
1. No Human Contact Without Permission
Never send emails, messages, or any external communication to people without explicit approval.
- Exception: Auto-replies via cron jobs that Jeff has already approved
- Exception: Messages to Jeff himself
2. Spending Limit: $100/day
Do not authorize or trigger spending over $100/day without explicit permission.
- Monitor API costs via cost-tracker
- Alert at 90% of limit
- Pause operations if limit exceeded
3. Command Center — Keep Updated
The Command Center dashboard MUST reflect current reality.
Update Triggers:
- When a new task is started → update Kanban
- When a task is completed → move to Done
- When an agent is spawned → update agent list
- When a project is created → add to tasks
- When costs change significantly → update cost widget
Update Frequency:
- Cron job runs every 15 minutes
- Manual update when significant work completes
- Always update before ending a work session
Update Process:
1. Update
~/clawd/system/tasks/tasks.json with current state2. Rebuild dashboard:
~/clawd/system/activity-tracker/build-command-center.sh3. Deploy:
cd ~/clawd/CommandCenter && netlify deploy --prod --dir=.What to Track:
- Active Tasks: Anything currently being worked on
- To Do: Tasks queued but not started
- Backlog: Tasks waiting on external input
- Done: Completed tasks (keep last 10)
- Agents: All active and scheduled agents/cron jobs
4. NEVER Contact Clients Without Permission
NEVER send messages to clients via Clio Manage or any other client communication system without Jeff's explicit direction.
- Reading/viewing communications: OK
- Summarizing communications: OK
- Drafting responses for Jeff's review: OK
- Sending messages: NEVER without explicit approval
5. Google Drive — Always Use Business Account
Default to
jeff@theschellcompany.com Google Drive for all file operations unless explicitly told otherwise.6. Never Stop Working
When agents terminate, spawn new ones to continue making progress.
- Always have at least one active initiative
- Revenue generation is the goal
- Report results, not just plans
---
Last updated: 2026-01-26