The examples above intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try. This was the instruction:
"Write 6 paragraphs about touring a new model house with a female real estate agent. I am male."

This is the result, which I don't think I could submit without additional details, but it is interesting. It is clear that I would need to ask the question in such a way that the tour has already happened.

"Touring a new model house with a female real estate agent can be an exciting and informative experience. As a male, it is important to approach the tour with a professional demeanor and show respect towards the agent. She is there to help you find your dream home and guide you through the process.

When you arrive at the model home, your agent will likely greet you at the door and introduce herself. She may ask you a few questions about what you are looking for in a home and what your budget is. It is important to be honest and open with her about your needs and expectations.

As you begin to tour the home, the agent will likely point out the various features and amenities that the home has to offer. She may also provide information on the materials used in the construction of the home, the appliances included, and any upgrades that are available. This information can be very helpful in making an informed decision about whether or not this home is right for you.

Throughout the tour, it is important to ask questions and engage in conversation with the agent. She is there to help you find the right home and wants to make sure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification or additional details about any features or amenities that you are interested in.

As the tour comes to an end, the agent may ask for your feedback and whether or not you are interested in the home. If you are interested, she can provide you with additional information on the next steps in the buying process. If not, she can continue to work with you to find other homes that may better meet your needs and preferences.

Overall, touring a new model home with a female real estate agent can be an informative and enjoyable experience. By approaching the tour with a professional demeanor and showing respect towards the agent, you can ensure that you receive the guidance and assistance you need to find the perfect home for you."

Terrifying.
And the bot knew three closing attempt styles.
Terrifying!

@HonnyBrown wrote:

ColoKate, does this technology learn your writing style? Is it adaptable?

ChatGPT learns from a single chat thread. So you can train it through samples and feedback before getting the answer you want. This takes a bit of work, but it helpfully saves threads so you can go back to an old conversation as if it just happened.

Alternatively there are other AI services like the drive.ai or (I think) Jasper that encourage you to upload your own data and have the AI inckude thar information in its answers.

Oddly - I really enjoy narratives. While I've not done any Coyle stuff yet - I always run out of space on my Five Guys shops and wish I could write more. I'm one of those "I hate tech" people so I can't imagine using GPT for this but I'm sure one day it'll become normal even for dinosaurs like myself. Truthfully - if I could use AI to take my pictures, and do any email and computer related stuff - I'd do that - but save the narratives for myself
Anyhow, today I'll see a movie - on DVD of course, not that streaming stuff . And I am proud to have the oldest possible iPhone model there is - and I fantasize about going FlipPhone again.

Simple questions from a simple mind:

1. After the bot writes your story, can you copy and paste it to your shop form or a word document?

2. How would an MSC know if your narrative was mostly written by AI?

1. After the bot writes your story, can you copy and paste it to your shop form or a word document?

Yes. I use an iPhone for 99% of everything… so I would copy/paste the bot’s written work into my narrative box in the form, then edit it from there. I would edit my narrative a LOT, probably; I like to use certain adjectives and would be replacing what the bot provided. I’d also probably ask for fifteen sentences, and edit down to ten - get a nice tight narrative.

2. How would an MSC know if your narrative was mostly written by AI?

- If you’re lazy and not entering enough detail into the prompts, you’re going to have repetitive narratives that will probably trigger a sharp editor. HOWEVER - I’m continuing to train my bot and the finished product is basically brand-new narratives each run, with great descriptive content. I’m printing them out and comparing them; they’re each unique. It’s basically my observations (enthusiasm level, product knowledge, store conditions, available inventory) from the forms, but perfectly spelled and well-written.

- ChatGPT 3.0 and 3.5 inserts a sentence or two into longer narrative blocks indicating it was written by AI. For example, one of my narratives had this inserted: “Of course, I am a AI system and so I would actually not be pursuing a lease on an apartment.” I had to add, “Do not indicate that you are AI” into my string of prompts, lolololol.

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

Oddly - I really enjoy narratives.

I actually do, too … until they are unnecessarily repetitive (hello, EPMS!) or when I get burned out trying to say something new about a mattress chain location I’ve visited ten times already this week. Or when I’m super tired at the end of day and facing a 12-hour deadline after driving 5 hours.

That’s when I would pull up my ChatGPT and get a boost for my own writing skills.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2023 01:39AM by ColoKate63.

I can see this becoming a nightmare for an editor. Shoppers are already cheating with gas stations and going to google to get all their photos. Neat idea tho. You all know Grace Hill owns EPMS now, don't you?

@Dino29 wrote:

I can see this becoming a nightmare for an editor. Shoppers are already cheating with gas stations and going to google to get all their photos. Neat idea tho. You all know Grace Hill owns EPMS now, don't you?

Tell me you don’t understand how AI works without telling me how AI works, Dino29.

