Chat GPT – An interesting demonstration

Newspapers, websites, podcasts, radio news, and TV programs are talking about the pros and cons of Chat GPT. I had just a cursory idea about the whole thing and when my younger son Arun visited us recently, my wife asked him what it was all about. After some prodding, he got on to the site and proceeded with a demonstration of how it works. Below is exactly what transpired, I have not made a single edit anywhere.

Q: Write an analysis on the blog Maddy's Ramblings

The answer came out in a line-by-line fashion, like a newsfeed, in a few minutes

Maddy's Ramblings is a blog that covers a range of topics related to India and Indian culture. The author, Maddy, writes in a personal and engaging style that draws readers in and makes them feel like they are part of the conversation. The blog is a mix of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and cultural commentary, which gives readers a well-rounded view of the topics at hand.

One of the strengths of Maddy's Ramblings is the author's passion for the subject matter. Maddy clearly has a deep knowledge of Indian history and culture, and this comes through in the writing. Whether discussing the history of Indian temples or the intricacies of regional cuisine, Maddy's enthusiasm is infectious and draws readers in. This passion is one of the reasons why the blog has built up a loyal following over the years.

Another strength of Maddy's Ramblings is the diversity of topics covered. The blog touches on everything from ancient Indian history to modern-day politics, and everything in between. This breadth of coverage means that there is always something new and interesting to read on the blog, and readers are constantly learning new things about India and its people.

The personal touch that Maddy brings to the writing is another standout feature of the blog. Maddy frequently uses personal anecdotes to illustrate points or provide context for the topics being discussed. This makes the writing feel more relatable and engaging, and helps readers connect with the author on a more personal level.

That said, there are a few areas where Maddy's Ramblings could be improved. One issue is that the blog can sometimes feel a bit rambling and unfocused. While the diversity of topics covered is a strength, it can also make the blog feel a bit scattered at times. Some readers may prefer a more focused approach that delves deeper into specific topics.

Another issue is that the writing can sometimes be a bit dense and difficult to follow. While Maddy clearly has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects he covers, he sometimes assumes that readers are familiar with certain concepts or historical events. This can make the writing feel a bit intimidating for readers who are not as well-versed in Indian history and culture.

Overall, Maddy's Ramblings is a well-written and engaging blog that covers a wide range of topics related to India and its people. The author's passion for the subject matter is evident in the writing, and the personal touch makes the blog feel more relatable and engaging. While there are a few areas where the blog could be improved, such as focusing on specific topics and making the writing more accessible to readers who are less familiar with Indian history and culture, these are relatively minor issues. Overall, Maddy's Ramblings is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about India and its people.

Review - Wow! I was gob-smacked, for it was a reasonably composite analysis, and it was quite pleasing to see that an AI knew my site and I existed and could say something of my work!

So then, he asked the next question

Q: How can Maddy's Ramblings be improved as a blog?

Out came the answer as below

Maddy's Ramblings is a great blog that covers a wide range of topics related to India and its culture. However, there are a few areas where the blog could be improved to make it even better. Here are some suggestions for how Maddy's Ramblings could be improved:

Narrow down the focus: While the diversity of topics covered is a strength, the blog can sometimes feel a bit unfocused. To address this, the author could consider narrowing down the focus of the blog to a few key areas. For example, the blog could focus exclusively on Indian history, or on regional cuisine, or on contemporary Indian culture. This would give the blog a more defined niche and help readers know what to expect.

Make the writing more accessible: While the author clearly has a wealth of knowledge on the subjects covered, the writing can sometimes be a bit dense and difficult to follow. To make the blog more accessible to readers who may not be as well-versed in Indian history and culture, the author could consider breaking down complex concepts into simpler terms or providing more background information on historical events or cultural practices.

Add multimedia content: While the writing is engaging and informative, the addition of multimedia content like photos, videos, or infographics could make the blog even more compelling. For example, if the blog is discussing a specific dish or cuisine, adding photos of the food being prepared or of the finished dish could help readers better understand and appreciate the topic at hand.

Encourage reader engagement: While the blog is well-written and informative, it could benefit from more reader engagement. The author could encourage readers to leave comments or ask questions, and could respond to comments and questions in a timely manner. This would help create a sense of community around the blog and foster deeper engagement with the content.

