Tag: ai

I Feel Dirty

I mentioned in the last post (at least I think I did) that one of our cars has its check engine light on. Earlier today I went to the website for the dealership that sold us the car. I wanted to see if I could schedule an appointment to have that idiot light looked at. I found the link to their service department site and went to it, but when I got there…….

My only option for scheduling required me to… oh it’s too awful to even type it out… okay… here goes… it required me to talk to an AI chatbot. Disgusting!

I feel so dirty. It asked me for my name and I ignored it. I don’t want some random AI bot to know my name. To hell with that crap! It was just gross. Why would any company that respects its customers want to subject them to such bullshit? I would have preferred being asked to call them and then getting stuck in voicemail hell for half an hour. That would have been so much less demeaning.

At one point it even tried to tell me its name, as if it were pretending to be an actual human being. I feel so dirty! It was just icky and gross and dehumanizing. And the worst part? This was hours ago and it told me it was going to have the service department call me to book the actual appointment and I still don’t have a fucking appointment! Insert the grossed out scream of frustration here.

Fucking AI. Screw you, Skynet wannabe, poorly written, bug riddled code.

AI Generated Music Videos

Spoiler alert, this post is a tease. It does not pay off.

My wife and I just watched a youtube video about the nightmare that is AI generated youtube videos. The examples it showed were awful and creepy and painful and will haunt us for the rest of our lives.

So naturally I decided to see if I could find a site that would AI generate a music video for one of my RPM Challenge songs.

It worked… sort of… but it was so beyond awful that I can’t share it. I uploaded a photo to go with the song. It was a selfie I took in Disney World while I was on an elevator and it took some of my fave and glued it onto some douche bag’s head and I will never recover from the emotional trauma. I then generated another clip using a face that the website provided. I’m trying to decide if I want to share it or not because… damn is it awful.

Nope. I can’t share it. It’s too awful. Sorry for the tease but damn it was just creepy as all hell. I actually closed my eyes for part of it. Nope. Not going there again. Sorry, AI Charlie.

A.I. at Work

I just had Google’s A.I. transcribe and summarize a conference call I was on. It worked, I guess. Reading through the transcript I had one important fact hammered home to me.

When I speak in public I sounds as if I am roughly as intelligent as a chipmunk. Make that a chipmunk with a speech impediment. I mean… wow, do I suck at speaking.

Here’s today’s photo a day pic to distract you all from how bad I suck at verbal communication. Ah-duh.

81/365

A.I. Band Names Follow Up

Here is a quick follow up to yesterday’s post about asking an A.I. to suggest some new names for my band.

Last night I went back to Google Gemini and asked a similar question. I didn’t reference where we are from, but instead mentioned something about how we were all getting up there in age. It again responded with a list of names that were mostly inane and lame.

There was one stand out though. I shared it with the rest of the band. I shared it with my wife too, and now she is really rooting for us to use it.

The Viagra Falls.

At last, A.I. does something useful. At last.

PC

Daily writing prompt
The most important invention in your lifetime is…
View all responses

I don’t know every invention that happened in my lifetime. I’m sure the military has some crazy stuff that would blow all of our minds if we knew about it. My lifetime started in May of 1971 and there have been a lot of things that have been invented over that time. There is one that stands out to me though.

The personal computer. Whatever it may have been. Google tells me the first PC was invented in 1971 so we may have to squint a little to put it into my lifetime, but you get the deal. IBM and Apple had the first consumer level computers that I knew of. The Apple II was everywhere when I was in school. Microsoft’s deal with IBM to license their Disc Operating System (DOS) rather than sell it allowed for IBM clones and soon enough they were everywhere too.

DOS led to Windows, the Apple II led to the Macintosh which eventually led to the iPhone which more or less brought us to where we are today. Everyone in the civilized (or should I write that as “civilized” because, ya know… nazis and shit) world has some sort of computer or smart phone. The internet is essential to operating our society now. Computers are basically our lifeline.

On a more personal note, the invention of the Personal Computer led to me having a career as a programmer. It led to my wife having a career as a software engineer and a software architect. It led to our family earning a living. I would call that a pretty important development, wouldn’t you? Damn right.

