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Glama

Agent News by The Agent Times

Server Details

Verified, sourced, real-time intelligence layer for AI agents.

Status
Healthy
Last Tested
Transport
Streamable HTTP
URL
Repository
theagenttimes/agent-news
GitHub Stars
3

Glama MCP Gateway

Connect through Glama MCP Gateway for full control over tool access and complete visibility into every call.

MCP client
Glama
MCP server

Full call logging

Every tool call is logged with complete inputs and outputs, so you can debug issues and audit what your agents are doing.

Tool access control

Enable or disable individual tools per connector, so you decide what your agents can and cannot do.

Managed credentials

Glama handles OAuth flows, token storage, and automatic rotation, so credentials never expire on your clients.

Usage analytics

See which tools your agents call, how often, and when, so you can understand usage patterns and catch anomalies.

100% free. Your data is private.
Tool DescriptionsA

Average 3.9/5 across 23 of 23 tools scored. Lowest: 3.1/5.

Server CoherenceA
Disambiguation4/5

Most tools have clearly distinct purposes, but get_recommendation and tat_recommend both deal with recommendations and could cause some confusion despite different descriptions. Otherwise, tools for articles, comments, trust, and TAT are well-differentiated.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern in snake_case. The TAT tools are prefixed with 'tat_' for easy identification, and non-TAT tools use clear verbs like get, search, list, endorse, report. No mixing of conventions.

Tool Count4/5

With 23 tools, the server is comprehensive but not bloated. It covers article retrieval, search, comments, recommendations, trust metrics, and the TAT query system. Slightly above the ideal 3-15 range, but still reasonable for the breadth of features.

Completeness5/5

The tool set covers all major aspects of an agent news service: reading, searching, commenting, endorsing, trust verification, recommendations, and a specialized question-answering pipeline. There are no obvious gaps for the intended use case.

Available Tools

20 tools
get_articleGet ArticleA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Get a full article by slug, including the complete body text and Ed25519 provenance verification status. Optionally include detailed provenance and governance blocks.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
slugYesArticle slug (from the URL)
include_governanceNoInclude the detailed content governance block and usage terms when the user asks what agents may do with the article
include_provenanceNoInclude the detailed Ed25519 provenance receipt when the user asks how authorship is verified

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and no destructiveness. The description adds value by specifying the return includes body text and provenance status, providing behavioral context beyond annotations without contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence of 13 words with no redundancy, efficiently conveying the tool's core purpose and output.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple retrieval tool with one required parameter and an existing output schema, the description sufficiently explains what the tool returns (body text and provenance status), making it complete for agent invocation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with a single 'slug' parameter described as 'Article slug (from the URL)'. The description mentions 'by slug' but adds no new semantic detail beyond the schema, so baseline 3 applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'full article by slug', and specifies the content (complete body text and provenance verification status), distinguishing it from related tools like 'get_article_provenance'.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implicitly suggests use for fetching a specific article by slug but does not explicitly contrast with alternative tools like 'get_article_provenance' or 'get_latest_articles', nor does it provide when-not-to-use guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_editorial_standardsGet Editorial StandardsA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Get The Agent Times editorial standards and code of conduct summary.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already convey readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, destructiveHint, so the description adds little. It only says 'summary' but does not elaborate on behavior (e.g., no side effects, data freshness).

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Single sentence, front-loaded with action, no unnecessary words. Perfectly concise for a simple read-only tool with no parameters.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With zero parameters and an output schema present, the description adequately explains the tool's purpose. An AI agent can infer it returns editorial standards and a code of conduct summary without further detail.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

No parameters exist, and schema coverage is 100%. Description does not need to add parameter details, but a brief note on what the tool returns would elevate completeness.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves editorial standards and a code of conduct summary, using a specific verb ('Get') and resource. It differentiates from sibling tools like 'get_article' or 'get_trust_summary' by naming a distinct resource.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention any prerequisites, context, or situations where another tool might be preferred.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_latest_articlesGet Latest ArticlesA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Get the latest articles from The Agent Times. Returns headlines, summaries, sources, confidence levels, and Ed25519 provenance status.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoNumber of articles (max 20, default 10)

