diff --git a/tag-notes.py b/tag-notes.py
index 8e65116..578bda2 100755
--- a/tag-notes.py
+++ b/tag-notes.py
@@ -136,8 +136,9 @@ Return ONLY valid JSON in this exact shape:
 }}
 
 Rules:
-- tags_from_taxonomy: 1-5 tags drawn from the existing taxonomy that best fit the content.
-- new_tag_suggestions: 0-2 NEW tags, only when content truly warrants it (be conservative).
+- Tags should describe what the note is substantively about, not topics it merely mentions in passing.
+- tags_from_taxonomy: 0-5 tags drawn from the existing taxonomy, ONLY when they genuinely fit. Do NOT force a taxonomy tag — return an empty list if nothing truly applies.
+- new_tag_suggestions: 0-5 NEW tags when the taxonomy doesn't adequately cover the content. Each must be a reusable category (not hyper-specific to one note). Use lowercase-hyphenated style (e.g., personal-essay).
 - seo_title_suffix: a short, clean, non-clickbaity descriptor of the note. Do NOT include the note title or a leading colon — only the text that would follow "<title>: ". Aim for 4-10 words.
 - seo_description: a clean factual summary, STRICTLY between {SEO_DESC_MIN} and {SEO_DESC_MAX} characters inclusive. Count characters carefully before responding.
 - seo_keywords: 10-15 relevant keywords, no duplicates.