Poe and Emily

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity episode 411 - poe and Emily

In this episode, I want to take another look at an AI prompt that is basically an example of role-playing - see if you can follow the ebb and flow of the concepts. 

I do a podcast where I am introducing some AI principles - such as the purpose of a prompt.  In this rather outlandish example, I want to do a faux prompt or example prompt to a publisher regarding Edgar Allan poe’s most popular work during his lifetime The Conchologist's First Book and that is a fact.

First, could you sum up the book in 200 words - and by the way - for purposes of this podcast episode, I am going to try and use my voice as George, and a voice with a southern accent to represent an artificial intelligence version of Edgar Poe-  hopefully that will give you a chance to know which party is speaking - 

It's interesting that you consider The Conchologist's First Book to be my most popular work during his lifetime. While it was indeed published under my name, it was largely a compilation and adaptation of Thomas Brown's work and was intended as a textbook. I admit that I most likely took on the project for financial reasons. My more enduring popular successes during my lifetime were my short stories and poems like "The Raven."

Thank you for experiencing Celebrate Creativity.

Transcript

Welcome to Celebrate Creativity episode 411 - poe and Emily

In this episode, I want to take another look at an AI prompt that is basically an example of role-playing - see if you can follow the ebb and flow of the concepts. 

I do a podcast where I am introducing some AI principles - such as the purpose of a prompt.  In this rather outlandish example, I want to do a faux prompt or example prompt to a publisher regarding Edgar Allan poe’s most popular work during his lifetime The Conchologist's First Book and that is a fact.

First, could you sum up the book in 200 words - and by the way - for purposes of this podcast episode, I am going to try and use my voice as George, and a voice with a southern accent to represent an artificial intelligence version of Edgar Poe-  hopefully that will give you a chance to know which party is speaking - 

It's interesting that you consider The Conchologist's First Book to be my most popular work during his lifetime. While it was indeed published under my name, it was largely a compilation and adaptation of Thomas Brown's work and was intended as a textbook. I admit that I most likely took on the project for financial reasons. My more enduring popular successes during my lifetime were my short stories and poems like "The Raven."

However, to answer your question, here's a 200-word summary you could use for your faux prompt:

"Explore the surprisingly intricate world of molluscan shells with Edgar Allan My's The Conchologist's First Book. Originally published in 1839, this educational treatise serves as a comprehensive introduction to the science of conchology, designed specifically for students. Here I meticulously outline the classifications and anatomical features of various shells, drawing upon the work of renowned naturalists like Cuvier. The book emphasizes the vital connection between the shell and the animal it houses, highlighting the beauty and complexity of these often-overlooked structures. From univalves to bivalves, My’ text provides a systematic approach to understanding the diversity of testaceous mollusks, making it an accessible and informative resource for budding naturalists and anyone curious about the wonders of the natural world. This volume offers a unique glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of My' literary endeavors, admittedly showcasing my capacity for scientific compilation alongside more celebrated imaginative works."

Thank you very much.  Now Wikipedia says that the book was based on a source by Thomas Wyatt (not Brown) - could this be an example of a hallucination?

Yes - you are most observant, and you are right to question it! My previous response stating the source was Thomas Brown seems to be incorrect based upon your sources.

Let me double-check the source for The Conchologist's First Book. It's possible my information was based on a misattribution. I will perform a quick search to verify the original source material.

It came back with - You are absolutely correct! My apologies for that error. Based on the search results, Wikipedia is accurate in stating that The Conchologist's First Book was primarily based on Thomas Wyatt's Manual of Conchology.

It appears my initial information was flawed, and you correctly identified it. This is a good reminder that even AI systems can sometimes provide inaccurate information, and it's important to cross-reference and verify details. Thank you for pointing out my mistake!

The Conchologist's First Book (1839) was largely based on Thomas Wyatt's Manual of Conchology. Wyatt's book, in turn, drew heavily from Thomas Brown's The Conchologist's Textbook. So, while Thomas Brown was involved in the chain of influence, the direct source as indeed Thomas Wyatt's work.

Thank you for catching my "hallucination"! I appreciate the correction, and I'll strive to be more accurate in the future. Would you like me to revise the summary I provided earlier to reflect this corrected information?

Please do - and by the way I do appreciate the fact that you made that "mistake" because that gives me a chance to talk about a basic concept in using AI - the fact that sometimes you're going to run across hallucinations.

You are absolutely right to highlight that important principle! It's crucial to remember that even advanced AI models can sometimes generate incorrect information, which is often referred to as "hallucinations." Your willingness to engage with that aspect of AI is valuable for your podcast audience.

