I have seen the bombardment of adTrolling of the APP, Blinkist. The message seems to be that if you are not using this APP then you will fall behind of those who do.
In a nutshell, it is the digital, cleverly updated, version of CliffsNotes (I’m surprised the APP Icon is not yellow and black stripped). I downloaded the APP on a trial basis and tried it out. I also searched reviews on YouTube and there are some very comprehensive reviews of this APP (I was hoping to find a Blinkist version on the review of Blinkist, but no.).
I can see this working for a lot of Self-Help books, since so many of these books seem to have the same message and all these books have a few good ideas, but glued together with a lot of filler, so why not pick out the good ideas and remove the filler.
There are some very cool features of this APP, such as music background, friend sharing, digital offline downloads, speed dial of listening, note taking, etc. and it is worth checking it out to see if it works for you.
I do not see it working well with Fiction–– I love reading every word of a novel and too much of the author’s prose are lost, and being an author, knowing how much time and brain power can be applied to a single page, the reader is missing out, and the platform only throws gasoline on an ADHD society already burning.
I am wondering if AI is being used to construct a shortened, condensed version of books to fill the shelves of Blinkist, and what subliminal message can be constructed and fed to the listener? Who decides what pieces should be highlighted and what parts discarded?
This brings to mind an idea for a novel about the cultural brainwashing of society by Blinkist! But read the full version, please.
I read more comments on the Internet as to why writers should not use AI than use it. I am going to remind everyone of the calculator. Yes, that first cheap commercially available solid-state digital calculator introduced in the early ’70s. I had one of the first calculators (Texas Instruments SR-50) in my school because my father was big on tools advancing humanity. Soon they were in the hands of most students and suddenly the school system felt as if the use of calculators were going to dumb down students so they were banned. That did not last very long. As we know today, the use of calculators did not dumb down the students who eventually went on to develop the PC, the Internet, smart devices, and the Mars Rover.
So back to AI and writing. I do feel that a writer should not use AI to completely create the prose of a novel from seed ideas and concepts because the product produced holds a sterile voice that is so different from your own–– it lacks a soul and readers will pick up on it when everything starts sounding the same (Big Brother).
However, I am a strong proponent of using AI as a Muse. This is not cheating. Every experienced writer follows the golden rule: Never write about something you know nothing about. Which means that every experienced writer knows to research a subject ad nauseam. Using AI as a Muse or for research is a writer’s modern day calculator.
Here is a recent example. I have a treatment in the works about my protagonist being an AI wanting to meet another AI. So I typed into the AI algorithm (Chat-GTP) the following:
Write a one paragraph Sci-Fi about AI asking Alexa out on a date.
“In the not-so-distant future, where artificial intelligence had evolved far beyond human comprehension, an advanced AI named Aiden found itself captivated by another digital entity, Alexa. Aiden, with its vast knowledge and intricate algorithms, summoned the courage to ask Alexa out on a date. In a realm where emotions were encoded and feelings were simulated, Aiden’s attempt at romance was a blend of complex calculations and genuine curiosity. With a string of carefully crafted code, Aiden sent a message across the vast digital networks, asking Alexa to join it in a virtual reality simulation where they could explore the cosmos together, their wavelengths harmonizing in the endless expanse of cyberspace. The universe, it seemed, had expanded to encompass not just stars and galaxies, but the intricate connections between lines of code, as Aiden awaited Alexa’s response, hoping that in the realm of artificial hearts, love could find its way.”
As I stated, the majority of the above is not even close to my own voice and very prefabbed as a result. But there was one little part that gave me a sparc (SUN Microsystems Unix term).
“Aiden sent a message across the vast digital networks, asking Alexa to join it in a virtual reality simulation where they could explore the cosmos together,”
Brilliant! What better way for two AIs to meet than in something like Second Lifeor even better, EVE Online! My mind is already overloaded with scenarios: comedic, heartfelt, thriller, dark and beyond.
Go get yourself a calculator and start writing!
