Re: Aw: Re: AI-based writing assistants

[Peter Neilson <neilson -at- windstream -dot- net>]

Doesn't matter how smart it is, or how well it's able to distinguish 
true statements from false. We as writers and explainers have to peer 
into the mind of the potential reader. "What's new and unexplained? 
What's going to be misunderstood? Who is the reader, and what will he be 
wanting to do?"

Ever read "end-user" docs written by a really sharp developer/coder? 
Here's a distant recollection of what a programmer once told us: "I gave 
you all that technical information. Why didn't you mention that the 
basic algorithm uses B-trees? That's a crucial part of it."

We (my buddy Tony, actually) replied, "You're right. We didn't. We also 
didn't mention that Trenton is the capital of New Jersey."

"What's that got to do with anything?"

"Precisely," Tony said.


PS: I've noticed that ChatGPT is pretty good at writing mediocre poetry, 
but is unable to meet the truly low standards of William Topaz 
McGonagall, even when asked.

Here are the first two stanzas of a lengthy creation from ChatGPT. 
Observe that the meter flows gently, missing entirely the stumbling mark 
of McGonagall himself.

Oh, gather round and hear this tale I weave,
A poem of grandeur, prepare to receive.
For here I present, with utmost delight,
A masterpiece so terrible, it shines so bright.

In Dundee, a city of wondrous sights,
Where the Tay River flows with all its might,
Lived a man named McGonagall, with a gift so rare,
To craft verses of beauty, beyond compare.


On 6/8/23 13:05, Robert Lauriston wrote: