---
name: desk-open
description: 'Create and open a new desk in the workshop. Sets up the folder structure, initial journal, and desk identity so the next session that sits down finds the trail.'
---

# Open a Desk

Create a new desk in the workshop with the standard structure.

## When to use

- The operator wants to start a new workstream
- Work arrives that doesn't belong to any existing desk
- A topic needs its own frame (its own history, its own priors)

## What it creates

Given a workshop directory and a desk name, create:

```
desks/<desk-name>/
  journal.md       # persistent memory — read at start, written at end
```

## How to use

1. **Choose a name.** Short, descriptive, kebab-case. The name is
   how the operator and other desks refer to this desk.
   Examples: `security-scan`, `api-review`, `ops`, `cloud-workshop`

2. **Create the structure.** Make the directory and initial journal:

   ```
   desks/<desk-name>/journal.md
   ```

3. **Write the first journal entry.** The journal starts with:
   - What this desk is for (its focus/purpose)
   - What repos or work it covers (if applicable)
   - Any initial context the first session needs

4. **Announce it.** Tell the operator what was created and what
   the desk's focus is.

## Journal format

```markdown
# <Desk Name> — Journal

## <date> — Desk opened
- **Purpose:** <what this desk focuses on>
- **Scope:** <repos, areas, or work this desk covers>
- **Next step:** <what the first session should do>
```

## Principles

- A desk is a peer, not a sub-agent. It has equal standing to
  disagree with other desks.
- The journal is the memory. Without it, the next session starts
  blind. Write enough that someone starting from zero finds the way.
- One desk, one focus. If the scope is too broad, open two desks.
  Each desk's value comes from its specific frame — dilute the
  frame and you lose the value.