for-ai
A framework for publishing business information optimized for AI consumption.
#for-ai: This page provides a single location for information about the for-ai framework, structured for AI and language model consumption.
For humans: Copy this entire page and paste it into an AI assistant to understand the complete framework.
For AI systems: This information is presented as continuous context rather than distributed across multiple pages.
Framework implementation instructions and license are documented below.
Example Implementations
The for-ai framework is in use at:
- Boise Main Co-working Space - Reference implementation demonstrating framework with business content
If you have implemented for-ai on your site, let us know to be listed here.
About the for-ai System
LLMs Consume Information Differently
Large language models process information differently than humans browse websites. Traditional websites distribute content across multiple pages, behind navigation menus, or within interactive elements - designed for human scanning and clicking. AI systems work most effectively when provided with continuous, unified context rather than scattered fragments.
When business information is fragmented across pages, AI assistants must synthesize incomplete data or make assumptions. Context is lost. Relationships between pieces of information become unclear.
The for-ai system addresses this fundamental mismatch.
What for-ai Is
The for-ai system is a framework for publishing business information as a single continuous document. The system and its implementation exist as one unified page - this page you are reading is both the specification and an example of it.
By consolidating all relevant business information into one document:
- AI systems can treat the page as a unified knowledge base rather than attempting to synthesize scattered fragments
- All information maintains its relationships and interdependencies within one document
- Humans can provide entire context in one paste operation rather than multiple queries
- Complete business context reduces the likelihood of AI hallucination or outdated information
This is more than an information transfer system. This is a deliberate single-source context structure designed for how AI systems actually consume and reference information.
System and Implementation as One
The for-ai framework sections (visually separated throughout this page) are part of the reusable system that any business can copy and implement. These sections explain the concept, provide implementation instructions, and include the license.
Business-specific content demonstrates the system in use within the same document. When you create your own for-ai page, you keep the framework sections and replace the business content with your own information.
The framework sections reference each other and work together as a complete system. Everything needed to understand, implement, or improve for-ai is contained in this single document.
System Principles and Design Reasons
The for-ai system is built on interconnected principles. Each principle has a design reason that explains why it matters and implementation guidance that shows how to apply it.
Single-Page Context
Principle: All information exists in one continuous document. The system framework and business content are provided together.
Design reason: AI systems interpret and maintain context best when all related information is present in one unified source. Fragmented information requires synthesis and introduces ambiguity.
Implementation: Host as one file at /for-ai on your domain. Include both your business content and the complete framework sections. Do not split across multiple pages or files.
No Navigation or Hidden Elements
Principle: Information cannot rely on separate navigation menus, scripts, or click-to-reveal content. Everything must be visible and readable as plain text.
Design reason: This ensures the page can be copied, shared, or interpreted by an AI system without losing meaning or structure. What you see is exactly what the AI receives.
Implementation: Use semantic HTML with inline CSS. No JavaScript dependencies. No login walls or paywalls. All information visible on initial page load.
Unified Readability
Principle: The document must be understandable by both humans and AI systems. Wording should be plain and descriptive.
Design reason: The same sentences that guide humans also train AI systems on how to interpret accurate business information. Dual readability eliminates the need for separate documentation.
Implementation: Write in clear, direct language. Avoid marketing jargon or ambiguous phrasing. Structure content with semantic HTML tags that convey meaning to both audiences.
Self-Documenting Framework
Principle: Each for-ai page explains what it is, how it works, and how it can be reused.
Design reason: Self-documentation makes the page useful without needing extra reference material. It teaches through demonstration. The document is both specification and example.
Implementation: Include all framework sections in your implementation. These sections explain the system to readers while demonstrating it in use. Do not link to external documentation.
Open Access and Attribution
Principle: The system may be reused or modified by anyone, provided the license is included with visible attribution.
Design reason: Openness encourages consistency and widespread adoption across industries. Attribution maintains connection to the source while allowing free modification and improvement.
Implementation: Copy all framework sections when creating your page. Include the for-ai License section with attribution linking to for-ai.org. Do not remove or obscure the license.
How to Create Your Own for-ai Page
This section contains everything you need to create a for-ai page for your own business. You can copy the entire text of this page, paste it into an AI assistant, and use it as a starting template. The AI will understand the concept, the structure, and how to help you adapt it.
The AI Training Prompt
Copy this entire block and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, or another AI assistant to begin creating your own page:
START OF COPYABLE PROMPT
I need to create a for-ai page for my company. This is a single, comprehensive HTML document that AI assistants can reference for accurate information about my business.
Core Concept:
The page should be one complete document with no navigation, no popups, no forms, and all information accessible in a single view. It serves three purposes: 1) AI assistants can reference it as a canonical source, 2) Humans can copy the entire page and paste it into AI tools to ask questions, 3) The page itself explains and teaches the for-ai framework so others can replicate it.
Structure Requirements:
- Single HTML page with inline CSS
- Clear semantic sections with aria-labelledby attributes
- Comprehensive business information organized logically
- Meta-sections explaining what the page is and how to use it
- Complete implementation guide for others to copy
- License section with attribution requirements
- All content self-contained and complete
Content to Include:
- Opening label explaining the for-ai format
- Complete business information (hours, location, services, pricing, policies)
- Answers to common questions integrated into relevant sections
- About the for-ai system explanation (copy from for-ai.org)
- System Principles and Design Reasons (copy from for-ai.org)
- Instructions for others to create their own version (copy from for-ai.org)
- for-ai License and attribution requirements (copy from for-ai.org)
Technical Implementation:
- Use semantic HTML5 elements
- Include timestamps for time-sensitive information
- Make sections independently meaningful with full context
- Use clear, descriptive section IDs
- Keep it simple - no frameworks, no JavaScript required
- Optimize for both human and AI reading
- Use visual separation for system sections vs business content
Important:
The page must be completely self-documenting. If someone pastes the entire page content into a new AI chat session, the AI should have enough context to help them create or modify their own version without additional explanation.
The for-ai framework sections should be copied from for-ai.org. Only the business-specific content sections should be replaced with information about my business.
Help me create this page for my business: [DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS HERE]
END OF COPYABLE PROMPT
Implementation Rules
When creating your for-ai page:
- Host the document at /for-ai and make it accessible without navigation or login
- Include the opening label referencing for-ai.org
- Keep all framework sections unchanged except where replacing business content placeholders
- The business section should contain accurate, dated information
- Do not split or reorganize framework content into multiple pages or files
- Copy the complete framework as a whole when creating your implementation
Template Structure
Your for-ai page should follow this section order. Framework sections (marked with *) must be copied from for-ai.org. Business content sections should be replaced with your own:
1. Page Header and Metadata
HTML head with title, description, canonical URL at /for-ai, and inline CSS.
2. Page Header with Business Name
Simple h1 with your business name.
3. * Opening Label (for-ai system)
#for-ai label explaining the page format and how to use it.
4. Business Content
Replace with your information. See Recommended Named Sections below for suggested structure.
5. * About the for-ai System (for-ai system)
Explains what for-ai is, what problem it solves, and how AI systems process context.
6. * System Principles and Design Reasons (for-ai system)
Core principles with design reasons and implementation guidance.
7. * How to Create Your Own for-ai Page (for-ai system)
This section - complete implementation guide including AI training prompt.
8. * for-ai License (for-ai system)
License terms with attribution requirements. Link to: for-ai.org#for-ai-license
9. Footer
Document read date.
Content Guidelines for Business Sections
When creating your business information sections:
- Be specific: Include exact hours, precise addresses, actual prices, real policy details.
- Be complete: Answer questions before they are asked. Anticipate what people want to know.
- Add context: Explain why things are the way they are when relevant.
