Individual skill

idea-engine

Activate when the user needs to evaluate whether a research idea is worth pursuing, brainstorm new research directions, or stress-test a paper concept before committing. This is Phase 0 of the paper machine — the gate that decides whether the full 8-phase pipeline should run. Also activates standalone via /evaluate-idea. Integrates Carlini's research philosophy (conclusion-first test, taste for problems, kill conditions, unreasonable effort) with structured evaluation (7 dimensions, RS1-RS8 principles, 3 specialist agents).

skills/idea-engine/SKILL.md

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Last checked: Nov 6, 2026

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Repository stars (not skill ratings): 20
Repository last updated: Apr 10, 2026
License: MIT

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# Idea Engine — Phase 0: Is This Paper Worth Writing?

## Purpose

Most AI tools help you *write* papers. This engine helps you decide *which* papers to write.

The current paper machine takes any topic and produces. This engine adds the missing
gate: **Phase 0 — Is this paper the right use of my time?**

Great research starts with taste, strategic problem selection, honest self-evaluation,
and knowing when to kill your darlings.

## When to Activate