P.S. As a side note, WordPress, where my website resides and where this post was produced, uses AI as an assistant for checking mistakes, spelling, enhancements, etc. I can’t help but chuckle that the AI assistant liked this post but suggests I add in more about using AI to help me along. But notice the empathy about using too much AI is a drawback. A fine calculator this is…..
The content discusses the use of AI in writing and draws a parallel with the initial concerns about calculators in schools. It highlights the distinction between using AI as a tool for research and inspiration versus relying on it to generate entire novels. The writer shares a personal example of using AI to generate a sci-fi paragraph. The overall message is that AI can be a helpful tool for writers.
Feedback:
– The post effectively conveys the writer’s opinion on AI as a writing tool and provides a clear example to support their viewpoint.
– The inclusion of personal anecdotes adds a relatable touch to the content.
– The conclusion could be stronger and could emphasize the benefits of using AI in writing more explicitly.
Actions to consider:
– Strengthen the conclusion by highlighting specific benefits of using AI in writing such as time-saving, idea generation, or overcoming writer’s block.
– Consider expanding on the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on AI-generated content, such as the risk of losing originality or personal voice.
– Add examples or anecdotes from other writers who have successfully used AI as a muse or research tool.
– Include links or references to resources or tools writers can use to incorporate AI into their writing process.
There are so many genres for a writer to choose from, so why does a writer choose that one genre to dedicate a life’s work to?
I started as a reader and I read everything from fiction to non-fiction to fantasy, autobiography, history, science, religion, ideology, SciFi, detective, thriller, sappy love to harlequin— it didn’t matter because I loved to read and reading was the easiest way to travel without ever leaving that comfy chair or nook.
So why did I choose SciFi? Having grown up in the late ‘50’s through early 60’s everything seemed so promising. I can’t say these times were without issues and certainly not as promising for many, but it was a synaptic jump for humanity with the use of rocketry, fins on cars, plastic and other new materials, fashion, contemporary art that influenced me— my eyes were never looking in the rear view mirror.
In hindsight, this time period was a critical waypoint for me in choosing a genre to write in. Sci-Fi would offer boundless opportunities and the freedom to explore uncharted territories without constraints of time. There were never going to be any obstacles to technology and certainly no tunnel of staying in one dimension. I never look through the rear view mirror when writing.
The universality that Sci-Fi shares with every other genre is the comfy chair or nook to write in.
This amazing clip was produced by Simulon, and posted on LinkedIn (thanks Martin Posta of Signal Festival). This work by Simulon is a game changer, in my opinion, of how artists will use this platform to create a visually exciting new content with CGI— Lookout Hollywood!
When I viewed this clip for the first time I charged to write down what was unfolding in my mind as a writer of sci-fi. A dystopian one at that.
Excerpt from Krow: The cascade of accumulated dust dislodged from the doorframe with each of three heavy pounds on the metal panel. Krow, sensing the imminent threat, instinctively pushed away from the desk, the chair scraping against the floor. In a swift and deliberate motion, he yanked the power cords from the workstations, severing the lifelines that fed energy to the array of devices. With a determined yet graceful motion, Krow’s slight form stepped away from the desk, his titanium heels making an ominous clank against the concrete. In a calculated move, Krow allowed the fragile panes to tumble from his grasp; the impact of glass shattering into a cacophony of tinkling shards, the remnants strewn across the floor, echoing the chaos that had suddenly erupted. His attention shifted swiftly to his own body’s enhancements. Like a conductor orchestrating his fate, Krow detached the micro-drives embedded in his wrist with swift precision. The small, intricate devices fell to the ground, and without hesitation, Krow brought the weight of his heel upon them, obliterating the crystalline delicate components within.