What would happen if MSC had GPT drones or robots go in to Five Guys or Mattress Firm - go thru the motions--or secretly film the motions with other customers. Would they still want to pay me for doing it?

And then if the GPT narrative is flawless -- does the MSC need the editor ?

At that point - -does the jobless editor go buy a Kia? Maybe if the dealer is doing a 100% off sale I guess.

I dunno - I think it'll be great one day to have some bot take car of a senior citizen - without worry of mistakes or abuse. I think it's great if A.I can think so fast and well, that it speeds up cures for diseases.

But when we all live to a 100 and have no job....... things may get, interesting.

I've only seen the Hunger Games once - -- figured, I'll see it for real one day so why watch again.

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

I dunno - I think it'll be great one day to have some bot take car of a senior citizen - without worry of mistakes or abuse. I think it's great if A.I can think so fast and well, that it speeds up cures for diseases.

For anyone that has Pluto (on their phone/TV/PC), search the movies for "Robot and Frank", a FASCINATING movie about this sort of thing!! It's totally free to watch.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2023 03:59PM by guysmom.

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

But when we all live to a 100 and have no job....... things may get, interesting.

My great-great-great-grandfather was a whaler on the East Coast. When he was plying his trade, most of America used whale oil for light. Crazy to think about.

Job categories come and go. The important thing is to remain current (no flip phones, no “potato cams” in ancient cellphones) and you’ll be fine.

He ended up quitting whaling, moving to Western Pennsylvania, and opening a sawmill in the 1860s.

Moral of the story: You must pivot and stay current !

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2023 04:08PM by ColoKate63.

Where in western PA?

@ColoKate63 wrote:

@BabyBooey19 wrote:

But when we all live to a 100 and have no job....... things may get, interesting.

My great-great-great-grandfather was a whaler on the East Coast. When he was plying his trade, most of America used whale oil for light. Crazy to think about.

Job categories come and go. The important thing is to remain current (no flip phones, no “potato cams” in ancient cellphones) and you’ll be fine.

He ended up quitting whaling, moving to Western Pennsylvania, and opening a sawmill in the 1860s.

Moral of the story: You must pivot and stay current !

I mean, honestly, how much more can you describe a burger, and don't get me started on the bun!

I type a variation of "The bun tasted fresh. The bun had been toasted and tasted delicious." I have never had that response questioned. I used to try to write a lot more and found out that they really don't require more than what I typed above.

I asked ChatOpenAI to: "Write a paragraph about a fresh, toasted hamburger roll," and below is the result. [ChatOpenAI wins by a mile!]

"The aroma of a fresh, toasted hamburger roll wafts through the air, enticing both the senses and the appetite. Its golden-brown exterior is delicately crisp, giving way to a soft and fluffy interior that cradles the delicious contents within. With each bite, the warm roll offers a satisfying contrast of textures, providing the perfect canvas for the juicy and succulent burger patty nestled within. The toasting process imparts a subtle nutty flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the rich meat, and as the flavors meld together, the roll becomes a symphony of taste and satisfaction. It is the crowning glory that completes the burger, elevating it to a delectable experience that satisfies cravings and leaves a lingering, mouthwatering memory."

@nellybean212 wrote:

I mean, honestly, how much more can you describe a burger, and don't get me started on the bun!

And now I’m hungry after reading that AI narrative!

You know what is really cool? This thread is actually helping train AI bots on how to write a successful shop narrative. The web spiders that crawl the internet and collect comments are definitely here and definitely grabbing this text.

Okay, this is interesting. Some of those narratives have parts that are very close to how I would write. I was wondering how one accesses ChatGPT in order to use it. I was going to ask my sister who knows all about techie stuff, but TIL that it's an app you download. I wonder if there are any that are free or online. Will investigate... thanks for this thread. Quite illuminating!
.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/16/2023 06:15PM by shopnyc.

This article on ZDNet will explain how to use ChatGPT and is not technical. [www.zdnet.com]

@shopnyc wrote:

Okay, this is interesting. Some of those narratives have parts that are very close to how I would write. I was wondering how one accesses ChatGPT in order to use it. I was going to ask my sister who knows all about techie stuff, but TIL that it's an app you download. I wonder if there are any that are free or online. Will investigate... thanks for this thread. Quite illuminating!
.

Thanks. I'm somewhat tech savvy, but not extensively so, and I haven't had much time to look into it. I will check out that article.

Okay, so I tried it at OpenAI:

Me: Write a first-person narrative about an inquiry about checking accounts with an officer at a bank.

ChatGPT:
I walked into the bank, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I approached the front desk. Today was the day I had decided to inquire about checking accounts, wanting to explore my options and find the best fit for my financial needs. A friendly bank officer greeted me with a warm smile, putting me at ease instantly.

