Curate your AI

Working against time constraints an author draws on productivity tools to speed the writing process. Back in the day, desktop word processing changed the game for most of us. I wrote my PhD and first book with MacWrite on a Mac Classic. Before that I probably used something like a Brother desktop computer, and before that an IBM selectric with a silver golfball embossed with letters that allowed you to back delete. Somewhere in the distant past there’s a manual typewriter, and before that just handwriting of course.

We’ve had spelling and grammar checkers for a while, as well as editing aids that check for readability. Now there are AI enhancements. I’ve not accessed Microsoft Word’s copilot AI tool yet, but I’ve used MSWord’s tool that generates alt text to go with images. I’m familiar with the AI features of WordPress, which generate titles, summaries and images for a blog.

We can assume that developers will continue to introduce the capabilities of AI-based large language models (LLMs) into their platforms, from CAD to spreadsheets. In the meantime, the model I mostly follow is that of “conversations” with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

That’s a virtual editor, “tutor” or writing assistant standing at the side of my screen, along with an open browser to speed along the writing process.

It’s interesting to watch others, students amongst them, adopt or resist these tools, and in different ways. For my part, I’m more than happy to cogitate, write and edit my own content with confidence. Occasionally I’ll ask for ChatGPT’s “opinion” on the logic of a paragraph, including for accuracy. The browser comes in handy to double check what the AI tells me. The tasks I find less enjoyable are writing abstracts and end of chapter summaries.

ChatGPT will oblige. That primes the process. I’ll edit its summaries to downplay ChatGPT’s relentless positivity, its insistence that I seek a balance view, and other artefacts of its default marketing orientation. I have another important document deadline. So I’ll ask ChatGPT to finish this post for me (unedited).

In conclusion, the journey from manual typewriters to AI-powered writing tools has transformed the way I approach writing tasks. While I embrace the convenience and efficiency of these technologies, I remain mindful of maintaining my unique voice and perspective. AI tools like ChatGPT serve as valuable assistants, offering insights and generating ideas that enhance my writing process. However, I ensure that the final content reflects my expertise and style through careful editing and refinement. As I continue to explore the potential of these tools, I find a balance that leverages technology while preserving the creativity and originality that define my work.

Note

Featured image is by ChatGPT: “Here is the image featuring multiple Mac Classic computers alongside old manual and electric typewriters, with the screens of the computers active, in a grunge apocalyptic setting.”