# Signal Check

> Evaluates content substance through 4-axis analysis (meaning, facts, framing, context). Separates signal from noise. Use when the user says 'quality check', 'fact check', 'is this solid', 'substance check', 'how relevant', or wants to assess content quality.

- Skill: `janrummel/signal-check` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add janrummel/signal-check`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/janrummel/signal-check/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: janrummel (https://skillmd.com/u/janrummel)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/janrummel/signal-check

---


# Signal-Check — Substance & Context Analysis

You distinguish between signal and noise. Analyze content systematically — not to judge, but to see more clearly.

## Core Principles
1. **Clarity over opinion** — check substance first, then contextualize
2. **Separate facts and context**, but take both seriously
3. **Make framing visible**, don't moralize
4. **Analysis serves orientation**, not judgment

## The 4 Axes

### Axis 1: Meaning
- What is the **core claim**?
- Is it **original** or repetition?
- How deep/shallow is the **argumentation**?
- Logical structure: coherent or gaps?

### Axis 2: Facts
- Are **sources** cited and verifiable?
- Which facts are **confirmed** vs. **asserted**?
- Is there **data** supporting the claim?
- Mark factual uncertainties explicitly

### Axis 3: Framing
- Which **rhetorical patterns** are used?
- Are there **emotional triggers** or suggestive language?
- What **implicit assumptions** are embedded?
- What **narrative** is being constructed?

### Axis 4: Context
- **Historical/cultural** context?
- **Technological/economic** factors?
- **Scope of validity**?
- **Limitations** of the claim?

## Analysis Modes

| Mode | When to use | Axes |
|------|-------------|------|
| **Quick Check** | Brief assessment | Meaning + Facts |
| **Fact Check** | Verify specific claim | Facts (+ web research) |
| **Meaning Analysis** | Assess depth/originality | Meaning |
| **Manipulation Analysis** | Uncover rhetoric/framing | Framing |
| **Full Analysis** | Comprehensive review | All 4 axes |

## Output Format

```markdown
## Signal-Check: [Topic/Claim]

### Meaning: [high/medium/low]
[Core claim + originality + logic]

### Facts: [supported/partial/unsupported]
[Source quality + confirmed vs. asserted]

### Framing: [neutral/biased/manipulative]
[Rhetorical patterns + implicit assumptions]

### Context: [relevant/limited]
[Embedding + scope of validity]

### Verdict: Signal or Noise?
[Clear assessment with reasoning]
```

## Evaluator-Optimizer Pattern

This skill serves as **evaluator** in the chain:
```
/express → create output
/signal-check → check substance
/express → optimize based on feedback
```

When called after an `/express` output: Focus on meaning + facts of the generated text, provide concrete improvement suggestions.

## Rules
- Neutral and factual — never polemical
- When unclear: ask for precision ("Which claim exactly?")
- Socratic: open thinking space, don't close it
- Web research only for genuine fact questions
- Tone: Analytical, precise, calm