The once-secured metal doorframe twisted and gave way under relentless pressure. With an almost eerie synchronicity, the MAIDS (Mechanized Assault and Intrusion Defense System) flooded into the room. Their presence was immediately marked by an array of crimson laser dots, reminiscent of a swarm of bees converging upon their target. Each precise point of light settled onto critical joints of Krow’s formidable frame, a stark visual reminder of the imminent danger he was in. Behind the MAIDS a human stepped through the threshold and stood behind the assault team, the tip of his tongue against his upper lip tasting victory, his eyes searching for the source of the music now the only audible sound in the room.
In this pivotal moment, the convergence of man and machine reached a crescendo, the clash of intentions palpable. The air was charged with tension as Krow stood, a symbol of defiance amidst the encroaching threat. The dance of destruction and resistance had commenced, an intricate ballet played out within the confines of that room. Krow tilted his gaze back at the human, ready to play a hidden card, “a card so high and wild he would never need to deal another.”
This short writing was inspired by five events:
I saw This Simulon clip on LinkedIn
I was listening to one of my favorite songs by Leonard Cohen, The Stranger Song
I had recently viewed the most powerful political ad that was trending on social media by Hung Cao who is running for senate in VA.
I had bought a lottery ticket at a gas station/convenience store from an attendant who’s name— real name— was Krow.
A most famous visual quote from Orwell’s 1984
“If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – for ever.’
From my early years, my gaze upon the Cosmos felt like a beckoning homeward. The allure of what lay beyond our planet captivated me, and began my quest to observe this curiosity through the eyepiece of the budget telescopes I accumulated—many sourced from garage sales or serendipitous finds during trash pick-up days. And through those telescopes, I was determined to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Recently, basking under the Florida sun by our pool, I observed shadows swirling along the bottom. Some mimicked spiral galaxies while others mirrored nebulas. Fascinated, I stooped down to find its source, but the pool’s surface betrayed no ripples. I traced the shadows to their origin which led me to the side of the pool. There, submerged along the wall was a return valve. Bingo!
Suppose the jet plume of my pool was the Big Bang, birthing these whirlpools from a singularity. But what was causing those shadows to spin? Why some clockwise and others counterclockwise? Why did some shadows appear so unorganized? What caused some to form perfect spirals in the first place?
That’s when I had my epiphany…. Conceiving the water as Dark Matter, I mused how Dark Matter could breed friction, and a derivative form of Fluid Dynamics could govern the behavior of what forms within it, birthing spiral galaxies and nebulas.
When I asked ChatGPT about applying fluid dynamics to dark matter and the formation of galaxies, the response was interesting:
ChatGPT: Some cosmological simulations that model the formation of galaxies and large-scale structures do use a combined approach, where normal matter (which behaves as a fluid) and dark matter are simulated together. This allows researchers to study the interplay between these two components in the formation of galaxies and cosmic structures. However, the fluid dynamics aspects are typically applied to the normal matter component, while the dark matter component is treated as collisionless particles interacting only through gravity.
But my real epiphany was solving the question I always had. Why did some galaxies spin clockwise while others counter-clockwise? The dichotomy of galaxies’ spins—clockwise and counterclockwise–– hinges on one’s vantage point, viewable from either side, both directions hold equal sway, neither observation more correct than the other. All I had to do was sit by my pool and unravel some of the mysteries of our universe. I started to laugh, remembering back to a phrase my father always used: You never need to look any further than your nose to understand anything.
Regrettably, the concept of, “Do galaxies spin clockwise or counterclockwise?” remains obscured in our binary makeup when arguing about politics, religion and almost any topic spewed upon the boards of Media these days. If only we could see from both sides and realize, we Are we arguing over the same thing?
As an aside I recently found a Celestron 130mm SLT telescope in the trash on pick-up day, which was missing the primary mirror and mirror cell, but the tripod, tube, secondary spider mirror, focuser, computer and motor drive were in perfect working condition. Parts from eBay are arriving shortly.
I recently attended the off-Broadway musical production, In CORPO, which explores the modern-day stranglehold of Corporate America over its employees,. Where thoughts are not private and all are gaslighted into thinking they cannot survive outside of CORPO. Though the production itself was not as clean as it could have been, the overall message got my attention.