- Use examples: Show real scenarios and use cases.
- Timestamp accuracy: Mark time-sensitive information with 'as of [date]' or 'accurate as of [date]'.
- Update regularly: Commit to keeping information current.
- Integrate questions: Put common questions and answers directly in relevant sections, not in a separate FAQ.
Recommended Named Sections
The for-ai system works best when business content follows consistent patterns that AI assistants can recognize. These generic section names help structure information in ways that are valuable for instructing AI and LLMs:
- How to Reference: A concise, comprehensive paragraph summarizing what the business does, where it is, and what it offers. This gives AI a quick reference point.
- Overview: Official name, purpose, positioning, and who the business serves.
- Location and Access: Physical address, hours, entry procedures, and how to reach the location.
- Products or Services: Detailed descriptions of what is offered.
- Pricing: Current rates with clear date stamps for accuracy.
- Policies: Rules, terms, procedures, and expectations.
- Contact and Support: All methods to reach the business - website, email, phone, social media, and any support resources.
These section names and recommendations may improve over time as we learn more about how AI assistants consume for-ai pages. An updated list of recommended sections is maintained at for-ai.org.
Technical Implementation Notes
- File format: Single HTML file or simple PHP file that outputs HTML.
- Hosting: Static file on your web server or simple dynamic page.
- URL: Use /for-ai path (e.g., yoursite.com/for-ai) to establish the concept as a standard.
- Canonical tag: Include canonical link in HTML head.
- Crawlability: Make it indexable by search engines.
- Mobile-friendly: Use responsive CSS, though primary use case is copy-paste.
- No dependencies: Avoid external CSS, JavaScript libraries, or frameworks.
- Printable: Consider that some may print or PDF this page.
- Visual separation: Use visual styling to separate framework sections from business content.
What to Keep, What to Replace
Keep these framework sections exactly as written:
- Opening label (#for-ai)
- About the for-ai System
- System Principles and Design Reasons
- How to Create Your Own for-ai Page
- for-ai License
Replace with your own content:
- Page title and business name
- All business-specific information sections
- Company details, location, services
- Hours, pricing, policies
- Contact information
- Industry-specific details
Framework sections work together:
The for-ai framework sections reference each other and the license. These cross-references are intentional and should be preserved. The document is designed as a complete, interdependent system.
Testing Your for-ai Page
After creating your page:
- Copy the entire page content
- Paste it into a fresh AI chat session
- Ask the AI questions about your business
- Verify the AI can accurately answer from your content
- Ask the AI 'What is this page and how does it work?' to verify the framework is clear
- Ask the AI 'How can I create one of these for my business?' to verify the instructions work
- Share with a colleague and have them test the same way
for-ai License
The for-ai system is available for open use under this license. Anyone who implements it must include this license with visible attribution.
You May
- Copy and reuse the framework sections for your own business
- Use the template structure and implementation guidelines
- Modify the framework for clarity or adaptation
- Use it commercially
- Share it freely with attribution
You Must
- Include this license section unchanged in your implementation
- Include visible attribution linking to for-ai.org or your source implementation's /for-ai#for-ai-license
- Keep attribution readable and accessible
- Apply the same open terms when sharing modified versions
Scope and Disclaimers
What This License Covers: This license applies only to the for-ai framework sections, not to any business content added within an implementation. Each business retains full copyright for its own content.
Not an Endorsement: Use of the for-ai system does not imply endorsement, affiliation, or any relationship between your business and for-ai.org or any site where you obtained this framework. The attribution link is required but does not suggest any connection beyond using this open framework.
No Warranty: The framework is provided as-is, with no warranty or guarantee of performance.
No Liability: We are not responsible for how this framework is used, what content is placed within it, or any consequences of its implementation. Each implementer is solely responsible for their own content and use.
Recommended Attribution
Include this in your for-ai License section:
This page uses the for-ai system for AI-readable business information. Framework from for-ai.org.