How do small agreements keep a big project from falling apart?
The Humboldt's Home Essay Protocol: Why a Shared Rulebook Holds a Project Together
Behind every essay in this collection sits a quiet rulebook: how headers look, how sources are credited, how files are named. See how small agreements keep a big project consistent.
This document sets the agreed protocol for all finalized Humboldt’s Home (HH) essays. It consolidates formatting, style, attribution, and workflow rules to ensure consistency across the project.
Headers
Use bold blue headers for all main sections. No asterisks, dashes, or extra symbols. Bullets may be used within sections for lists, but headers themselves must be clean and consistent.
Bullets
Only simple round bullets should be used for lists. No dashes, asterisks, or decorative symbols.
Attribution
Every essay must include attribution at the top. Use the format: ‘Inspired by: [Article Title] by [Author]’ OR ‘(HH Original)’ if not article-based. Never use italics or asterisks. Place attribution near the top, not the footer.
Copyright
Each essay must end with: © [Year] Michael A. Pink. This should appear in the footer area if possible, otherwise as the last line of text.
Word Count & Filenames
Final essay filenames must include the word count and date of finalization. Example: ‘Essay_Title_HH_Original_FINAL_2025-09-22_1250words.docx’. Word counts should be accurate within ±10 words.
Finalization Labels
All deliverables should be clearly marked as FINAL or DRAFT. Only FINAL versions should be filed in the HH folder.
Sidebars & Classroom Prompts
All essays must include at least one sidebar (for deeper context, data, or a related insight) and a section of classroom prompts (discussion/exploration questions).
Time Dimension (25-Year Lens)
Each HH essay should consider including a 25-year historical snapshot of its topic, showing the state of the art or public understanding at that earlier point. This is not mandatory. Writers should ask: ‘Would contrasting the topic now with its state 25 years ago sharpen the systems view, highlight meaningful change, or deepen understanding?’ If yes, include it as a short section or sidebar. If not, omit.
Workflow Notes
All essays must be expanded to approximately 1,000–1,500 words (unless explicitly agreed otherwise). Files should be provided in both DOCX and PDF if requested. Every essay should be logged in the HH Essay Directory spreadsheet with title, origin, word count, finalization date, and filename.
Reflection Moment
Pause and capture an insight. Your reflections are private — saved only in this browser — and they help your curiosity grow.
- ◆What surprised you most?
- ◆What does this change about how you see the world?
- ◆What other questions does this raise?
Now do something real
Agree on three simple rules with a friend or family for a shared task, like labeling leftovers. Follow them for a week and notice how small agreements reduce confusion.
Curiosity is worth more when it leaves the screen. Try this, then come back and capture what you noticed.
Where will your curiosity go next?
Pathways branch from here. Follow one, or several — there is no wrong way.
Questions this opens
Curiosity never ends. Each answer is the start of another journey.