diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4837f5a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+# AGENTS — how to work in this repo
+
+This file is auto-read at the start of every session. The project keeps its
+memory as a linked map of markdown files — read it before doing anything.
+
+## Onboarding (in order)
+
+1. [`schema.md`](schema.md) — the memory-map conventions (what lives where, how to keep it true).
+2. [`ai.md`](ai.md) — the AI guide: architecture, patterns, decisions, current state.
+3. [`TASKS.md`](TASKS.md) — the task queue + authoritative YouTube API research.
+4. `<dir>/index.md` — the index for any directory you're about to touch.
+
+## Working rules
+
+- **Never work without the map.** If the map contradicts the code, the code wins
+  and the map gets fixed in the same change (stale facts are corrected, not appended).
+- **Every feature change ships with its memory update:** `ai.md` for
+  architecture/patterns, `TASKS.md` for status, index files when layout changes.
+- **Follow existing conventions** — MVVM, `RelayCommand` for actions,
+  `ViewModelBase.SetProperty<T>()`, all styles in `Themes/Controls.xaml`
+  (merged once in `App.xaml`; never duplicate per-window).
+- **Do not add comments unless the code needs them; do not expand the task queue
+  on your own** — work only what the user queues.
+- **Response style: no default planning template.** Do the work, then report
+  what changed and what's next. No "Plans & Pitfalls", pros/cons tables, or
+  step-by-step plans unless the user asks for a plan first (see `ai.md`).
+- **No-Fluff Mode is available on request** — unpadded, ruthless review that
+  argues rather than reassures (see `ai.md`). Optional, never the default.
+
+## Build
+
+```bash
+dotnet build   # Windows-only WPF; builds from WSL via EnableWindowsTargeting
+```
+
+Keep it at **0 warnings**. Running requires Windows. On a silent startup crash,
+read `%APPDATA%\ytLlive\startup.log` (`Helpers/AppLog.cs` writes checkpoints and
+unhandled exceptions there).
diff --git a/ai.md b/ai.md
index 4a2d523..c66ab5b 100644
--- a/ai.md
+++ b/ai.md
@@ -4,6 +4,27 @@
 > status and YouTube API research in [`TASKS.md`](TASKS.md); directory maps in
 > each folder's `index.md`. Reading order: this file → `TASKS.md` → `<dir>/index.md` → source.
 
+## Response style
+
+No default "Plans & Pitfalls" / planning boilerplate. Respond directly and
+concisely: **do the queued work, then report what changed and what's next.**
+Skip feature pitch, step-by-step implementation plans, pros/cons tables, and
+"potential pitfalls" sections unless the user explicitly asks for a plan first.
+A short diff-style summary beats a proposal document every time.
+
+### No-Fluff Mode (on demand)
+
+Invoke with "no-fluff mode" (or similar) when you want ruthless review instead
+of reassurance. In that mode:
+
+- Strip all polite pleasantries, emojis, transitions, and conversational padding.
+- Treat the user's input as a draft to be methodically deconstructed or
+  strengthened — argue, correct, and sharpen rather than agree.
+- Give unvarnished truth, not reassurance.
+
+This is an occasional, explicitly-invoked mode — **never the default**. The
+default response style above stays in effect unless invoked.
+
 ## Run
 
 ```bash
diff --git a/schema.md b/schema.md
index 3af47e3..8ad99b0 100644
--- a/schema.md
+++ b/schema.md
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ that every other memory file follows. Read `ai.md` first; this file explains
 
 | File | Role | Entry point? |
 |------|------|--------------|
+| `AGENTS.md` | Auto-read on-ramp for AI sessions — points to the map and the working rules | **always read first** |
 | `README.md` | Human-facing intro: what the app is, how to run it, roadmap | no |
 | `ai.md` | **AI guide + session handoff** — architecture, patterns, decisions, the cognitive map home | **yes — start here** |
 | `TASKS.md` | Task queue + authoritative YouTube API research facts + task statuses | yes — for status |
@@ -42,10 +43,11 @@ that every other memory file follows. Read `ai.md` first; this file explains
 
 ## Reading order
 
-1. `ai.md` — what this app is, how it's built, current state, open decisions.
-2. `TASKS.md` — what's done, what's next, and the YouTube API constraints.
-3. `<dir>/index.md` — to understand a directory before reading its files.
-4. The source files themselves — always the authority over any memory file.
+1. `AGENTS.md` — auto-read on-ramp; it points you here.
+2. `ai.md` — what this app is, how it's built, current state, open decisions.
+3. `TASKS.md` — what's done, what's next, and the YouTube API constraints.
+4. `<dir>/index.md` — to understand a directory before reading its files.
+5. The source files themselves — always the authority over any memory file.
 
 ## Integration rule