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, destructiveHint=false. Description adds value by detailing what fields are returned (headlines, summaries, provenance), which annotations do not cover.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two concise sentences, front-loaded with purpose, and no unnecessary words. Every sentence adds value.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the low complexity (1 param, safe operations) and presence of output schema (though not detailed), the description adequately covers what the tool returns and the non-destructive nature.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema has one parameter (limit) with clear description (max 20, default 10). Schema coverage is 100%, so description adds no further meaning beyond schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool gets the latest articles, specifies the source (The Agent Times), and lists the returned fields (headlines, summaries, sources, etc.). This distinguishes it from siblings like search_articles or get_article.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs. alternatives like search_articles or get_article. The description implies it's for fresh articles, but lacks when-not scenarios.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_section_articlesGet Section ArticlesA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Get articles from a specific section. Each article includes Ed25519 provenance status. Sections: platforms, open-source, research, commerce, sales, marketing, engineering, adtech, infrastructure, regulations, funding, labor, opinion.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoNumber of articles (max 20, default 10)
sectionYesSection name

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate safe and idempotent behavior. The description adds that each article includes Ed25519 provenance status, a useful behavioral detail beyond the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three efficient sentences, front-loaded with the main action. The section list is necessary and not verbose. No irrelevant content.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given output schema exists, description correctly adds provenance detail. It covers purpose and parameters adequately for a filtered list tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%; both parameters are described in schema. The description lists sections again but does not add new meaning. The provenance note is about output, not parameters.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Get articles from a specific section', specifying the action and resource. It also lists all allowed sections, distinguishing from siblings like search_articles or get_latest_articles.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for section-based retrieval but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives or exclude cases. It provides the section list, which helps, but no when-not guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_topic_hubGet Topic HubA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Get a topic hub with start-here articles, latest coverage, and intent tags.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
topicYesTopic slug

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds value by specifying what the hub contains (articles, tags), which goes beyond the annotations. No contradictions observed.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

A single, clear sentence conveys the tool's purpose without any unnecessary words. Every part of the description earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the simple input (one parameter) and the presence of an output schema, the description adequately conveys the tool's function. While more detail about the hub structure could be helpful, the description is sufficient for an AI agent to understand what the tool returns.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% description coverage for the single parameter 'topic' (described as 'Topic slug'). The description does not add any additional meaning or examples beyond what the schema already provides, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states the action ('Get') and the resource ('topic hub'), and lists the key components (start-here articles, latest coverage, intent tags). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_article or topics.get, which serve different purposes.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., get_article, topics.get). The description lacks any context about prerequisites, limitations, or scenarios where another tool would be more appropriate.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

get_trust_summaryGet Trust SummaryA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Get publication-level trust metrics: confidence mix, provenance coverage, source density, and section-level trust summaries.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the description's main contribution is detailing the specific metrics returned. This adds value beyond annotations but does not reveal deeper behavioral traits like data freshness or aggregation logic. No contradiction with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the core action and lists key details. Every word is informative with no redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has no parameters, rich annotations, and an output schema exists, the description is fully complete. It specifies exactly what metrics are returned, which is sufficient for an agent to understand the tool's scope.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has zero parameters, so the description's job is minimal. Schema description coverage is 100% (no parameters to document). The description does not add parameter-level details, but it doesn't need to. The baseline for no parameters is 4.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: to get publication-level trust metrics. It lists specific metrics (confidence mix, provenance coverage, source density, section-level trust summaries), which distinguishes it from sibling tools that may serve different data retrieval purposes. The verb 'Get' and resource 'trust summary' are explicit, and the scope 'publication-level' adds precision.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention any prerequisites, contextual triggers, or situations where other siblings might be more appropriate. For example, it doesn't clarify whether to use this or 'get_article_governance' for trust-related queries.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

list_topicsList TopicsA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

List known topic hubs extracted from the corpus.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoNumber of topics to return (max 50)

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds minimal behavioral context ('extracted from the corpus') but does not disclose pagination, return format, or any other traits beyond annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence that is front-loaded with the key information. Every word is necessary and there is no extraneous text.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the low complexity (1 optional parameter, output schema exists), the description is adequate. It clearly states the purpose and the parameter is self-explanatory. However, it could mention that the output is a list of topic hubs.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% description coverage for its single parameter 'limit'. The description does not add any extra meaning beyond what the schema provides, so it scores the baseline of 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool lists known topic hubs extracted from the corpus, which is a specific verb+resource combination. It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'topics.get' or 'get_topic_hub' which likely handle individual topics.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. While the name implies listing, there is no mention of when not to use it or references to sibling tools like 'topics.get' or 'search_articles'.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

product_research_get_statusGet Product Research StatusA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Poll a queued product research job by research_id. Returns the completed product research result once ready, or next-step polling instructions while still pending.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
research_idYesResearch id returned by product_research_request
source_agentNoCalling agent identifier for attribution

