I debated about how to present this, but in the end opted against trying to be cute or tricky. I’ve already seen so many newscasts, articles, vlogs and whatnot present an essay only to say at the end that it was written by A.I. Since that seems more than played out, I’m revealing here at the top of this post that the following section was A.I. generated. ( – But I will confess that it was so very tempting to see if the reader would have sensed a difference between the real me and the simulation. )
I used Google’s ‘Gemini’ AI with the following prompt, “write a blog post in the style of GlenGreen.com” and it generated these three ‘Drafts’:
Draft 1
“Lost in the Sauce: A Meditation on Time and To-Do Lists
Ah, the never-ending to-do list. A modern-day Sisyphean boulder, forever rolling uphill only to tumble back down at the most inopportune moment. I recently found myself staring at mine, a veritable mountain range of tasks both mundane and daunting. It was enough to make a grown man (well, this grown man) whimper.
But then, a squirrel. Literally. A blur of bushy tail and frantic energy darted across my windowsill, snapping me out of my to-do list trance. It scurried away, its single-minded purpose (presumably the acquisition of a particularly plump acorn) a stark contrast to my own muddled state.
The contrast got me thinking. This little critter, driven by instinct, seemed to have a far better grasp of “what needs to be done” than I, armed with my fancy notebook and color-coded pens. Maybe, I mused, we’ve overcomplicated the whole thing. Maybe the key isn’t in endless lists and schedules, but in a simpler understanding of our own internal rhythms, our own little “acorns” to chase.
Now, I’m not suggesting we all abandon our responsibilities and chase squirrels through the park (though, to be honest, it does sound kind of appealing). But perhaps there’s something to be learned from our furry friend. Perhaps the key to getting things done isn’t brute force organization, but a more intuitive approach.
Maybe it’s about identifying our own personal “acorns,” the things that truly motivate and energize us. Maybe it’s about acknowledging, and even embracing, the natural ebb and flow of our energy levels. And maybe, just maybe, it’s about allowing ourselves the occasional squirrel-like moment of pure, unadulterated focus on the task at hand, whatever that may be.
So, the next time you find yourself drowning in a sea of to-do lists, take a moment, look out the window, and see if there’s a little inspiration scurrying by. You might be surprised what you find.”
Non-Synthetic Glen Editor’s Note: I’ll give the draft a thumbs up for the ‘Sisyphean boulder’ reference. That is certainly a reference I make.
I’m amused by the subject matter the A.I. chose. I’d given more of a prompt than what I noted at the top. So, I’d call this content more akin to something I’d write and tag as either ‘navel gazing’ or ‘C’est La Vie’.
I also smiled at the section, “than I, armed with my fancy notebook and color-coded pens.” – I’m not a ‘fancy notebook and color-coded pens’ kind of guy, Interesting to imagine that the A.I. version of me is…
Draft 2
“The Tyranny of To-Do Lists and the Allure of the Unplanned
Ah, to-do lists. Those ever-present companions, promising organization and productivity, yet often morphing into oppressive taskmasters. I’ll admit, I’ve fallen prey to their siren song many a time. The satisfaction of crossing off a completed item, the illusion of control over the swirling vortex of daily life – it’s seductive.
But lately, I’ve been questioning this blind adherence to the tyranny of the list. Is it possible, I wonder, that the most interesting, enriching experiences often lie beyond the confines of the pre-planned?
Think about it. The serendipitous encounter with an old friend, the impromptu walk in the park that leads to a stunning sunset, the unexpected conversation that sparks a new idea – these moments rarely appear on a to-do list. They arise from the fertile ground of the unplanned, the space where spontaneity and curiosity can blossom.
Of course, there’s a balance to be struck. Complete disorganization would be a recipe for chaos. But perhaps we can loosen our grip on the list, leaving room for the unexpected. Maybe we can schedule in some “unplanned time” in our calendars – a blank canvas for the day’s creative energy to paint upon.
So, the next time you find yourself staring at a to-do list that stretches longer than your arm, consider this: leave a few things unchecked. Embrace the unknown, the unplanned. You might just be surprised by the beauty, the joy, and the inspiration that awaits you beyond the rigid confines of the list.
And who knows, maybe I’ll even take my own advice for once. Now, where did I put that dusty old camera…?”
Non-Synthetic Glen Editor’s Note: The title smacks of something I’d write. I’ll call that a win.
Also, points for the chosen flowery vocabulary, sentence structure and rhythm for many of these sentences including, “Ah, to-do lists. Those ever-present companions, promising organization and productivity, yet often morphing into oppressive taskmasters. I’ll admit, I’ve fallen prey to their siren song many a time. The satisfaction of crossing off a completed item, the illusion of control over the swirling vortex of daily life – it’s seductive.” – I have to admit, it captures my “voice” here…
The last sentence, “And who knows, maybe I’ll even take my own advice for once. Now, where did I put that dusty old camera…?” really sounds like how I’d conclude my post. Again: bravo little A.I.!
Draft 3
“The Tyranny of To-Do Lists and the Allure of the Unplanned
Well, hello there, friends. Glen here, back again from the digital wilderness (or maybe it’s just my messy desk?).
I’ll admit, I’ve been staring at this blinking cursor for the better part of an hour, mind as blank as a freshly-paved parking lot. I usually have a running list of potential blog post topics lurking in the back of my head, a mental to-do list of sorts. But today, that list is as barren as a Joshua Tree after a particularly harsh summer.
Ironic, isn’t it? Me, a self-proclaimed champion of lists and schedules, finding myself utterly stumped by the very tools I preach. It got me thinking – have we become slaves to our to-do lists? These meticulously crafted blueprints for productivity, are they sometimes stifling our spontaneity, our ability to simply be in the moment?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we all throw our calendars and planners to the wind. There’s a certain comfort in knowing what needs to be done and when. But there’s also a danger in letting our lives become a rigid series of checkboxes, a relentless pursuit of “getting things done” that leaves no room for the unexpected, the serendipitous.
Perhaps, the key lies in striking a balance. Maybe it’s about leaving a few blank spaces in our schedules, allowing for the occasional detour, the unplanned adventure. Maybe it’s about embracing the “maybe” and the “what if,” letting life surprise us now and then.
So, today, I’m taking a break from my to-do list. I’m going to let the day unfold organically, see where the wind takes me (metaphorically speaking, of course, it’s February in Florida, the wind is likely coming from the air conditioner). Who knows, maybe inspiration will strike, maybe I’ll just stumble upon a good story, or maybe, just maybe, I’ll rediscover the simple joy of doing absolutely nothing.
And hey, if all else fails, there’s always tomorrow. And a fresh, hopefully more inspired, to-do list.
Until next time,
Glen”
Non-Synthetic Glen Editor’s Note: This draft scores with the reference to my too often cited writer’s block trope.
It is VERY strange that there is a reference to ‘February in Florida’. I happen to be in Florida, but I’m normally in Pennsylvania and secondly, I did not tell the A.I. that I was in Florida. Not sure if it derived it from an IP address or what but it scores points for creepy.
The other noteworthy item about this draft is that it introduces ‘Glen’ and sign’s off as ‘Glen’. I don’t think I’ve ever done that.
Non-Synthetic Glen’s Conclusion: I don’t have any great summation here or words about a ‘Brave New World’. I did this on a lark, and it entertained me. There is promise and peril in A.I. and I’m acutely aware that these are but the baby steps.
Now, the question is: did Glen write any of this entry or was it 100% A.I. generated? “Dun! Dun! Duuuunnnn!“
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