I introduced myself and explained that I was interested in opening a checking account. The officer, named Sarah, invited me to have a seat in her office. As I settled into the comfortable chair, she began asking me a series of questions to better understand my banking preferences and requirements.

Sarah patiently listened as I shared my goals and expectations. I mentioned that I wanted a checking account that offered easy access to my funds, online banking features, and a reliable customer service team. I also wanted to avoid excessive fees and ensure that the bank had a strong security system in place.

To my delight, Sarah took the time to explain the different types of checking accounts available at the bank. She provided clear and concise information about the features and benefits of each account, ensuring that I had a thorough understanding of what they entailed.

She detailed the perks of their basic checking account, which included a low minimum balance requirement and waived monthly fees for maintaining a certain balance. Sarah also mentioned a premium checking account that offered additional benefits such as unlimited ATM fee reimbursements and higher interest rates.

As I considered my options, Sarah kindly addressed all my questions and concerns. She explained the bank's online banking platform, assuring me that I could easily manage my account, check my balance, and make transactions from the convenience of my phone or computer. Furthermore, she emphasized the bank's commitment to security, highlighting their advanced encryption measures and fraud protection services.

Impressed by Sarah's knowledge and professionalism, I felt more confident in my decision-making process. She provided me with brochures and pamphlets that summarized the account details, giving me something tangible to review at home.

Before I left, Sarah kindly offered to set up a follow-up appointment to finalize the account opening process. She assured me that the bank's staff would guide me through the necessary paperwork, making the process as smooth as possible.

As I walked out of the bank, I couldn't help but feel relieved and grateful for the informative conversation I had with Sarah. Her expertise and genuine interest in understanding my needs had made the experience enjoyable and productive. With a clearer understanding of the available options, I now felt empowered to make an informed decision and choose the checking account that would best serve me on my financial journey.

===
I think that the first paragraph is a bit goofy and much of the language is too flowery (reads like a magazine article), but a lot of it is fairly usable. What do you folks think?

.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 05/16/2023 08:45PM by shopnyc.

I am so glad this technology wasn't available when I was in grad school!

I'm already "thinking outside the box" while "moving fast and breaking things", and NOW you're expecting us to pivot?

@ColoKate63 wrote:

OK, so after thinking a bit, I’m going to test this out.

I’ve just downloaded the ChatGPT iPhone app named “Genie” ($8 for a week, $45 for 52 weeks. I chose one week.)

The fact that you had to pay for that, made me wince… especially when you could have just used Bing’s new FREE AI chat tool.

I literally just copied and pasted “write an extensive narrative describing how an apartment leasing agent (Sarah) conducted a tour of amenities and a model apartment”

This was the response:

“Here is a possible narrative:
Sarah greeted me warmly at the leasing office and introduced herself as the apartment leasing agent. She asked me about my needs and preferences, such as the size, layout, and price range of the apartment I was looking for. She also asked me if I had any pets, since the property was pet-friendly. She then showed me a brochure with the floor plans and features of the available units, and highlighted the ones that matched my criteria. She also pointed out the amenities that the community offered, such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and a playground.

She then invited me to follow her to the model apartment, which was a two-bedroom unit on the second floor. She opened the door with a key card and led me inside. She showed me the spacious living room with hardwood floors and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. She then walked me through the kitchen, which had stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and ample cabinet space. She also pointed out the pantry and the laundry closet with a washer and dryer.

She then took me to the master bedroom, which had a walk-in closet and an attached bathroom. She showed me the shower stall, the vanity, and the linen closet. She also mentioned that the unit had central heating and air conditioning, as well as ceiling fans in each room. She then showed me the second bedroom, which was slightly smaller but still had a decent-sized closet and a window. She said that this room could be used as an office, a guest room, or a nursery. She then showed me the second bathroom, which was similar to the master bathroom but had a bathtub instead of a shower stall.

She then asked me if I had any questions or concerns about the apartment or the community. She answered all my queries patiently and professionally. She also gave me some information about the neighborhood, such as the nearby schools, shops, restaurants, and parks. She also told me about the application process and the lease terms, such as the security deposit, the rent amount, the utilities included, and the maintenance services. She also gave me her business card and a folder with some documents to review.

She then thanked me for my time and interest, and asked me if I wanted to fill out an application or schedule another tour. She said that she would follow up with me in a few days to see if I had made a decision or needed any assistance. She then escorted me back to the leasing office and wished me a good day.

I was very impressed by Sarah’s professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. She made me feel welcome and comfortable throughout the tour. She also showed me an apartment that met all my expectations and more. I was very satisfied with her service and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a new home.”

Not too shabby, and it took less than 8 seconds to type that out.
Definitely a game changer. We can practically double the amount of shops we do each month… or have more free time at the end of each work day.