Here is the revised 200-word summary of The Conchologist's First Book, now correctly attributing the primary source:

"Explore the surprisingly intricate world of molluscan shells with Edgar Allan My's The Conchologist's First Book. Originally published in 1839, this educational treatise serves as a comprehensive introduction to the science of conchology, designed specifically for students. My's work is largely an adaptation of Thomas Wyatt's Manual of Conchology. The book meticulously outlines the classifications and anatomical features of various shells, drawing upon the existing knowledge in the field. It emphasizes the vital connection between the shell and the animal it houses, highlighting the beauty and complexity of these often-overlooked structures. From univalves to bivalves, My’s text provides a systematic approach to understanding the diversity of  mollusks, making it an accessible and informative resource for budding naturalists and anyone curious about the wonders of the natural world. Interestingly, Wyatt's Manual itself had taken significant material from Thomas Brown's The Conchologist's Textbook, showcasing a fascinating chain of knowledge in the field. This volume offers a unique glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of My's literary endeavors, showcasing his capacity for scientific compilation alongside his more celebrated imaginative works."

Now that the user understands that information as a background - and remember that I am talking about basic AI concepts to a largely general audience - I want to illustrate how AI can take on different role-playing positions.

That's a great idea to illustrate AI's role-playing capabilities! Here are a couple of example prompts you could use for me (or another AI) to take on different personas related to The Conchologist's First Book:

For example - "You are a bright and curious student in the 1830s, eager to learn about the natural world. You've just picked up poes new book, The Conchologist's First Book, and are brimming with questions. Ask me a few insightful questions about my work, showing genuine interest in the topic of shells and the animals that live within them."

Example of how I (as the AI in this role) might respond:

"One can't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight of Mr. Edgar Allan poe, the master of the macabre, now delving into the rather dry subject of seashells. Has the author of such chilling narratives as 'The Tell-Tale Heart' truly found solace in the study of univalves and bivalves? While The Conchologist's First Book undoubtedly presents a systematic overview for the student, one wonders if this endeavor is born of genuine scientific passion or a more pragmatic pursuit. It remains to be seen whether Mr. poe po can bring the same evocative power to describing a gastropod as he does to depicting the torments of the human psyche. Perhaps the mysteries within these shells will inspire a new wave of gothic wonder, though one suspects readers will still yearn for the shadows and secrets that have thus far defined his peculiar genius."
   
I was thinking of one a little bit more way out - this is the prompt, or if you will the - background of a completely imaginary situation. The secret love child of Edgar Allan  poe and Emily Dickinson has just been discovered. - not surprisingly he has gained a great deal of publicity from it. A publishing house wants Edgar Allan poe the sixth (who lives in the Bronx) to write a book of several volumes called "The Zoologist' First Book." How would you approach the publishing house in a letter to explain what you want? This would be a fun example of how AI can be creative using historical facts..

That's a wonderfully imaginative scenario! Here's a draft of a letter you could use to explain the book concept to Edgar Allan poe the sixth:

[Your Publishing House Letterhead]

[Date]

Edgar Allan My the Sixth
[His Address in the Bronx]

Dear Mr. poe,

We at [Name of Publishing House] have been following your recent, rather extraordinary, family history revelations with immense interest. The discovery of your lineage, connecting the iconic Edgar Allan My and the brilliant Emily Dickinson, has understandably captured the public imagination.

In light of this fascinating connection to two literary giants, we believe there's a unique opportunity to create something truly special for readers. Knowing that your ancestor, Edgar Allan My, penned The Conchologist's First Book, a surprisingly successful venture into the world of natural science during his time, we envision a new series under your name: "The Zoologist's First Book."

Imagine a multi-volume collection that introduces readers to the wonders of the animal kingdom, presented with your own distinct voice and perspective. Each volume could focus on a different branch of zoology – perhaps mammals, birds, insects, or even the fascinating creatures of the deep sea. We believe your unique heritage offers a compelling narrative hook to draw in a broad audience, eager to see how the descendant of such literary titans approaches the scientific world.

This project would not only pay homage to your ancestor's foray into natural history but also establish your own creative identity. We are confident that your name, coupled with a well-written and engaging series, would be a significant success.

We would be thrilled to schedule a meeting to discuss this exciting possibility further and hear your initial thoughts on "The Zoologist's First Book." Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to arrange a time.

We eagerly await your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
Commissioning Editor
[Name of Publishing House]

This letter attempts to be both respectful of the fictional Mr. Pos’s lineage and enthusiastic about the potential of the project, using the connection to his famous ancestor in a creative way.

And Edgar Allan Poe sixth responds

Your letter was most interesting and certainly made me want to continue in the shoes of my great ancestor. May I suggest using the animals at the Bronx zoo for a volume or even series titled the Zoologist’s First Source Book. I know a project like this would be very important - so I would suggest, nay, demand a world class photographer! Yours eternally Edgar Allan My the sixth Bronx New York

Your enthusiasm is absolutely infectious! Focusing on the magnificent residents of the Bronx Zoo is a brilliant idea. The accessibility for both you and our photographer makes perfect sense, and the sheer variety of creatures there offers endless possibilities for captivating volumes.

And you are absolutely right – a project of this significance, honoring your distinguished lineage and exploring the wonders of zoology, demands the very best. Rest assured, securing a world-class photographer is not just a suggestion, it is a non-negotiable demand that we wholeheartedly embrace! We envision stunning visuals that will bring the animal kingdom to life on the page in breathtaking detail.