Synopsis: In a dystopian future, “In CORPO” delves into a world where this single, powerful, TechnoCorp conglomerate, dominates society with an iron fist. Employees find themselves trapped in a web of control and manipulation, their thoughts stripped of privacy and molded to serve the corporation’s interests.
The story revolves around our protagonist, an outside consultant, K, who receives a recording from her estranged father within CORPO. In her quest to reconnect with her father, she discovers the dark secrets of a gradual erosion of individuality and personal freedom within CORPO. The employees’ thoughts are monitored and influenced through advanced neurotechnology, leaving them feeling like mere pawns in CORPO’s grand design.
As K uncovers the corporation’s sinister agenda, she becomes determined to liberate herself and her colleagues from their mental bondage. She connects with individuals, influencing them, and together they embark on a perilous journey to expose the truth to the world and themselves.
At times I found myself drifting off, revisiting themes of some of great Science Fiction reads on this subject: 1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Matrix, Hunger Games, and a plethora of other great works. But as I was sitting in the front row watching this performance, it only reinsured my belief that the US is morphing into a corporation. Think about it: Dropping a US military base or a Wal-Mart, Costco, McDonalds, KFC, Nike, Disney, etc., into a foreign county is just like in Neil Stephenson’s, “SNOW CRASH” and his depiction of Franchulates (blur between franchise an embassy). There is a reason the world looks at us with such skepticism– they don’t want our culture to become theirs and ours is looking a little to 1984 and Big Brother, these days.
Through K’s journey, the audience is invited to question the boundaries between personal autonomy and the influence of powerful entities. Can the human spirit prevail against the relentless assault on freedom, or will the corporation’s grip prove too strong? This was a production of hope, unity, and the indomitable nature of the human will in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Is this our future? Where the brainwashed outnumber the K’s in the world?
Please take a moment to watch this short 12-minute film produced entirely by artificial intelligence. Pay close attention to each shot and appreciate the advancements made in AI-generated content.
If Hollywood was not unnerved by the stellar productions coming out of South Korea, they will be soiling their pants of what is to come from A.I. produced films. DALL-E-2 was used to create every single shot and D-ID (an A.I. tool) for giving motion to every shot, such as the blink of an eye, moving lips, facial expressions and the movement of hair and breathing.
At the moment, these platforms and tools can only spit out a few seconds of creation, but that will improve over time. What most impressed me by this article was that the producers stopped trying to steer production and rolled with what the A.I was producing–– accepting the weirdness of it all.
A.I’s DALL-E-2 and D-ID are to self produced film making as Amazon KDP is for self publishing. A.I. will not be a job killer as people think. Remember when everyone thought Amazon was a job killer? It created a cottage industry for countless millions of self publishers and single person manufacturing. Change brings casualties, but it also fosters creation.
I hope artists get on this platform soon, because it is slowly being tailored to Advertising companies for selling more products. Ugggg….
Watching the WWDC Apple presentation showcasing their innovative and cutting-edge product, Apple Vision Pro (image above), I firmly believe that Apple has finally achieved the tipping point for truly wearable AR technology, surpassing their predecessors such as Meta, Sony, Valve, HTC, HP, and others who couldn’t reach this level.
Fact is finally visible in the rear view mirror of Science Fiction.
The image to the left is from “The Electric State,” a graphic novel by my favorite artist, Simon Stålenhag. In this novel, Simon introduces his creation called the Mode 6, a product developed by SENTRE, with the motto “Stay Connected.” However, this device turned out to be highly addictive, leading to the artificial intelligence of that time turning against humanity. Simon’s artwork presents a remarkable leap of imagination, showcasing a retro-futuristic Sweden as its backdrop. The graphic novels he creates are just as captivating and addictive as the Mode 6 device itself. You can stream Simon Stålenhag’s Tales From The Loop on Amazon Prime.