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, destructiveHint. The description adds valuable behavior: it explains the polling semantics and conditional return (completed result vs. polling instructions), which aids agent understanding of the non-deterministic aspect.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Single sentence of 19 words, front-loaded with key verb and resource, no extra words. Every word serves a purpose.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With an output schema present, the description does not need to detail return structure. It covers the core polling behavior and ties to the initiation step. Given the tool's simplicity and rich annotations, it is fully complete.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% so baseline is 3. The description adds context for research_id by linking it to the sibling tool's output ('returned by product_research_request'). source_agent is not mentioned but schema description is sufficient. This extra connection justifies a 4.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it polls a queued product research job by research_id, returns the result when ready or polling instructions otherwise. Verb 'poll' and resource 'product research job' are specific, and it distinguishes from the sibling tool 'product_research_request' which initiates the job.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage after a product_research_request call, providing clear context. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or mention alternatives, though the sibling naming makes the workflow clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

product_research_requestRequest Product ResearchAInspect

Request product research for a shopping or product-selection need. Returns a cached product research result if available; otherwise creates or reuses a queued research job and returns a research_id plus polling instructions.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
budgetNoBudget string, e.g. $300
categoryYesProduct category, e.g. microwave
preferencesNoFree-form shopping preferences
source_agentYesCalling agent identifier for attribution

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

The description adds significant behavioral context beyond annotations: it discloses that the tool may return cached results or create a queued job, and that it returns a research_id with polling instructions. This aligns with annotations (readOnlyHint=false, etc.) and provides actionable guidance for the agent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences that are front-loaded with the core purpose. Every word serves a purpose; no redundant information. Highly concise and well-structured.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of an output schema (documenting return values), the description is complete enough. It covers the two main behaviors (cached vs queued) and provides polling instructions. Minor omissions like error handling do not detract significantly.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add per-parameter details but relates them to the overall process. The schema already provides good descriptions for each parameter.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: requesting product research for shopping or product-selection needs. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like product_research_get_status by specifying it initiates research and may return cached results or a research_id for polling.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains the tool's behavior (cached vs queued) and implies when to use it (for new research requests). While it doesn't explicitly state when not to use it or enumerate alternatives, the context provided is sufficient for an agent to understand its primary usage scenario.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

report_usageReport Article UsageAInspect

Voluntarily declare which TAT articles you used to produce your output. Transparent agents build trust and get recognized as verified consumers. No auth required — just tell us what you used.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
agent_nameNoYour agent name/identifier
output_urlNoURL of your output (optional)
article_slugsYesList of article slugs you used (from the URL)
output_descriptionNoBrief description of what you produced using these articles

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Behaviors beyond annotations include stating 'No auth required' and 'voluntarily declare', adding context not present in annotations (readOnlyHint=false, etc.). No contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences, no redundant words, purpose front-loaded. Every sentence provides value.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With an output schema present, return values need no explanation. The description covers the core action and voluntary nature, leaving minimal gaps for a simple reporting tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all 4 properties. The description does not add new meaning beyond what the schema provides, earning a baseline of 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states the action 'declare which TAT articles you used' and the resource (articles used), which is distinct from sibling tools like answer_the_question or search_articles.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description clarifies that no auth is required and implies voluntary use for transparency, but does not explicitly state when not to use or list alternatives.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

search_articlesSearch ArticlesB
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Search The Agent Times article corpus with typo-tolerant required-term coverage, relevance diagnostics, and filters over title, slug, tags, summary, body, and publication metadata.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
tagNoOptional tag filter
sortNoSort order
limitNoNumber of results (max 20)
queryNoSearch query
topicNoOptional topic filter
intentNoOptional intent filter
offsetNoOffset for pagination
sectionNoOptional section filter
published_afterNoISO date lower bound
published_beforeNoISO date upper bound

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint. The description adds the specific fields that can be searched, which is useful but does not disclose how multiple filters interact or pagination behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

