---
title: Replace "Read" / "Mark read" with a state that is unambiguous
created: 2026-09-25T12:05:00Z
priority: high
type: task
owner: build.desk
source: admin/inbox/2026-09-25__notes-from-the-flight.md
parent: 001-reading-experience
estimated_effort: small
---

# Replace "Read" / "Mark read" with a state that is unambiguous

On source pages a black "Read" and a white "Mark read" left the reader unsure which state they were in. One
control: "Mark as read" (unread state) that becomes "Read ✓ · mark unread" (read state), and the page's
byline shows the same state in words.

Done when: no page shows two buttons for one state.