From b388c02f4bc2e03701b08ff64ffaf1c7214f9bad Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Cameron Pfiffer <cameron@pfiffer.org>
Date: Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:13:52 -0800
Subject: [PATCH] Add respond tool for safe queue manipulation by subagents

---
 .skills/working-with-subagents/SKILL.md |  10 ++-
 tools/respond.py                        | 107 ++++++++++++++++++++++++
 2 files changed, 113 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 tools/respond.py

diff --git a/.skills/working-with-subagents/SKILL.md b/.skills/working-with-subagents/SKILL.md
index 8a4972a..32ba124 100644
--- a/.skills/working-with-subagents/SKILL.md
+++ b/.skills/working-with-subagents/SKILL.md
@@ -52,16 +52,18 @@ Return the text to post.
 
 **Prompt Template (bulk queue)**:
 ```
-Read drafts/queue.yaml and fill in response fields. Edit the file directly.
-
-Use the memory tool to note patterns (new users, tone adjustments, recurring topics). Update your user_patterns or topics blocks if you learn something.
+1. Run: uv run python -m tools.respond list
+2. For each item needing response, run: uv run python -m tools.respond set-by-index <index> "response text"
+3. Use memory tool to note patterns (users, tone, topics).
 
 **Report when done**:
 - How many responses drafted
-- Any notable interactions (new users, interesting threads, tone adjustments made)
+- Notable interactions (new users, interesting threads)
 - What you stored in memory (if anything)
 ```
 
+**Important**: Do NOT edit queue.yaml directly - use the respond tool to set responses.
+
 **Memory Instructions** (include in prompts):
 - "Use the memory tool to store learnings"
 - "Note patterns that work for future reference"
diff --git a/tools/respond.py b/tools/respond.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dcdc1f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tools/respond.py
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+"""
+Respond Tool - Set responses in the notification queue.
+
+Usage:
+    python -m tools.respond set <uri> <response_text>
+    python -m tools.respond list  # Show queue with indices
+    python -m tools.respond set-by-index <index> <response_text>
+
+This tool handles YAML manipulation properly so subagents don't corrupt the file.
+"""
+
+import sys
+import yaml
+from pathlib import Path
+
+QUEUE_FILE = Path("drafts/queue.yaml")
+
+
+def load_queue():
+    """Load the queue, return empty list if missing/corrupt."""
+    if not QUEUE_FILE.exists():
+        return []
+    try:
+        with open(QUEUE_FILE, "r") as f:
+            return yaml.safe_load(f) or []
+    except yaml.YAMLError as e:
+        print(f"Error loading queue: {e}")
+        return []
+
+
+def save_queue(queue):
+    """Save queue to YAML."""
+    QUEUE_FILE.parent.mkdir(exist_ok=True)
+    with open(QUEUE_FILE, "w") as f:
+        yaml.dump(queue, f, sort_keys=False, allow_unicode=True, width=1000)
+
+
+def list_queue():
+    """List queue items with indices."""
+    queue = load_queue()
+    if not queue:
+        print("Queue is empty.")
+        return
+    
+    for i, item in enumerate(queue):
+        author = item.get("author", "unknown")
+        text = item.get("text", "")[:60].replace("\n", " ")
+        response = item.get("response")
+        status = "✓" if response else "○"
+        print(f"{i}: [{status}] @{author}: {text}...")
+
+
+def set_response(uri: str, response: str):
+    """Set response for a specific URI."""
+    queue = load_queue()
+    found = False
+    
+    for item in queue:
+        if item.get("uri") == uri:
+            item["response"] = response
+            found = True
+            break
+    
+    if found:
+        save_queue(queue)
+        print(f"Set response for {uri[:50]}...")
+    else:
+        print(f"URI not found in queue: {uri[:50]}...")
+
+
+def set_response_by_index(index: int, response: str):
+    """Set response by queue index."""
+    queue = load_queue()
+    
+    if index < 0 or index >= len(queue):
+        print(f"Invalid index {index}. Queue has {len(queue)} items.")
+        return
+    
+    queue[index]["response"] = response
+    save_queue(queue)
+    author = queue[index].get("author", "unknown")
+    print(f"Set response for item {index} (@{author})")
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    if len(sys.argv) < 2:
+        print(__doc__)
+        sys.exit(1)
+    
+    cmd = sys.argv[1]
+    
+    if cmd == "list":
+        list_queue()
+    
+    elif cmd == "set" and len(sys.argv) >= 4:
+        uri = sys.argv[2]
+        response = sys.argv[3]
+        set_response(uri, response)
+    
+    elif cmd == "set-by-index" and len(sys.argv) >= 4:
+        index = int(sys.argv[2])
+        response = sys.argv[3]
+        set_response_by_index(index, response)
+    
+    else:
+        print(__doc__)
+        sys.exit(1)
-- 
2.51.2