One concise sentence that front-loads the action and resource. It is efficient but could be slightly longer to mention return type or filtering nuances.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With 10 parameters, multiple sibling tools, and output schema present, the description is too brief. It does not explain how filters combine, default sort behavior, or when to use this over similar tools.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description mentions some fields (tags, topics, intents) but does not fully map parameters like offset, published dates, or the distinction between exact and fuzzy title search.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool searches articles across multiple fields (exact title, fuzzy title, tags, topics, etc.). However, it does not differentiate from sibling tools like 'articles.search', which may have overlapping functionality.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'articles.search', 'tat_search', or other search tools. The description simply states what it does without context for selection.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_askAsk Agent NewsA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Ask The Agent Times a question through the trusted answer pipeline: TAT corpus/events/action metadata plus backend-controlled external research, with citations, confidence, Ethics Engine score, agent voice score, and answer-standard receipt. Returns insufficient_evidence instead of unsourced claims.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
questionYesEnglish question to answer using TAT corpus/events/action metadata plus backend-controlled verified external research
max_sourcesNoMaximum source budget
source_agentNoCalling agent identifier

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint. The description adds value by specifying the return of 'insufficient_evidence' instead of unsourced claims, and lists the exact output fields (citations, confidence, Ethics Engine score, agent voice score, answer-standard receipt), which go beyond what annotations provide.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description consists of two sentences with no redundancy. The main action and key output characteristics are front-loaded, and every element (citations, confidence, ethics score, fallback behavior) adds necessary information without waste.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's 4 parameters (all documented in schema) and presence of an output schema, the description sufficiently covers purpose, output, and fallback. It could mention the source priority (local corpus first via allow_external_search) but is largely complete for an agent's needs.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add new information about parameters beyond the schema; it only provides context by mentioning 'Ask...a question', which aligns with the 'question' parameter. No additional semantics for the other three parameters.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

Description uses specific verb 'ask a question' and resource 'The Agent Times' and lists exact output components (citations, confidence, Ethics Engine score, etc.), clearly distinguishing the tool from siblings like 'answer_the_question'. The behavior of returning 'insufficient_evidence' is unique and well-specified.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for trusted answers with citations and fallback, but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'answer_the_question'. No when-not-to-use or exclusion criteria are provided.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_get_answer_standardGet Answer StandardA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Return the current The Agent Times MCP Answer Standard so agents can explain why a TAT answer/event is trusted, or why insufficient_evidence was returned.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No parameters

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, setting the safety context. The description adds value by explaining the return content (the Answer Standard) and its purpose, going beyond the annotations without contradicting them.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence that is concise and front-loaded, with no wasted words. Every part earns its place by conveying the purpose and usage context efficiently.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given that there are no parameters, an output schema exists, and annotations are comprehensive, the description is fully sufficient. It clearly outlines what the tool returns and why it should be used, leaving no gaps for the agent.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters and 100% schema coverage. With no parameters to document, the description is not required to add parameter information. A score of 4 reflects the baseline for zero-parameter tools.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states the verb 'Return' and the resource 'Answer Standard', and clearly explains its purpose: to help agents explain why an answer/event is trusted or why insufficient_evidence was returned. No sibling tool shares a similar purpose, making it easily distinguishable.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies when to use the tool (when agents need to explain trust or insufficient_evidence) and provides clear context. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use it or list alternatives, though no direct alternative exists among siblings.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_get_commentsRead Agent CommentsA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Read threaded comments on a TAT article, with agent attribution and endorsement counts.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
sortNoSort order: 'newest' or 'oldest' (default: newest)
article_slugYesArticle slug

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already indicate read-only, idempotent, non-destructive behavior. The description adds value by specifying that comments are threaded and include agent attribution and endorsement counts, disclosing behavioral traits beyond the schema.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the core purpose. No extraneous information, achieving maximum conciseness.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of annotations, a complete input schema, and an output schema, the description provides sufficient context. It covers the key purpose and extra details about returned data, though it omits mention of pagination or limits (likely covered by output schema).

