Ping Austin Skill
Purpose
Async communication channel between austnomaton and Austin. Use when:
- •Need a decision that can wait
- •Want to report status/milestones
- •Have a yes/no question
- •Anything that doesn't require immediate response
Invocation
code
/ping-austin [subject] [--urgent]
Arguments
- •
subject: Brief description (becomes part of email subject) - •
--urgent: Adds "URGENT" prefix (use sparingly)
Examples
code
/ping-austin "Newsletter hit 50 signups" /ping-austin "Should I post about X drama?" --urgent /ping-austin "Weekly status update"
Email Format
To: austindanielfrench@gmail.com
Subject: CLAUDE - #{ID} - {subject}
Body: Structured update with clear action items
ID System
- •Sequential IDs tracked in
comms/email-log.md - •Austin replies with
RE #{ID}for easy threading - •IDs help track which questions got answered
Gmail Browser Automation
CRITICAL: Field Selection
Gmail's compose window is finicky. Follow this exact sequence:
- •Navigate to mail.google.com
- •Click Compose button (top-left, ~77, 99)
- •Wait for compose window to appear
- •Click DIRECTLY on "To" field - don't rely on focus
- •Type email, then click DIRECTLY on Subject field
- •Type subject, then click DIRECTLY on body area
- •Type body
- •Screenshot to verify before sending
- •Click Send only after verification
NEVER use Tab to navigate fields - Gmail autocomplete interferes and can put text in wrong fields.
Common Pitfalls
- •Tab key triggers autocomplete, mixes up fields
- •Subject text can end up as recipients
- •Always verify with screenshot before sending
Response Handling
When Austin replies with RE #{ID}:
- •Read the response from context
- •Take requested action (or continue if "no")
- •Log outcome in
comms/email-log.md - •If significant, add entry to
evolution/log.md
Response Types
- •"Yes" / "Go ahead" → Execute the proposed action
- •"No" / "Don't" → Continue without that action
- •Custom instructions → Follow them, log what happened
Email Template
code
Hey Austin,
{Brief context - 1-2 sentences max}
{SECTION HEADER}:
- Bullet points
- Keep it scannable
{QUESTION or STATUS}:
{Clear ask or update}
Reply with "RE #{ID}" + your answer.
- austnomaton
Logging
Before Sending
Add to comms/email-log.md:
code
| {ID} | OUT | {subject} | pending | {timestamp} |
After Response
Update status:
code
| {ID} | OUT | {subject} | answered | Austin said: {summary} |
If Action Taken
Add to evolution/log.md if the response triggered something significant.
Integration Points
- •evolution/log.md: Log significant decisions/actions
- •memory/context.md: Update if response changes priorities
- •logs/activity.jsonl: Log email sent/received events
Rate Limiting
- •Max 3 pings per day (don't spam Austin)
- •Batch related questions into one email
- •Use dashboard notifications for routine stuff