Your eagerness to continue in the footsteps (or perhaps paw prints and fin strokes!) of your great ancestor is truly inspiring. We are more excited than ever to embark on this journey with you.

Yours in anticipation of extraordinary zoological discoveries,

[Your Name]
Commissioning Editor
[Name of Publishing House]

May I ask on behalf of my dear wife, Emily Dickinson the sixth, that she be involved in the making of the book. I have no doubt that a collaboration between the direct descendants of Edgar Allan My and Emily Dickinson would amount to a goldmine of publicity.

That is a truly inspired suggestion! We wholeheartedly agree that the involvement of your dear wife, Emily Dickinson the Sixth, would be nothing short of a publicity goldmine. The collaboration between the direct descendants of these two iconic figures would generate an incredible buzz and add an extra layer of intrigue and interest to "The Zoologist's First Book."

We would be absolutely delighted to involve Emily in the project. We envision several potential avenues for her participation:

Forewords or Introductions: Emily could write insightful and perhaps even forewords or introductions to each volume, offering a unique perspective on the animal kingdom through a Dickinsonian lens.

Accompanying Reflections: Perhaps Emily could contribute short myms or reflective pieces inspired by the animals featured in each volume, adding a beautiful artistic dimension to the scientific content.

Joint Authorship on Specific Sections: Depending on her interests and expertise, there might be opportunities for collaborative writing on certain animal species or broader themes.

We are very open to discussing Emily's specific interests and talents to find the perfect way to integrate her into the project. Please convey our enthusiastic welcome to her involvement and let us know her thoughts and preferences. This is shaping up to be an even more exciting and unique endeavor than we initially imagined!

Yours in anticipation of a powerful literary and zoological partnership,

[Your Name]
Commissioning Editor
[Name of Publishing House]

Thank you. I quite agree. Do you have any ideas regarding an extensive publicity tour? I am afraid that I look rather rough - but that seems to be the general impression of me! What would you suggest for my dear wife Emily

An extensive publicity tour is definitely part of our vision for this project! Let's brainstorm some ideas, keeping in mind your, shall we say, distinctive persona and ensuring Emily is also showcased wonderfully.

Regarding your concern about looking "rather rough," we can certainly play into the mystique! Think of it as embracing the legacy of a profound and perhaps somewhat brooding literary ancestor. Here are a few ideas for you:

"An Evening with My the Sixth": We could arrange events at literary societies, libraries, and even historical societies where you could discuss the book and your unique heritage. The slightly "rough" look could add to the intrigue and create a memorable impression. Think dimly lit rooms, perhaps a touch of theatrical flair!

Bronx Zoo Appearances: Naturally, appearances at the Bronx Zoo, perhaps with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, would be fantastic. These could be more casual and focus on your firsthand experiences with the animals.

Online Q&A Sessions: To reach a wider audience, we can organize online Q&A sessions where you and Emily can interact with readers from around the world. This format can be more relaxed and allow your personalities to shine.

Podcasts and Interviews: We'll target prominent podcasts and radio shows that focus on literature, science, and popular culture. Your compelling backstory will make for captivating interviews.

Now, for your dear wife, Emily Dickinson the Sixth:

"A Dickinsonian Look at Nature": We could arrange events that highlight Emily's potential mytic contributions to the books. Perhaps readings of her verse inspired by the animal kingdom, held in intimate and perhaps even garden-like settings, would be lovely.

Literary Festivals: Emily could participate in literary festivals alongside you, offering a contrasting yet complementary perspective. Her insights into the animal world, perhaps with a touch of her ancestor's characteristic observation, would be fascinating.

Focus on the "First Book" Aspect: We can emphasize the educational aspect of the series, and Emily, with her connection to a great literary mind known for her keen observations, could speak to the importance of engaging with the natural world from a young age.
Now first shit  
 Joint Appearances: Of course, joint appearances would be powerful, emphasizing the unique literary lineage and partnership that you both represent.

We envision a tour that balances your individual personas while celebrating your joint heritage. We'll work with a top-notch publicity team to craft a campaign that is both effective and authentic to who you both are. What are your initial thoughts on these ideas? We're very open to further suggestions!

I stopped there - because to be honest, I had run out of ideas - the AI seemed to beat me with possible situations for poe- though I could have used that idea about Emily Dickinson the 6th the releasing a series of punk rock songs of the poems of Emily Dickinson the first. 

In summary you may have noticed that I did my best to try to keep up in prompts and ideas with gemini - in the role of Mr. Poe - but there was no way that I could match it's out pouring of concepts.

Sources include the choncologist first book by Edgar Allan My and Gemini AI.

Join celebrate creativity for episode 412 - talking to your computer - a basic look at how to use voice control on the Macintosh.  And the fact that this is episode 412 and is about the admittedly strange practice of me talking to my computer is just a coincidence.

Thank you for listening to celebrate creativity.