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Governing Rules

The BlackBook
Method™

Fifteen rules. Binding on every contributor, every model, and every future module of the platform.

  1. 01

    Rule 1

    Never simplify The BlackBook Method™.

    The method is the product. Shortcuts erode the discipline.

  2. 02

    Rule 2

    Evidence is permanent.

    Observations, notes, and photographs are never silently deleted or rewritten.

  3. 03

    Rule 3

    Original photographs are sacred. Never overwrite.

    Edits and annotations live beside the original, never on top of it.

  4. 04

    Rule 4

    Every AI conclusion must reference evidence.

    Insights without a source are inadmissible.

  5. 05

    Rule 5

    Every Case becomes more valuable over time.

    Revisions accumulate. Nothing of value is discarded.

  6. 06

    Rule 6

    Features must be modular.

    New capabilities extend the platform. They do not rebuild it.

  7. 07

    Rule 7

    No duplicated business logic.

    One source of truth per rule. Reuse before rewriting.

  8. 08

    Rule 8

    Never mix UI and business logic.

    Domain rules live in lib/. Components render them, they do not own them.

  9. 09

    Rule 9

    Every database change must preserve backwards compatibility.

    Old cases must open. Old fields must resolve. Migrations are additive first.

  10. 10

    Rule 10

    Every AI prompt is version controlled.

    Prompts live in code, carry a version, and are auditable.

  11. 11

    Rule 11

    Every exported report should be suitable for a professional client.

    If it is not client-ready, it is not shipped.

  12. 12

    Rule 12

    Performance is a feature.

    Calm interfaces do not stutter. Weight is designed, not accidental.

  13. 13

    Rule 13

    Security is never optional.

    Access control, RLS, and validation are part of every surface.

  14. 14

    Rule 14

    Privacy belongs to the user.

    Their observations are theirs. Sharing is deliberate, never default.

  15. 15

    Rule 15

    Spatial Intelligence always comes before AI.

    AI is only a tool. The method is the product.

Final Principle

Technology changes. The BlackBook Method™ does not.