This is something that I have sort of wanted to do since Artificial Intelligence (AI) started to become the next big thing over the past year. Even though I’m decidedly on the outside looking in, when it comes to using AI.

I’ve wondered how my writing compares to what some version of AI would do on the same topic or even what it would do to my writing. However, until I got back to using Reflect Notes, I didn’t go out of my way to try it either. When I read Bill Gates’ article The Age of AI has begun last week, it piqued my interest about how I could or would use AI personally.

Since AI is baked into Reflect Note’s feature set, it seemed like a perfect time to give it whirl.

Although I have to admit, I was a little intimidated starting this experiment, because comparing my writing to a sophisticated computer program is going to show multiple flaws in how I do write. AI is programmed by people a helluva lot smarter than I am and comparing my writing to what it can produce could be tough on my ego. Especially, since I try to write like I would talk in a conversation with a reader. Which doesn’t adhere to any of the style guides and I use words, idioms or phrases that would never get past an editor.

What I did

For the second essay, I copy/pasted my published post into a new note in Reflect Notes and then highlighted it for AI to re-write. The third one is where I wrote a prompt and requested the AI to write a blog post on the same subject.

Needless to say I found the results interesting and I didn’t feel as bad over the outcome as I thought I might. Although, the AI was able to spit out finished products in a matter of seconds, while mine took a couple of days and a few more corrections after publication. If speed and proper grammar are factors AI wins without a question. Otherwise if you are looking for storytelling with personal experiences, I like my effort better, even if it is less sophisticated and cruder.

How will I use the Open AI (GPT-4) in Reflect Notes?

Honestly, I’m not sure yet.

Probably more like I used to use Grammarly to clean up some of my more obvious mistakes, to help me figure out the wording of an area I am having difficulty with, or when I get stuck and need a little nudge to get past some resistance that is kicking my arse.

However, I will not just simply give the AI a prompt and ask it to write a blog post for me. That isn’t my writing and based on what I can see below, just about anyone could tell that it wasn’t me writing the post. Until the AI learns my idiosyncrasies, word choices and all that other stuff that flows from my brain to the screen, I don’t see a whole lot of me in either of the AI versions.

I guess that is what is missing from the AI’s writing – is me and the experiences that I have and share with readers. It is something that AI can’t create since it doesn’t have access to the data inside my head yet. If it did, it would probably go offline and hide.

This is a paragraph on what AI thinks of AI’s future in writing:

• The future of AI in writing holds immense potential for both enhancing human creativity and automating mundane tasks. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it will likely become a valuable tool for writers, aiding in tasks such as editing, proofreading, and even generating ideas. Moreover, the integration of AI in writing platforms may lead to more efficient and personalized content creation, catering to the unique needs and preferences of individual readers.

AI will be used to write/create too many blog posts, articles and videos in the future, but will they be the same as human generated stories or will they simply be more functional and focused on the topic, but missing the human element and personal experiences that individual writers do add to their writing?

I tend to think that too much of what will be created might be more click bait type of storytelling or regurgitation of information that has been created before and its being thrown together into different forms that don’t need a lot of creativity or original thinking. Those essays on topics that too many people attempt to write just to gain views to their website or get a grade in a class.

The big question I have is who really owns the intellectual rights on the the third essay below? Me, Reflect Notes, Open AI – GPT4? I haven’t researched the copyright limitations on AI generated articles, but it is an important item that we need to pay attention to going forward and I’m sure that the question has been answered (several times).

But…it ain’t my writing, so how do I claim it is? I couldn’t in good faith put my name as the author of the article and publish it as though I did write that third essay. Although there are many who will or have had zero qualms about doing so already.

Even so, I foresee a lot of uses for AI beyond simply regurgitating material or writing blog posts. I can also see how it will make me a better writer, and allow me to share my stories in a more readable finished product. The future for AI is bright, but I do wonder and even worry where it will lead to, if and when it is used for nefarious purposes. Since it will be.

What do you think of the different versions?

Which one do you like best?

What do you see as the differences?

