timestamp: 2026-06-20
tags: [taste, mcq-learned, ui, rules]
User prefers strict-no-toggle interpretation of locked rules
User prefers strict-no-toggle for locked rules
User prefers strict-no-toggle reading of rules
The rule
When a family rule (e.g., “dark mode default”, “no card on file”, “no manual tracking”) is offered as a strict reading vs a soft reading that adds a per-user toggle, default to strict — no toggle.
A rule with an opt-out becomes a default; a rule without an opt-out is a constraint. User picks constraint.
Evidence
| Date | Choice offered | Choice picked | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-06-20 | Dark default + light opt-in vs AMOLED only no toggle vs 3 modes | AMOLED only, no toggle | Dark + light opt-in |
(Earlier in 2026-06-20: Toggl Track adopted then walked back same day to Wakatime-only when manual-tracker option opened a hole in auto-only-tracking — same pattern: rule wins, exception path closed.)
How to apply
When designing UI / API / config surfaces and a family rule applies:
- Don’t ship a toggle for “exceptions to the rule”.
- Don’t ship a config flag that disables the rule on opt-in.
- Don’t ship a per-user override.
- Ship the rule, period.
If a user genuinely needs the exception (a future user, not the current one), they can fork or build their own. The rules are for chirag127’s products, not for arbitrary user customisation.
Limits
This rule applies to family rules, not implementation choices. Per-tool calculator unit preferences (kg vs lb), language picks, keyboard shortcuts, etc. — those are config, not rule overrides. A toggle for “metric vs imperial” on a unit converter is not the same as a toggle for “dark vs light theme”.
The line: if it overrides an ~/AGENTS.md rule, no toggle. If it
parameterises a feature within the rule, toggle is fine.
Source
Mined from MCQ override 2026-06-20 per ~/AGENTS.md AskUserQuestion
learning rule.