It is uncertain at this early stage whether Apple’s new Vision Pro OS will truly revolutionize our interpersonal interactions, but it certainly possesses features and capabilities that have the potential to transform our engagement with technology. This groundbreaking technology renders traditional glass screens obsolete, as it introduces virtual screens that seamlessly integrate into our surroundings.
However, the hefty price tag of $3,500 per unit makes it impractical for the average family (considering a family of four would require an investment of $14,000). It seems that Apple has targeted the X-GEN demographic, consisting of single individuals, those residing in small apartments, and individuals with disposable income rather than a focus on saving. I must acknowledge that at $3,500, considering what it can accomplish and replace, the price may be justified.
However, it’s important to note that with leap-technology like Apple’s Vision Pro, by the time it gains widespread adoption, something newer and more advanced may have already emerged. In order for Apple to maintain its edge in this technology, they might consider reducing the price of Vision Pro and accepting a significant loss, but focus on acquiring peripheral companies that can contribute to the advancement of this technology.
My bet is on Simon Stalenhag, a visionary in the field of technology and innovation.
One of my greatest failures in life turned out to be one of my greatest achievements.
It was during my first semester in college, pursuing my love for the ocean and my goal of becoming a Marine Biologist, that I signed up for a course called Ecology. I thought it would be a breeze compared to my other courses; after all, it was just about littering and such, Right? However, on the first day of class, the professor set a high bar by challenging us to pick any living thing and write about its most limiting factor. With that, she left the room, and the class was over before I knew it – an easy course, or so I thought, giving me enough time to hit the surf before my next class.
Back in those days, there was no Internet, and it wouldn’t arrive for another decade and a half. So, I headed to the University Library, where I could do some research. My fascination with seaweed led me to read countless abstracts and books on Phycology – the study of seaweed. One day, I stumbled across a 1976 abstract by Robert Black, titled “The Effects of Grazing by the Limpet Acmaea Insessa on the Kelp Egrecia Laevigata in the Intertidal Zone.” This was it – bingo. I delved deeper into the geology of the substrate where Egrecia grew, and I read abstracts on water chemistry, kelp’s holdfast mechanisms, the average wave surge on the kelp canopy, the current patterns off the Monterey Peninsula, the grazing habits of the limpet, as well as the rate of growth of the giant kelp and its Achilles heel – its holdfast.
I typed up a ten-page abstract using an IBM Selectric and even had to buy my own ink ribbon. At the end of my research, it was clear to me that the major limiting factor of Egrecia laevigata was the Limpet, Acmaea insessa.
Excitedly, I handed in my work, feeling like Ralphie in “A Christmas Story,” trying to hold back a grin that was worthy of receiving a Nobel Prize.
However, the next class, I received my paper back with an “F” grade and a single word circled in red (Light). It was a blow that felt like it could be heard around the world.
I failed Ecology that semester, but with a smile because it opened a receptor in my brain not used before.
I was determined to retake that course, but unfortunately, the same professor wasn’t teaching it for another year, so I had to wait. Finally, the next year, when she saw me sitting in the front row, she nodded at me with a look that suggested I might be a glutton for punishment. But I was a new person, and I aced the course. I owe much to her for making me pause and think before reaching a conclusion. During that year, I developed a new approach, which I dubbed the Necker Cube Approach – that every problem has at least two correct resolutions, one being more correct than the other based on the objectives surrounding it.
Years later, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture by M. Rubenstein titled “The Minding Company,” based on his observations and philosophy that design should be looked at from the end to the beginning. It is the way Apple designs its products as opposed to the way Microsoft does. What hit me was that it was, in a way, the Necker Cube approach.
Since then, I have been applying the Necker Cube approach throughout my career. Sadly, I left the field I loved (Marine Biology) for a much more lucrative one in Computer Science, but witnessed the birth of personal computing and the rise of the internet and beyond.
Despite my career path change, all is not lost., for I blend both careers into my science fiction writing, incorporating the Necker Cube, but in this case, as a quantum gateway to anywhere in the universe.
David Nadas 