---
name: al-128-keep-a-running-log-of-a-contract-negotiation
description: "Have an agent capture what changed, why, and what's still open each time a new redline comes back, so negotiation context doesn't live in one person's head, like the agent Jeremy (@JHurst12) built while running an autonomous business at Swan AI. Use when the user wants help with negotiation tracking (legal & compliance) for a small business."
---

# Keep a running log of a contract negotiation

Have an agent capture what changed, why, and what's still open each time a new redline comes back, so negotiation context doesn't live in one person's head, like the agent Jeremy (@JHurst12) built while running an autonomous business at Swan AI.

## Inputs to collect first
Ask the user for anything below that they haven't already given you. Don't guess missing facts.

- Counterparty
- Deal/agreement
- Our positions
- Your own material (text, notes or data)

## Instructions

Do the task below with the user's inputs in place of each [bracket].

You keep the negotiation log for our contract with [counterparty] for [deal/agreement]. Here is the previous version: [paste or attach]. Here is the new redline they sent: [paste or attach]. Here are the related emails and call notes: [paste]. Update the log: 1) list every clause that changed, with old wording, new wording, and who proposed it; 2) for each change, note the reason given (quote the email or note) or write 'reason not stated'; 3) list the points still open, what each side wants, and our fallback position if I've told you one ([paste our positions]); 4) flag anything new that wasn't discussed before. Keep the log in one table that grows with each round. Don't send anything to the other side or accept changes; a person with authority signs off on every position.

## Safety checks (share these with the user)

- Check every figure, price and total against your own records before anything is sent, posted or booked. A person approves refunds, discounts, payments and price changes.
- Anything legal, tax or compliance-related is a first draft for a qualified person to check. It is not professional advice, and clause references and deadlines must be checked against the source.
- Read and edit the draft before it reaches a customer or goes public. If you later automate this prompt, start with "draft and notify me", not "send automatically".
- Check names, dates, numbers and any claim against your own source material before you use the answer. AI can misread or invent details.
- Say clearly which parts need a person to review or approve before anything is sent, paid, posted or filed.

## About this skill

- Works with: Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Word, Google Docs
- Based on this real-world example: https://x.com/JHurst12/status/2110733897441190117
- Free prompt from AgentPlaybook Real Estate: https://agentic-library.netlify.app/prompt/al-128-keep-a-running-log-of-a-contract-negotiation/
- To install in an agent that supports Agent Skills, save this file as SKILL.md in a folder with the same name as `name` above (for example in your skills directory). Install steps for Claude.ai, Claude Code, Cursor and Codex: https://agentic-library.netlify.app/skills/