Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Last Sunday, August 14, I organized a drum circle as a memorial for my husband, who died exactly 6 months earlier on February 14. His birthday was on August 14. Like GPD-3, I cling to the belief that in the afterlife, we reunite with those we love. It is my only comfort right now.
You're right about AI; at this point, we're just seeing automated responses, albeit more sophisticated than before. It's what comes next that terrifies and excites!
I missed the first appearance of the Sturgeon moon too but I caught it again last night (in the middle of a village in Scotland). It came over the hills full and bright and beaming out a magnificent light. It's face had an O and it looked a bit surprised to see me. It generously bathed us in its light (I'm sure the bot could describe it better). I've never seen anything like it, in terms of where I was stood in the world. It felt very intimate. It felt important for me at that moment in time.
I apologise about the UK Royal Family and Anthony Gormley. I dont feel either of those institutions are a good representation of us. I often find AG's work very disappointing. I loved this newsletter and the chat with the bot. Sometimes I worry if my husband has set up a bot to answer me when I message him (this is a running joke between me and him, he is a techie and I'm a bit of a luddite so don't be concerned). Take care and enjoy riding the waves of this month's incredible moon energy.
I don't know, Rebecca, I think your description here of the rising Sturgeon moon in Scotland surpasses any poetry a chatbot might spit out. Hopefully, we writers have a few years before we're replaced! Seriously though, thanks for sharing that moon-watching moment with me.
As for the Royal Family and A. Gormley, no need to apologize. I studied abroad in London and recognize it has many dimensions and layers. More than even Neil Gaiman could dream.
I'm sure your husband is lovely, but it wouldn't hurt to administer a Turing test over text every once in while, just to make sure...
Turing was amazing! Thank you for this story sharing more about his life. And that moon was gorgeous!! Glad to know it was a special one even if it was a day late.
This one moved me so much Will. There was a book I read a few years that dealt with this exact premise of the main character sitting in a lab and administering the Turing test to an AI and it was one of the best romances I'd read in a while. Can't remember the name though. I rambled. Have a fab weekend
Yes, there is so much rich history, poetry, and philosophy in this unfolding story. I couldn't possibly do it justice, but I hope intrigued readers immerse themselves in the incredible books written on these subjects. Thanks so much for reading!
Thanks. That is what is great about SS - so many interesting & interested readers - a good richly diverse lot. Writing without good readers is like a song without listeners.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Last Sunday, August 14, I organized a drum circle as a memorial for my husband, who died exactly 6 months earlier on February 14. His birthday was on August 14. Like GPD-3, I cling to the belief that in the afterlife, we reunite with those we love. It is my only comfort right now.
I don't know for certain, Judy, but my heart tells me that your husband heard those drums...
I ‘m sure he did. He played drums all his life. The circle was the only thing he wanted for a memorial. It was great.
If it helps, true AI hasn't been achieved so there's no need to be afraid of it... yet. And surely, the statue is homophobic 💀
You're right about AI; at this point, we're just seeing automated responses, albeit more sophisticated than before. It's what comes next that terrifies and excites!
I missed the first appearance of the Sturgeon moon too but I caught it again last night (in the middle of a village in Scotland). It came over the hills full and bright and beaming out a magnificent light. It's face had an O and it looked a bit surprised to see me. It generously bathed us in its light (I'm sure the bot could describe it better). I've never seen anything like it, in terms of where I was stood in the world. It felt very intimate. It felt important for me at that moment in time.
I apologise about the UK Royal Family and Anthony Gormley. I dont feel either of those institutions are a good representation of us. I often find AG's work very disappointing. I loved this newsletter and the chat with the bot. Sometimes I worry if my husband has set up a bot to answer me when I message him (this is a running joke between me and him, he is a techie and I'm a bit of a luddite so don't be concerned). Take care and enjoy riding the waves of this month's incredible moon energy.
I don't know, Rebecca, I think your description here of the rising Sturgeon moon in Scotland surpasses any poetry a chatbot might spit out. Hopefully, we writers have a few years before we're replaced! Seriously though, thanks for sharing that moon-watching moment with me.
As for the Royal Family and A. Gormley, no need to apologize. I studied abroad in London and recognize it has many dimensions and layers. More than even Neil Gaiman could dream.
I'm sure your husband is lovely, but it wouldn't hurt to administer a Turing test over text every once in while, just to make sure...
A great lunar month to you, too!
Turing was amazing! Thank you for this story sharing more about his life. And that moon was gorgeous!! Glad to know it was a special one even if it was a day late.
Thanks Emily! Turing and the moon are a great combination.
This one moved me so much Will. There was a book I read a few years that dealt with this exact premise of the main character sitting in a lab and administering the Turing test to an AI and it was one of the best romances I'd read in a while. Can't remember the name though. I rambled. Have a fab weekend
So glad this dispatch brought up interesting resonances for you. That book premise sounds incredible. I hope you had a good weekend, too!
Oh wow. That last thing GPT-3 said. What an end to a great piece of writing. Thanks for sharing your talent.
This is so beautiful and gives me hope that we'll all be reunited with our loved ones in the After Life Lounge some day. Thank you.
Thank you for reading, Hilary! I share your hope.
Nice post here
Aye this is gorgeous writing. You have the gift. I binge read a bunch of your columns before my flight took off.
Thank you, Kartik! Safe travels, my friend.
Really enjoyed reading this. Thanks Will!😊
Thanks for reading, Lisa!
Lots of rich metaphors here for these early manifestations of what we see today.
Yes, there is so much rich history, poetry, and philosophy in this unfolding story. I couldn't possibly do it justice, but I hope intrigued readers immerse themselves in the incredible books written on these subjects. Thanks so much for reading!
Thanks. That is what is great about SS - so many interesting & interested readers - a good richly diverse lot. Writing without good readers is like a song without listeners.
Wow. Wow on this piece. This is so well done. Thank you for this.
Thank you for reading!
Gosh this is just tremendous. Thank you Will 💓
Thanks, Bailey. Hope you're well!
So cool—love it!
Loved this!
Turing’s story is so sad. I’m pleased we remember him with open hearts and respect. Thanks for a very interesting post.