Separate the lasting from the temporary
A writing preference can stay useful for months. A launch deadline may be outdated next week. Mixing both into one growing note makes it harder to tell which instruction still applies.
Keep stable information concise: your role, preferred output format, project vocabulary and recurring constraints. Put active tasks, next steps and unresolved questions with the work in progress. After the decision is made, record the outcome and remove obsolete instructions.
Know where YankyBot keeps context
YankyBot stores its working data locally. An agent has an IDENTITY.md file for its role and a NOW.md file for current work. The shared brain/ directory contains context that can help the team, including PROFILE.md.
agents/your-agent/
├─ IDENTITY.md Role and working guidance
└─ NOW.md Current work
brain/
└─ PROFILE.md Shared contextThis is a simplified illustration of the file structure, not a link into your computer. Use the app’s memory controls or open the relevant local files to review your own context.
Write preferences that change a decision
“I like good writing” does not tell an agent much. “Use short paragraphs, explain acronyms and end with the decision I need to make” gives it actionable guidance. Include an example when a preference is difficult to describe.
Memory should also mark uncertainty. “Budget is still being discussed” is more useful than an old budget presented as final. Ask the agent to verify current facts from the original source when a task depends on them.
Keep private information deliberate
Local storage makes the files accessible to you. It does not mean the AI runs offline: relevant context may be sent to your chosen provider while completing a task. Avoid adding passwords, access tokens or information the agent does not need.
Shared memory is intended for the team. A separate agent name is an organizational tool, not a promise that all underlying files or tools are isolated from other agents.
Give memory a short maintenance pass
Review it after a project changes direction. Correct facts, remove duplicate instructions and move finished work out of the current-task note. Keep a backup before making a substantial edit.
The goal is not to preserve every sentence. It is to give the next run enough accurate context to begin well. If the output still misses the mark, refine the task brief as well as the memory.
Put a little team to work.
YankyBot is a free Mac app in development. Your AI subscription is separate.
Explore early access