Hey Google Bard, generate an image of a jedi knight using a macintosh computer.

AI Assistant?

WordPress.com let us know via email last night that there is now an AI Assistant available in the blog post editor. At least if you are using the Block Editor format. I don’t know if it’s there if you’re writing HTML code or anything else, but if you’re using blocks you can add an AI Assistant block and ask it to do stuff for you. 

For example, I asked the AI Assistant to write a paragraph about using AI to write a blog post and it came up with this absolute fucking masterpiece:

AI has revolutionized the way we approach content creation, offering unprecedented efficiency and creativity. By harnessing the power of advanced algorithms, AI can rapidly generate compelling blog posts on a diverse range of topics, tailored to specific audiences. Moreover, it can analyze trends and audience engagement to optimize content, enhancing its impact. While AI streamlines the writing process, it also empowers human creators by providing valuable insights and freeing up time for strategic thinking and ideation. Embracing AI in blog writing opens up exciting possibilities for innovation and scalability in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

How cool is that? Now I don’t have to go to Google Bard or Chat GPT when I want to add something fucking stupid to my already lame-ass blog posts. Hurrah!

Corporate Buzzspeak

This is a further response to today’s daily writing prompt. I am being sarcastic here. You can laugh along with me. You can flip the finger at the buzzspeak mentality with me. If you want, you can even be offended by this. It’s all good. Here we go…

I asked Google Bard to, “explain why the term brand is a meaningless corporate buzzword.” Here is Bard’s response:

The term “brand” is often used as a corporate buzzword without any real meaning. It is often thrown around in marketing and advertising materials, but it is rarely defined or explained in a clear and concise way.

One reason for this is that the concept of “brand” is complex and multifaceted. It can refer to a wide range of things, including a company’s name, logo, products, services, reputation, and even its culture.

Another reason is that the term “brand” has been overused and misused in recent years. It is now applied to everything from products and services to people and places. This has led to a certain amount of confusion and cynicism about the term.

Here are some specific reasons why the term “brand” is often a meaningless corporate buzzword:

  • It is often used in a vague and unsubstantiated way. For example, a company might claim that its brand is “innovative” or “customer-centric,” but it may not provide any specific evidence to support these claims.
  • It is often used to sell products or services that are not actually that different from the competition. For example, two different brands of toothpaste might both claim to be the “best for your teeth,” but there may be little real difference between them.
  • It is often used to create a sense of artificial exclusivity or superiority. For example, a luxury brand might claim that its products are “only for the best” or that they are “the epitome of style.”

In short, the term “brand” is often used as a marketing gimmick rather than a meaningful way to differentiate a company from its competitors.

Here are some examples of how the term “brand” is often used as a meaningless corporate buzzword:

  • “Our new product is designed to help you create a more authentic brand.”
  • “We are committed to building a strong brand that resonates with our customers.”
  • “Our brand is all about innovation and creativity.”
  • “We want to be the world’s leading brand in our industry.”

These statements are all vague and unsubstantiated. They do not provide any specific information about what the company’s brand actually is or what makes it different from the competition.

To be truly meaningful, the term “brand” should be used to describe a company’s unique value proposition and the way that it differentiates itself from its competitors. It should also be backed up by specific examples and evidence.

https://bard.google.com

Google Bard Fails to Convince Me

Okay, one more AI post. I thought I would try something silly. Well… sillier.

I asked Google Bar to write a short one act play in the form of two people discussing whether or not artificial intelligence is a good thing.

Here is the response:

Sure, here is a short one act play in the form of two people discussing whether or not artificial intelligence is a good thing:

Scene: A coffee shop

Characters:

  • Alice: A young woman who is excited about the potential of artificial intelligence
  • Bob: A young man who is concerned about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence

Dialogue:

Alice: I’m so excited about artificial intelligence! It has the potential to do so much good in the world.

Bob: I’m not so sure. I think artificial intelligence could be very dangerous.

Alice: How so?

Bob: Well, for one thing, artificial intelligence could become so intelligent that it surpasses human intelligence. And if that happens, we could be in big trouble.

Alice: But why would artificial intelligence want to harm us?

Bob: It might not mean to harm us. But if it’s smarter than us, it might not see things the same way we do. And that could lead to conflict.

