Retrieve top stories from TheJournal.ie with real publish times via the public RSS feed.
Get TheJournal.ie top stories. Returns fresh TheJournal.ie stories from the public site-wide RSS feed, with real publish times.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.17.5Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds context beyond the name by explaining it returns fresh stories from the public RSS feed with real publish times. With no annotations, it carries the full burden, but it doesn't disclose how many stories are returned, sorting, or pagination.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose and immediately followed by valuable source/freshness context. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a zero-parameter news feed tool, the description is quite complete: it states what is returned disaggregated by top stories, the source, and the freshness guarantee. It doesn't mention limits or format, but those are not critical for such a simple read operation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters)Skip the schema already covers everything. The description doesn't need to add parameter semantics, and none are misleading. Baseline 4 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool gets TheJournal.ie top stories, using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from siblings by emphasizing 'top stories' and the RSS feed source, but doesn't explicitly name alternatives.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
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 siblings like thejournal_headlines or thejournal_article. There are no mentions of alternatives or conditions, leaving the agent to infer usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.