From d029eaa0bb039b97d09d79bc8f01db8e0776aaaa Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Peter Steinberger <steipete@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:47:54 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] docs: tighten release preflight

---
 AGENTS.md                   | 1 +
 docs/reference/RELEASING.md | 6 ++++++
 2 files changed, 7 insertions(+)

diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 24f776860..dbc2f5fa8 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@
 - Pi sessions live under `~/.clawdbot/sessions/` by default; the base directory is not configurable.
 - Environment variables: see `~/.profile`.
 - Never commit or publish real phone numbers, videos, or live configuration values. Use obviously fake placeholders in docs, tests, and examples.
+ - Release flow: always read `docs/reference/RELEASING.md` and `docs/platforms/mac/release.md` before any release work; do not ask routine questions once those docs answer them.
 
 ## Troubleshooting
 - Rebrand/migration issues or legacy config/service warnings: run `clawdbot doctor` (see `docs/gateway/doctor.md`).
diff --git a/docs/reference/RELEASING.md b/docs/reference/RELEASING.md
index 5af89c112..37a97b9ba 100644
--- a/docs/reference/RELEASING.md
+++ b/docs/reference/RELEASING.md
@@ -10,6 +10,12 @@ read_when:
 
 Use `pnpm` (Node 22+) from the repo root. Keep the working tree clean before tagging/publishing.
 
+## Operator trigger
+When the operator says “release”, immediately do this preflight (no extra questions unless blocked):
+- Read this doc and `docs/platforms/mac/release.md`.
+- Load env from `~/.profile` and confirm `SPARKLE_PRIVATE_KEY_FILE` + App Store Connect vars are set.
+- Use Sparkle keys from `~/Library/CloudStorage/Dropbox/Backup/Sparkle` if needed.
+
 1) **Version & metadata**
 - [ ] Bump `package.json` version (e.g., `1.1.0`).
 - [ ] Run `pnpm plugins:sync` to align extension package versions + changelogs.