Cuttin’ Up

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Yesterday at work, I was cutting keys for a couple while we chatted. They’re from Alabama and are here temporarily to help their daughter become established in her new home. We exchanged observations about the local culture and the unhappy extent to which this city is growing. They asked where I came from, and I in turn asked about them. (His wife had moved away, now in a lengthy phone conversation with their daughter).

He smiled, said his name was Parke, and that he was born in 1960 in New Jersey. He grew up in the era of emerging computers and software, eventually becoming a lifelong “computer guy.” He started by working for IBM, selling hardware, but evolved into selling software, which better suited his capabilities.

He was interesting and spoke about the beginning of the computer age and described the earliest machines. He also explained his methods of selling software, and suddenly became serious, shifting and exclaiming that the internet will become the ruin of everybody and of the whole world.

Before I could ask his opinion of artificial intelligence, he continued by making specific points: (1) the internet gave everybody unlimited opportunities to explore beyond previously dreamed-of reaches; (2) social media has been destructive, as a way of applauding, criticizing, bullying, and simply blabbing, and has caused great separations; (3) cell phones have become as complex and capable as any computers for reaching and exploring the internet, and now, people are constantly staring at phones; and (4) the entire world order is being arranged and disarranged by software technology that eventually will lead to the doom of everybody and everything.

I couldn’t disagree with him. So, I asked for his opinion of AI. Parke countered, however, by asking for my thoughts about it. I decided to paint a rosier picture. I explained that I’m a blogger and also have drafted a few short stories and one novel. While blogging practices have improved my writing skills, I can’t improve my stories because I can’t self-edit appropriately. To explain, instead of cleaning sections, I tend to start rewriting them, and the original story wanders out of hand.

AI technology offers a way to have my stories edited by an independent source. I’ve not paused to explore this for having too little time to spend on total creativity. However, I frequently use another AI asset, which is illustrating. For a blog, maybe I’ll request an image of someone daydreaming while relaxing in a beautiful forest, and AI technology will produce satisfying choices.

Parke acknowledged that the internet and AI technologies can be very helpful. We agreed that at the bottom line, all possible outcomes emerge from how what’s available becomes used and/or exploited by humans.

Dear Friends: So, you see, key cutting and tool selling aren’t necessarily boring. Diana