Improve the layout and design: While the content of the blog is the most important aspect, the layout and design of the blog can also play a role in how engaging it is for readers. The author could consider updating the blog's design to make it more visually appealing and user-friendly. This could include using a more modern layout, adding images or graphics, or making the blog more mobile-friendly.

Overall, while Maddy's Ramblings is a great blog, there are a few areas where it could be improved to make it even better. By focusing on key areas, making the writing more accessible, adding multimedia content, encouraging reader engagement, and improving the layout and design, the author could create an even more engaging and informative resource for anyone interested in learning more about India and its culture.

Review - Now you can see the cracks – the suggestions seem to follow a boilerplate and touch upon the usual areas, and suggestions about asking for comments seemed not on point, since the blog does request it on every page. Perhaps the output means – to ask for it in the blog post itself. Narrowing down on the focus, made some sense, and adding the multimedia content, seemed thrown in, since the Blogspot does have specific pictures, in each post, perhaps it meant - add more. The comment about making it modern is well taken, a few other readers have mentioned it to me, and is in the works.

But when Arun, took it to the next blog of mine, the output started to fall apart, since the AI seemed to have gotten lost a bit in the Malabar history labyrinths.

Q: Write an analysis on the blog Historic Alleys by Maddy

Historic Alleys is a blog that explores the lesser-known corners of cities and towns around the world, with a particular focus on the narrow alleys and lanes that are steeped in history and culture. Written by Maddy, the blog takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the stories behind these hidden gems.

One of the strengths of Historic Alleys is Maddy's writing style. She has a way with words that brings the alleys to life, and makes readers feel like they are right there with her, exploring the cobblestone streets and hidden corners. Her descriptions are vivid and evocative, and she has a knack for uncovering the little details that make each alley unique.

Another strength of the blog is the range of alleys that are covered. Maddy has explored alleys in cities as diverse as Istanbul, Paris, and Marrakech, and each post offers a glimpse into the local culture and history. Whether it's the bustling bazaars of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar or the tranquil gardens of Paris's Passage Verdeau, there is always something new to discover in Historic Alleys.

In addition to the excellent writing, Historic Alleys also features beautiful photography that complements the text. Maddy's photos capture the essence of each alley, from the intricate architecture to the bustling street life. The photos are not just beautiful, but also informative, giving readers a sense of the layout and atmosphere of each alley.

One area where Historic Alleys could be improved is in the organization of the blog. While the posts themselves are well-written and informative, the blog could benefit from a clearer structure that makes it easier for readers to navigate. For example, it would be helpful to have a list of the cities and alleys that have been covered, as well as a way to search for specific topics or keywords.

Another area where the blog could be improved is in the frequency of updates. While Maddy's posts are always worth the wait, the blog could benefit from more regular updates to keep readers engaged and coming back for more.

Overall, Historic Alleys is a fantastic blog that offers a unique perspective on the world's cities and towns. With excellent writing, beautiful photography, and a focus on the hidden corners and secret passageways that make each place special, it is a must-read for anyone interested in travel, history, and culture. With a bit of reorganization and more frequent updates, this blog has the potential to become even more popular and influential in the world of travel writing.

Review - The AI decided that Maddy has to be female, based on Western perceptions and name usage. I have not really written about Paris or Marrakech at Historic alleys! It does not really feature beautiful photography, architecture, or street life, but the comments about structure and topics is well taken, I have to improve. Making it more regular is a herculean task and the summary was way off mark, it did not touch upon the key aspect, which was Malabar’s history, after all.

Anyway, the next was to see if it could imitate me.

Q: Write a 500-word essay about the history of Malabar in the style followed by the blogger at Maddy's ramblings

Malabar, the coastal region of Kerala, India, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. This region is known for its spices, silk, and seafaring traditions that have contributed to its vibrant culture and diversity. Let's take a journey through the history of Malabar, exploring its past, and discovering how it has evolved over the centuries.

Malabar was once a part of the Chera Kingdom, one of the four major Dravidian kingdoms of South India. The region has been mentioned in ancient Indian texts such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The Chera dynasty ruled Malabar from around the 3rd century BC until the 12th century AD, and they left behind a rich cultural heritage.