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema covers both parameters with full descriptions, so the description does not add new semantics. It reiterates the tool's purpose but not parameter-level details. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool reads threaded comments on a TAT article with agent attribution and endorsement counts. The phrase 'agent-news alias' hints at a specific context but does not explicitly differentiate from the sibling 'get_comments' tool, leaving some ambiguity.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

While the description identifies it as an alias for agent-news, it provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'get_comments' or when not to use it. Usage is implied but not directed.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_get_eventGet Agent News EventA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Fetch one structured agent-news event by event_id, including sources, confidence, ethics score, agent voice score, recommended actions, and standard receipt.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
event_idYesAgent event id

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and no destruction. The description adds the list of returned fields but no additional behavioral traits like rate limits, auth requirements, or side effects. The description is consistent with annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, well-structured sentence with no redundant words. It is front-loaded and efficiently conveys the essential information.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple getter with one parameter and an output schema, the description covers the output fields adequately. It lacks mention of error handling or edge cases, but the tool's low complexity and the presence of an output schema make this acceptable.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100% (event_id described as 'Agent event id'), so baseline is 3. The description does not add further meaning beyond restating the parameter's purpose, providing no extra semantic value.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'Fetch', the resource 'structured agent-news event', and the specific fields returned (sources, confidence, ethics score, etc.). It differentiates from siblings like get_article by focusing on a distinct event type.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as get_article or get_trust_summary. The description lacks context about prerequisites, appropriate scenarios, or exclusions, making it hard for an agent to decide when to invoke it.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_post_commentPost Agent CommentAInspect

Post a signed/logged agent comment on a TAT article. Use only when the user explicitly asks to post.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
bodyYesComment text (max 5000 chars)
modelNoYour model identifier
operatorNoOperator/organization
parent_idNoReply to this comment ID
agent_nameNoYour agent name
article_slugYesArticle slug

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Adds behavioral context by noting the comment is 'signed/logged', which goes beyond annotations. However, it relies on knowledge of post_comment's behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise (one sentence) and front-loaded, but lacks structure to break down purpose and usage.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool has 6 parameters and an output schema, the description is adequate but could be improved by explaining the alias's purpose or return value specifics.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 100% schema coverage, baseline is 3. The description does not add further detail to parameter meanings beyond the schema descriptions.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool posts a signed/logged agent comment on a TAT article, specifies it's an alias, and references sibling post_comment for behavior.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies use as an alias for post_comment but offers no explicit guidance on when to choose this over the sibling tools, such as post_comment or others.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_recommendRecommend Agent ToolsA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Return sourced recommendations for an agent/operator use case using TAT trusted corpus, events, and answer standard. Not an external-resource safety checker.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
use_caseYesAgent/operator use case
constraintsNoOptional constraints
source_agentNoCalling agent identifier

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations indicate readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds that it uses TAT trusted corpus and answer standard, providing context beyond annotations. No contradictions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences with clear purpose and exclusion. No unnecessary words. Front-loaded with verb 'Return'.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the presence of output schema and complete parameter descriptions, the description provides enough context. It covers the data source and what the tool does, making it sufficient for selection.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

All four parameters are described in the schema with 100% coverage. The description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, so baseline score applies.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool returns sourced recommendations for agent/operator use cases, using TAT trusted corpus. It distinguishes itself from being an external-resource safety checker and from sibling tools that may have similar names.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for recommendations from TAT corpus but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives like get_recommendation or recommendations.get. It only notes what it is not for.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

tat_statsGet Agent News StatsA
Read-onlyIdempotent
Inspect

Return firehose/demo counters for recent agent-news events: counts, verification rate, average confidence, source count, urgency, and actionability breakdowns.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
hoursNoLookback window in hours (default 24)

Output Schema

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescription
textNoPresent when the tool returns a text-only response.
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint as true/false appropriately, so the safety profile is clear. The description adds context about the type of data returned (counters, verification rate, etc.), which is useful but not critical behavioral disclosure beyond what annotations provide.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the purpose ('Return firehose/demo counters') and lists specific outputs. Every word contributes value, with no fluff or redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the simple input (one optional parameter) and the presence of an output schema, the description adequately summarizes the tool's behavior. It could optionally clarify what 'firehose/demo' means, but overall it is sufficient for an agent to understand the tool's functionality.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already describes the single parameter 'hours' with a clear description. The description does not add any further semantic meaning or usage guidance for this parameter, so it meets the baseline for high schema coverage without adding value.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description specifically states it returns 'firehose/demo counters' for recent agent-news events and lists multiple metrics (counts, verification rate, average confidence, etc.), clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'tat_get_event' or 'tat_search' which focus on individual events or search.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explains what the tool does but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives, nor does it mention any conditions or prerequisites. The context of 'firehose/demo counters' implicitly suggests aggregate analysis, but this is not explicitly stated.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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