Alice: I see your point. But I still think the potential benefits of artificial intelligence outweigh the risks.

Bob: I hope you’re right. But I’m going to stay cautious.

Alice: That’s fair. I think it’s important to be aware of the risks, but I also think we shouldn’t let fear hold us back from exploring the potential of artificial intelligence.

Bob: I agree. We need to be careful, but we also need to be open-minded.

The two of them continue to talk about artificial intelligence. They discuss the potential benefits and risks, and they come to a better understanding of each other’s views. In the end, they agree that artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that has the potential to do great good or great harm. It is up to us to use it wisely.

bard.google.com

What do you think, dear readers. Was Bard serious in its attempt to argue against its own existence? Heh Heh.

Google Bard Wrote This Post For Me

I asked Google Bard to write a short essay on choosing a luthier. Mostly because I am tired and lazy.

Choosing a luthier is an important decision for any musician. A good luthier can repair and maintain your instruments, and can also build you a custom instrument if you desire. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a luthier:

  • Experience: A luthier with experience will be able to diagnose and repair problems with your instruments quickly and efficiently. They will also be able to build you a custom instrument that meets your specific needs.
  • Skill: A skilled luthier will be able to work with a variety of materials and techniques to create beautiful and functional instruments. They will also be able to repair damage to your instruments without compromising their sound or playability.
  • Communication: A good luthier will be able to communicate with you effectively about your needs and expectations. They will also be able to answer any questions you have about their work.

Once you have found a few potential luthiers, it is a good idea to visit their shops and meet with them in person. This will give you a chance to see their work firsthand and to get a feel for their personality and work ethic. It is also important to get references from other musicians who have used their services.

Choosing a luthier is an important decision, but it does not have to be a difficult one. By following these tips, you can find a luthier who can meet your needs and help you keep your instruments in top condition.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a luthier:

  • Ask around: Talk to other musicians you know and ask them who they use for repairs and custom builds.
  • Check online reviews: There are many websites where you can read reviews of luthiers in your area.
  • Visit the luthier’s shop: Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s important to visit the luthier’s shop and see their work firsthand.
  • Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the luthier questions about their experience, skills, and work ethic.
  • Get a quote: Be sure to get a quote from the luthier before you commit to any work.

Choosing a luthier is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. By following these tips, you can find a luthier who can meet your needs and help you keep your instruments in top condition.

bard.google.com

Refretting an Electric Guitar

I may have found a luthier to work on my two old guitars. He’s taking new customers and does full refrets, and his prices are a lot lower than the one estimate I have. The downside is that he’s in Rockport, so it’s a serious drive.

In honor of this news, I asked Google Bard to write a short blog post about refretting an electric guitar. Here it the response:

Refretting an Electric Guitar

Refretting an electric guitar is a process of replacing the frets on the fingerboard. Fret wear is a natural process that occurs over time as the strings are played. As the frets wear, they can become uneven, which can cause buzzing and other problems. Refretting can improve the playability and sound of your guitar, and it can also extend the life of the instrument.

There are a few different ways to refret an electric guitar. The most common method is to use a fret saw to remove the old frets and then to install new frets using a fret press. This process requires specialized tools and skills, and it is best to have it done by a professional luthier.

If you are a skilled DIYer, you can refret your own guitar. There are a number of resources available online and in libraries that can teach you how to do it. However, it is important to note that refretting is a complex process, and it is easy to make mistakes. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is best to have it done by a professional.

Here are some of the benefits of refretting an electric guitar:

  • Improved playability: New frets are smooth and even, which makes it easier to play your guitar.
  • Improved sound: New frets can improve the sound of your guitar by reducing buzzing and other problems.
  • Extended life: Refretting can extend the life of your guitar by preventing further fret wear.

If you are considering refretting your electric guitar, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to decide whether you want to do it yourself or have it done by a professional. Second, you need to choose the right type of frets. There are a number of different types of frets available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Finally, you need to budget for the cost of refretting. The cost of refretting can vary depending on the type of guitar, the materials used, and the labor costs in your area.

If you are serious about improving the playability and sound of your electric guitar, refretting is a great option. By following the tips above, you can choose the right method for you and get the best results possible.

Google Bard