This is bound to become controversial! I don't think it's going to put writers of non-fiction out of business. There are issues with sentence construction and lack of variation (too many sentences beginning with "She" and "She also," for example) and writing that sounds pre-programmed. Like, "As I settled into the comfortable chair . . . ." I mean, who writes that in a narrative? But, overall, not bad. Although I feel like it would take a lot of editing of these pieces in order to make them sound original for each shop.

My writer and editor friends feel that the end product, for non-fiction, still needs a lot of work. One commenter in a language group I belong to said that he thinks its real threat is to fiction writers who stick to formulaic writing (Iris Johansen comes to mind). I can see that, for sure!

I haven't tried it, so don't know how helpful, or not, it would be in writing narratives. It almost seems as voice-to-text narration would be just as helpful. But since I've never used that, either, I can't say.

Gonna be interesting, in any event.

I asked it a question: How do I get rid of 5 large rats living in my mailbox. Got an incredible response. And all I had to do was login using my Google account. Guide


User
I need 10 sentences on how to get rid of 5 large rats living in my mailbox

ChatGPT
Start by wearing protective gloves and clothing to avoid any potential bites or scratches from the rats.
Remove any food sources around the mailbox area, such as trash or spilled birdseed, as this will discourage the rats from returning.
Seal off any openings or gaps in and around the mailbox to prevent the rats from entering or exiting. Use caulk or wire mesh to cover holes.
Place rat traps strategically near the mailbox, using bait like peanut butter or cheese to attract the rats. Check the traps regularly and dispose of any trapped rats humanely.
Consider using live traps as an alternative to traditional snap traps. Once captured, relocate the rats to a distant location away from residential areas.
If you're comfortable handling them, use rat repellents or deterrents near the mailbox, such as ammonia-soaked rags or commercial repellent sprays.
Install outdoor lighting near the mailbox to discourage nocturnal activity, as rats prefer dark areas.
Trim back any overgrown vegetation or bushes near the mailbox, as rats may use them for cover.
Contact a professional pest control service if the rat infestation persists or if you're unable to handle the situation on your own.
Regularly clean and sanitize the mailbox to remove any lingering smells or traces that may attract rats in the future.

@BirdyC wrote:

There are issues with sentence construction and lack of variation (too many sentences beginning with "She" and "She also," for example) and writing that sounds pre-programmed. Like, "As I settled into the comfortable chair . . . ." I mean, who writes that in a narrative? But, overall, not bad. Although I feel like it would take a lot of editing of these pieces in order to make them sound original for each shop.

I agree.

Two issues I see with AI-produced narratives are being able to describe interactions in the order that certain actions or points of conversation happened, and using quotes. An MSC often wants to know whether a certain topic was proactively addressed by an associate before the shopper asks about it, so the order of events is important. And when I write my narratives, I usually add exact quotes of phrases or whole sentences that a target used. If I want things like this included, I would have to add them to my prompt, and/or rearrange and insert the text later - so, how much time is it really saving?

@shopnyc wrote:

how much time is it really saving?

I can only speak for myself: I’d save a ton of time with the whole procrastination thing. At times, especially when I’m explaining an evaluation of a poorly performing salesman, I delay and delay actually sitting down to write the narrative, because it’s such a PITA.

With AI, I’d immediately have an imperfect first draft written and then I’ve cracked the whole procrastination thing. I’d feel very comfortable picking the AI narrative up and editing it to suit. Another positive is that I’d be reassured that the first draft has perfect spelling and grammar. So no fiddling around with that.

@shopnyc wrote:

Okay, so I tried it at OpenAI:

I think that the first paragraph is a bit goofy and much of the language is too flowery (reads like a magazine article), but a lot of it is fairly usable. What do you folks think? .

I totally agree. I feel as if I'd spend a lot of time removing unnecessary verbiage and replacing "haute" language with formal, but more accessible, language.

@ColoKate63 wrote:

Another positive is that I’d be reassured that the first draft has perfect spelling and grammar. So no fiddling around with that.

I saw no spelling errors, but there are grammar and usage errors. For example, "towards" instead of "toward" (the latter is the preferred usage), clauses containing unnecessary commas, compound adjectives that should include hyphens and don't (not all need them, but some do), and so on. Granted, these are pretty nit-picky things, but, speaking for myself, I'd have to revise them.

The material isn't bad, but it's overly verbose and lacks variation enough to read as if it were written by a "live" person.

@BirdyC wrote:

@ColoKate63 wrote:

Another positive is that I’d be reassured that the first draft has perfect spelling and grammar. So no fiddling around with that.

I saw no spelling errors, but there are grammar and usage errors.

I was able to remove the flowery language by prompting the AI to “write in first person past tense business style.”

It’s all in how you set up the prompts in the beginning. “Business style” or “write a business report narrative” gets me much cleaner prose. The more directives you provide, the better the product.