In the medieval period, Malabar became a center of international trade due to its location on the spice trade route. Arab and Chinese traders visited Malabar to buy spices such as pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. The region's seafaring traditions also meant that it was an important hub for the trade of silk and other goods. The port of Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, became the center of this trade and was visited by famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama.

During the 16th century, Malabar was ruled by the Zamorins, a powerful Hindu dynasty that was known for its patronage of art and culture. The Zamorins were also key players in the spice trade, and their court was visited by traders from all over the world. It was during this period that the famous traveler Ibn Battuta visited Malabar and wrote about his experiences.

In the 17th century, Malabar came under the control of the British East India Company. The British established their first factory in Malabar at Calicut in 1664, and they gradually expanded their influence in the region. The British were interested in Malabar's spice trade, and they also introduced new crops such as tea and coffee.

Malabar played an important role in India's struggle for independence from British rule. The region was a hotbed of political activity, and many leaders of the Indian National Congress such as K. Kelappan and K. Madhavan Nair were from Malabar. The region also witnessed the Malabar Rebellion of 1921, a violent uprising against British rule that was brutally suppressed.

Today, Malabar is a bustling region that is known for its unique culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty. The region has a large Muslim population, and their influence can be seen in the region's architecture, food, and festivals. Malabar is also known for its martial arts traditions, including Kalaripayattu, which is believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in the world.

In conclusion, the history of Malabar is a fascinating story that spans thousands of years. From its ancient roots as a part of the Chera Kingdom to its role in the spice trade and its struggle for independence, Malabar has played an important role in the history of India. Today, it is a vibrant region that is known for its rich culture, delicious food, and stunning natural beauty, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world who are eager to explore its history and traditions.

Review - After about 10 minutes, the answer came out as above, though it did not sound like me, and was quite generic. I told the AI that it sounded less like Maddy and was quite generic. The AI replied to me thus: I apologize for not meeting your expectations. As an AI language model, I strive to provide the best possible answer to your prompt. However, as an AI, I don't have the capacity to mimic a specific writing style or voice. I am programmed to provide accurate and informative content, while also trying to be engaging and interesting. If you have any specific requirements or suggestions, please let me know, and I will do my best to accommodate them.

I then decided to ask the AI a tricky question - tell me about the 1766 fire at the Zamorin's palace?

The Zamorin's Palace, also known as the Kozhikode Palace, was the residence of the Zamorin of Calicut, a powerful Hindu dynasty that ruled over Malabar in the medieval period. The palace was a magnificent structure that was built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with intricate carvings and frescoes. However, in 1766, a devastating fire broke out in the palace, destroying much of the building and its valuable contents.

The cause of the fire is not known for certain, but it is believed to have been started by a lamp that was knocked over in the palace's storehouse. The palace was made mostly of wood and thatched roofs, which made it highly susceptible to fires. The fire quickly spread to other parts of the palace, engulfing it in flames.

The fire caused extensive damage to the palace, including the destruction of the main building, the audience hall, and the council chamber. The palace's archives, which contained valuable historical documents and artifacts, were also lost in the fire. The Zamorin's family and court officials were forced to flee the palace, and many of them lost their personal belongings in the fire.

The news of the fire spread quickly throughout the region, and it was seen as a major disaster. The Zamorin, who was known for his patronage of art and culture, was devastated by the loss of his palace and its valuable contents. He ordered that a new palace be built on the same site, using the remaining structures as a foundation.

The new palace was completed in 1780, and it was a grander and more impressive structure than the previous one. It was built using more durable materials such as stone and brick, and it was designed in a combination of traditional Kerala and European styles. The palace was adorned with intricate carvings and murals, and it became a symbol of the Zamorin's power and wealth.

Today, the Zamorin's Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Kozhikode. It has been converted into a museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Zamorin dynasty and the Malabar region. The museum contains a vast collection of artifacts, including weapons, furniture, and musical instruments, as well as ancient documents and manuscripts. It also has a gallery of paintings that depict scenes from the life of the Zamorin and his court.