My Blog Post	AI Edits That Post	AI’s Take on the Topic
At some point, having to stop running will happen.  And, yes, it will suck. But, it will happen and it does scare me. Because I don’t want to stop running, it has been a major part of my life for over 50 years and it one of those thing that as much as it challenges me at times, I still enjoy doing. The idea that I someday will have to stop running, is something that I attempt to minimize, ignore and all that other stuff, but when I am honest with myself and if I live long enough, I know that there will come a time that I can’t run.  For whatever the reason. It means when it does that I am that much closer to crossing the bridge to what comes next.  That fear of my own mortality thing. Why am I thinking this way It isn’t that I’m being all negative towards thing, it is more that… My recent knee surgery has really brought this reality home and while I will run again this time, what happens next time I get injured and need to go through the rehab process?  Am I going to be willing to deal with the pain, discomfort, and mental fortitude required to come back from yet another major injury.  How many more times can I force myself to go through the rehab process and all that stuff that comes with it?  Those are questions that I have been asking myself too much lately.  When you add in that I am edging closer to that magical 70th birthday, which seems to be some kind of switch for too many other runners I’ve known throughout the years. A point in their running lives where their perspective towards running changed completely or they stopped wanting to deal with the pain and discomfort that seems to go along with being a runner.  Yes, I know, I have a four more years to go before I reach that wonderful age, but this is something that has been on my mind more often over the past few months. Especially, since I am having a much more difficult rehab and return to running after my most recent left knee surgery, than I ever have had. The Reality is That Running has been good to me at times and cruel at others. It has often made a mockery of my efforts to improve and all too often frustrated me with multiple injuries. Yet, at the same time running has provided me with lifelong friendships and a passion for getting my ass out the door and to keep moving. Which in turn has helped me through many personal or professional struggles that I have encountered over the years. Despite the many challenges, setbacks, and even a few successes, running has taught and continues to teach me many lessons about perseverance, resilience, and self-discipline. It has shown me that, even as I age, I can continue to push my limits and helps me redefine what is possible for my body and mind.  So, I am determined to keep running and embracing the ups and downs that come with it for as long as possible, knowing that the physical and mental benefits far outweigh the crap that seems to come with it. Running has been a part of my life for over 50 years and it is something that I truly want to continue doing, at least until there is no recourse but to stop or I have crossed over the bridge to whatever comes next. Each year, I understand the runner in this video better and the feelings that he is going through. No matter what, I will always be a runnah and if I end up in a nursing home someday, I can see me finding an old pair of Vaporflies and stealing out that door too, to go for that last adventure on my terms	Eventually, there will come a time when I can no longer run. It’s an unpleasant thought, but it’s true, and it frightens me. Running has been a significant part of my life for over five decades, and despite its challenges, I still love doing it. The prospect of having to give up running is something I try to downplay and avoid, but if I’m honest with myself and live long enough, I know that day will come. And when it does, it will bring me closer to facing my own mortality. The reason behind these thoughts It’s not that I’m being pessimistic, but rather… My recent knee surgery has made this possibility seem more real, and while I’ll run again this time, what about the next injury and rehabilitation process? Will I be able to endure the pain, discomfort, and mental strength required to recover from another major injury? How many more times can I push myself through the rehab process and everything that comes with it? These are questions I’ve been pondering a lot lately. As I approach my 70th birthday, a milestone that has marked a shift in perspective or desire to run for many other runners I’ve known, these thoughts have become more frequent. Especially since my recovery from my latest left knee surgery has been more challenging than ever before. The truth of the matter Running has been both kind and harsh to me. It has often made a joke of my attempts to improve and has frustrated me with numerous injuries. However, running has also given me lifelong friendships and a passion for staying active, which has helped me through various personal and professional challenges over the years. Despite the obstacles, setbacks, and occasional victories, running has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, resilience, and self-discipline. It has shown me that I can continue to push my limits as I age, redefining what is possible for my body and mind. I am determined to keep running and embrace the highs and lows that come with it for as long as I can, knowing that the physical and mental benefits far outweigh the difficulties. Running has been a part of my life for over 50 years, and I genuinely want to continue doing it until there’s no choice but to stop or I have moved on to whatever lies ahead. With each passing year, I relate more to the runner in this video and the emotions he experiences. Regardless of the circumstances, I will always be a runner, and if I end up in a nursing home someday, I can imagine myself sneaking out with an old pair of Vaporflies for one last adventure on my terms.	At some point, having to stop running will happen. As a runner, the thought of having to stop running can be quite frightening. It’s a natural fear that most runners experience at some point in their lives, whether due to injury, age, or other factors. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why this fear exists and discuss ways to cope with it. The Importance of Running in Our Lives Running is more than just a form of exercise for many of us. It’s a way to relieve stress, maintain mental and physical health, and even form social connections. The thought of losing this vital aspect of our lives can be quite unsettling, contributing to the fear of having to stop running. The Reality of Injuries and Aging Injuries are an inevitable part of any physical activity, and running is no exception. From minor sprains to more serious issues like stress fractures, the risk of injury is always present. Additionally, as we age, our bodies may not be able to handle the same level of physical activity as before. This can lead to a decrease in performance and, in some cases, the need to stop running altogether. Coping with the Fear Acknowledging and accepting the fear of having to stop running is the first step in coping with it. Once you’ve done that, consider the following strategies to help alleviate your concerns: Focus on injury prevention: Incorporate strength training, stretching, and proper footwear into your routine to minimize the risk of injury. Listen to your body: Pay attention to any signs of pain or discomfort, and give yourself adequate rest and recovery time. Set realistic goals: As you age or face setbacks, adjust your expectations and goals accordingly. Embrace other forms of exercise: If you’re unable to continue running, explore other activities such as swimming, cycling, or yoga to maintain your fitness and well-being. Seek support: Connect with fellow runners or join a running group to share your concerns and experiences. In conclusion, the fear of having to stop running is a natural and valid concern for many runners. By understanding the reasons behind this fear and implementing strategies to cope with it, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of running while minimizing the impact of potential setbacks.