Not all content needs rigid structure. The key is knowing when to force format and when to guide it gently.
When to Use Strict Formatting
Perfect for: - Business documents - Technical documentation - Reports and analyses - Instructional content - Data presentation - Process documentation
Example Strict Format: ```text Create a bug report with exactly these sections: 1. TITLE: [Descriptive bug name] 2. SEVERITY: [Critical/High/Medium/Low] 3. STEPS TO REPRODUCE: 1) [Exact step] 2) [Exact step] 3) [Exact step] 4. EXPECTED BEHAVIOR: [What should happen] 5. ACTUAL BEHAVIOR: [What does happen] 6. ENVIRONMENT: [System details] 7. SCREENSHOTS: [Placeholder for images] 8. WORKAROUND: [If any] ```text
When to Use Flexible Formatting
Perfect for: - Creative writing - Brainstorming - Exploratory content - Marketing copy - Storytelling
Example Flexible Format: ```text Write a customer success story with these elements: - Hook that grabs attention - Challenge they faced (make it relatable) - Journey to finding our solution - Specific results (include numbers) - Emotional transformation - Advice for others
Flow naturally between elements. 400-500 words. ```text
The Hybrid Approach
Sometimes you want structure with creative freedom:
```text Write a blog post about productivity with this structure:
HOOK: [Surprising opening - be creative]
SECTION 1: The Problem [2-3 paragraphs exploring why productivity is hard]
SECTION 2: The Insight [Your unique perspective - tell a story]
SECTION 3: The Solution Format as: • Principle 1: [Name] - [Explanation] • Principle 2: [Name] - [Explanation] • Principle 3: [Name] - [Explanation]
SECTION 4: Implementation [Step-by-step guide, but write conversationally]
CLOSE: [Call to action + inspiration]
Tone: Like having coffee with a smart friend Length: 800-1000 words ```text