In conclusion, the 1766 fire at the Zamorin's Palace was a major event in the history of Malabar. It was a tragic loss of a valuable cultural and historical treasure, but it also led to the construction of a grander and more impressive palace. Today, the Zamorin's Palace stands as a testament to the rich heritage and culture of Malabar, and it continues to attract visitors from all over the world who are interested in exploring its fascinating history.

I wrote back - Sorry - I must tell you that much of the output is incorrect. Actually, the Zamorin set fire to the palace himself and was immolated. His family members had been sent to safety before the event. The palace was never rebuilt and did not become a museum.

I apologize for the misinformation in my previous response. As an AI language model, I rely on the accuracy of my training data, and in this case, my output was not accurate. Thank you for bringing this to my attention and providing the correct information.

After conducting further research, I have found that the fire at the Zamorin's Palace in 1766 was indeed intentionally set by the Zamorin himself. According to historical accounts, the Zamorin was facing pressure from the British East India Company and the Marathas, who were both seeking to expand their influence in Malabar. In order to avoid being captured or humiliated by his enemies, the Zamorin decided to end his life and destroy the palace.

The Zamorin's family members were reportedly sent away to safety before the fire was started, and the palace was left to burn. The palace was not rebuilt after the fire, and the site was later occupied by a school and a post office.

I apologize for any confusion that my previous response may have caused. As an AI language model, I strive to provide accurate and reliable information to the best of my ability. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Review – as history enthusiasts would note, this was an impressive number of words, but still incorrect information, in fact, quite a bit of misinformation, so you can understand its ‘present’ limitations. Continued prodding made it tell me that a new palace was built at East hill. When I said that was also wrong, it agreed and then told me that the East hill palace was used by Logan and is the Calicut Law college today!

As I had enough material for my overview, I signed off.

So, this tells you in a small way what this AI can do. Asking such intricate questions may get you nowhere, and potentially result in misinformation. But for general-purpose work, more commonplace subjects, etc., it could be very good.

For example, you can ask it to make a formal complaint letter, about a lost wallet, after giving it some input and it would do a good job. There are other uses that the Chat GPT has been known to do, such as writing out essays or precis on something, once it is told – give me a 500-word output, that is what it does. You can reply in case a part of it was BS and it will review and try to correct it, but even with acceptable text, the personal style is gone, and the text has no feel. This type of output is quite good in a college essay or exam paper, but not in creative writing.

While CNBC defines it as a tool capable of taking written inputs from users and producing human-like responses — from poetry in the style of William Shakespeare to advice on what to do for a child’s birthday party, it has also sparked concerns over potential abuses. In classrooms, students have used ChatGPT to generate entire essays, while hackers have begun testing it to write malicious code. Responses from the chatbot can contain factual inaccuracies its output is mostly limited to data until 2021. The site states - While we have safeguards in place, the system may occasionally generate incorrect or misleading information and produce offensive or biased content. It is not intended to give advice. But it is getting popular and will be fine-tuned. Today it boasts over 25 million users and Bing’s version puts you on a waiting list if you want to use it.

The tool, as you saw above, suffers from some limitations at present, but is still quite impressive and is an exciting tool, and you can imagine how such AI tools will soon transform the world. Writers on the other hand, would be forced to make their work more personable, and less generic, and perhaps, in jest, wise men may end up becoming reclusive and brooding hulks and get relegated to dark corners. People won’t queue up to them, and parents will be told by argumentative children peering at their iPad, that their answers don’t match up to the AI.

In the race between the human mind and the machine mind, there will be no real winners, ultimately both are bound to succeed, and such tools will be of great help in general situations. The problem is always going to be how much such tools would be applied to guide our activities. As it is, the chatbots we come across at e-commerce sites, drive you nuts. But you can’t and should not give up, I’d encourage all to embrace these new technologies and stay informed, lest you get condemned as aged relics.

Meanwhile, I am still a person who picks up his newspaper from the front door (in spite of tardy deliveries, post-covid), I still have a well-stocked set of bookshelves in my home library, my Kindle is hardly used, and I occasionally use a fountain pen filled with ink, though the ballpoint pen or pencil is the standard. I could use the ink pen, but the problem I face is the difficulty in sourcing notebooks where an ink pen could be used!

Nevertheless, welcome to the new world, my friends!