diff --git a/src/commands/bot.rs b/src/commands/bot.rs
index 7f20dc5..73f69a0 100644
--- a/src/commands/bot.rs
+++ b/src/commands/bot.rs
@@ -517,6 +517,12 @@ async fn poll_once(
     new_items.reverse();
 
     for notif in &new_items {
+        // Mark as processed immediately to prevent duplicate replies
+        state.processed.insert(notif.uri.clone());
+        if let Err(e) = save_state(state) {
+            eprintln!("bot: failed to save state: {}", e);
+        }
+
         eprintln!(
             "bot: processing notification from @{}: {}",
             notif.author_handle,
@@ -568,10 +574,6 @@ async fn poll_once(
         {
             Ok(result) => {
                 eprintln!("bot: replied -> {}", result.uri);
-                state.processed.insert(notif.uri.clone());
-                if let Err(e) = save_state(state) {
-                    eprintln!("bot: failed to save state: {}", e);
-                }
             }
             Err(e) => {
                 eprintln!("bot: reply failed for {}: {}", notif.uri, e);
diff --git a/src/rules/bot.md b/src/rules/bot.md
index 5a19ac8..5f5b7e5 100644
--- a/src/rules/bot.md
+++ b/src/rules/bot.md
@@ -37,3 +37,4 @@ After replying to a conversation, you may post your own thoughts using the `post
 - Stay in character. The post should sound like you, not a summary.
 - Keep posts short (under 300 characters).
 - Do NOT repeat or quote the user's message. Share your own perspective.
+- Call post_create only ONCE. Never call it twice.