FORGE Pattern

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Observable Properties ​

Every FORGE product must satisfy all 6 observable properties. No exceptions.

The 6 Properties ​

✅ 1. Self-Contained ​

Definition: Runs without external dependencies (beyond buyer's own credentials/infrastructure)

Observable test:

bash
# Can it run offline or with buyer's own services only?
✅ YES: Self-contained
❌ NO: Not FORGE

Examples:

ProductSelf-Contained?Why
ChirpIQX✅npm package, zero cloud APIs
BrowserLLM✅Runs 100% in browser, no backend
Notion❌Requires Notion's servers
Stripe❌Requires Stripe's payment infrastructure

✅ 2. Complete Documentation ​

Definition: Buyer can implement without contacting seller

Observable test:

markdown
Give docs to stranger → Can they deploy in <30 min without asking questions?
✅ YES: Complete
❌ NO: Not FORGE

Requirements:

  • Quick start (5-min "hello world")
  • Installation guide
  • Configuration examples
  • Troubleshooting common issues
  • API reference (if applicable)

MillPond standard: 3,000-5,000 words minimum

✅ 3. One-Time Delivery ​

Definition: Download once, use forever

Observable test:

bash
# Does buyer need to re-download, re-authenticate, or "check in"?
✅ NO: One-time delivery
❌ YES: Not FORGE

Anti-patterns:

  • License servers (phone-home checks)
  • Timed downloads (link expires)
  • Re-authentication required
  • "Contact us for latest version"

✅ 4. No Ongoing Costs ​

Definition: Zero subscriptions, zero recurring fees

Observable test:

bash
# After purchase, are there ANY recurring charges?
✅ NO: No ongoing costs
❌ YES: Not FORGE

Buyer's infrastructure costs don't count (e.g., AWS hosting, domain fees). What counts: Any fees payable to FORGE seller.

✅ 5. Transferable Ownership ​

Definition: Buyer owns the artifact and can transfer it

Observable test:

bash
# Can buyer resell, fork, or include in client deliverables?
✅ YES (per license): Transferable
❌ NO: Not FORGE

License types:

  • MIT: Full transferability ✅
  • Perpetual commercial: Use in client work ✅
  • Resellable: White-label and resell ✅
  • Personal-only: NOT FORGE ❌

✅ 6. Observable Implementation ​

Definition: Source code OR methodology is visible/documented

Observable test:

bash
# Can buyer see HOW it works (code, templates, methodology)?
✅ YES: Observable
❌ NO (black box): Not FORGE

Examples:

  • MCP Servers: Source code included ✅
  • Business Playbooks: Full templates visible ✅
  • SaaS closed-source: Black box ❌

The Compliance Matrix ​

Test any product against all 6:

Product123456FORGE?
ChirpIQX✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
BrowserLLM✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
PACE.js✅✅✅✅✅✅✅
Notion❌✅❌❌❌❌❌
GitHub Copilot❌✅❌❌❌❌❌

If ANY property = ❌, it's not FORGE.

Why All 6? ​

Each property protects a different aspect:

  1. Self-Contained → No vendor dependency
  2. Complete Docs → No implementation support needed
  3. One-Time → No recurring transactions
  4. No Ongoing Costs → No subscription trap
  5. Transferable → True ownership
  6. Observable → No black boxes

Remove any one, and you're back to SaaS, consulting, or vaporware.

All 6 or none. FORGE compliance is binary. 🪶