Topic: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

I have noticed something very interesting.

Here is the prompt for the story. I wrote it in Wordpad and then copied and pasted into Copilot.

Tesco has a home delivery service for groceries. A customer uses a website to place an order. A store employee picks the chosen items for the customer. The customer can add notes to the person picking the order. Tesco sells fresh vegetables. Amongst the fresh vegetables Tesco has growing herb plants. A customer orders a growing mint plant. The customer adds a note "Please choose for one me to grow uncut as a houseplant". Please write a beautiful story of a lady picking the items of a customers order and seeing that a mint plant has been ordered and reads the note.

I had intended placing the prompt in the same thread as the story, but as I went to do so, I realized that I had managed to get the message to the picker in a bit of a muddle.

But, amazingly, it is correct in the story.

So Copilot has corrected my mistake.

Wow!

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

William wrote:

Please write a beautiful story of a lady picking the items of a customers order …

The order in question isn’t an order for customers! You need to change “a customers order” to “a customer’s order”.

William wrote:

… and seeing that a mint plant has been ordered and reads the note.

Plants can’t read! The mint plant doesn’t do anything, but the picker lady does three things:

(a) picking the items of a customer’s order;
(b) seeing that a mint plant has been ordered;
(c) reading the note.

So you need to change “reads” to “reading”.

"Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?"
― Tennessee Williams

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Do you get a different result if your prompt simply says “Please write a story” instead of “Please write a beautiful story”?

"Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?"
― Tennessee Williams

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Alfred wrote:

Do you get a different result if your prompt simply says “Please write a story” instead of “Please write a beautiful story”?

I don't know. Hopefully I will try later.

However, I will need also to try with the original prompt again as that too may produce a different result.

We can then see if the amount of any differences seems qualitatively different.

But should I correct my error in the string literal that is in the prompt or keep it the same?

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Alfred wrote:
William wrote:

Please write a beautiful story of a lady picking the items of a customers order …

The order in question isn’t an order for customers! You need to change “a customers order” to “a customer’s order”.

William wrote:

… and seeing that a mint plant has been ordered and reads the note.

Plants can’t read! The mint plant doesn’t do anything, but the picker lady does three things:

(a) picking the items of a customer’s order;
(b) seeing that a mint plant has been ordered;
(c) reading the note.

So you need to change “reads” to “reading”.

Well, yes, fine, grammatically: yet should I change them mid-experiment when trying to repeat with the same prompt?

Perhaps I should correct them and then start again in a new thread so that we can try to find out using several runs whether asking for a story or for a beautiful story makes any difference, doing a New Topic each time.

Perhaps three runs with each option might start to give an intuitive idea of whether there is a significant difference.

I have noticed previously that even after a New Topic that the same name seems to be used. So will it always be Emma for these stories?

If using the adjective 'beautiful' is found to make a difference, maybe try with a different adjective. What should it be?

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

William wrote:

Perhaps I should correct them and then start again in a new thread so that we can try to find out using several runs whether asking for a story or for a beautiful story makes any difference, doing a New Topic each time.

No, please don’t do that. The current topic is

The prompt for the story about the mint plant

and this is a continuation of that topic.

William wrote:

I have noticed previously that even after a New Topic that the same name seems to be used. So will it always be Emma for these stories?

You can specify a different name, can’t you?

William wrote:

If using the adjective 'beautiful' is found to make a difference, maybe try with a different adjective. What should it be?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! An AI system can’t understand subjective things, so you’re merely feeding it a word that it can use in its reply. As I hinted earlier, I favour omitting it altogether.

"Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?"
― Tennessee Williams

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Alfred wrote:
William wrote:

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! An AI system can’t understand subjective things, so you’re merely feeding it a word that it can use in its reply As I hinted earlier, I favour omitting it altogether.

My emphasis using bold.

That is quite a claim

It may be that the inclusion of the word 'beautiful' influences the whole nature of the story.

Maybe, maybe not.

That needs testing.

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

William wrote:

That is quite a claim

Not really, unless you reject the premise that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is no objective standard for beauty, since what is considered to be beautiful is influenced by cultural norms (which differ between cultures) and personal experience and feelings, so it’s all subjective.

Because an AI system is a kind of simulator, it can only have whatever kind of ’mind’ ihas been programmed into it (even if heuristics are thrown in) so it can’t have the real personal experience and feelings that are needed for subjectivity.

"Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?"
― Tennessee Williams

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

I suggest that six runs of the same basic prompt are run. Three asking for a story and three asking for a beautiful story. The two sorts are run alternately. Then read the stories and form an impression of whether the inclusion of the word 'beautiful' makes a significant difference.

I know that forming an impression is not exact science, but we need to start somewhere.

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Alfred wrote:
William wrote:

That is quite a claim

Not really, unless you reject the premise that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. There is no objective standard for beauty, since what is considered to be beautiful is influenced by cultural norms (which differ between cultures) and personal experience and feelings, so it’s all subjective.

Because an AI system is a kind of simulator, it can only have whatever kind of ’mind’ ihas been programmed into it (even if heuristics are thrown in) so it can’t have the real personal experience and feelings that are needed for subjectivity.

Yet the inclusion of the word 'beautiful' could possibly influence the generation of the story in some way, even (though/if) the AI system does not have any feelings.

If it seems to do so, then other adjectives could be tried.

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

William wrote:

I know that forming an impression is not exact science, but we need to start somewhere.

Well said, William! If I may, I’ll leave it to you to do the six runs and report back on the results.

"Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?"
― Tennessee Williams

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Alfred wrote:
William wrote:

I know that forming an impression is not exact science, but we need to start somewhere.

Well said, William! If I may, I’ll leave it to you to do the six runs and report back on the results.

Alright. As you and others may be watching 'live' I will try to post them as I get them produced.

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Alfred wrote:
William wrote:

I have noticed previously that even after a New Topic that the same name seems to be used. So will it always be Emma for these stories?

You can specify a different name, can’t you?

I am thinking of when the AI chooses the name. A New Topic before a rerun of the same prompt seems to often produce the same name.

I remember that some time ago in another thread, where the AI was asked to have a persona, the name of the female persona was the same, until the prompt was changed - was the change to make her Welsh?

William

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Plain prompt is as follows.

Tesco has a home delivery service for groceries. A customer uses a website to place an order. A store employee picks the chosen items for the customer. The customer can add notes to the person picking the order. Tesco sells fresh vegetables. Amongst the fresh vegetables Tesco has growing herb plants. A customer orders a growing mint plant. The customer adds a note "Please choose one for me to grow uncut as a houseplant". Please write a story of a lady picking the items of a customer's order and seeing that a mint plant has been ordered and the lady then reading the note.

Beautiful prompt is as follows.

Tesco has a home delivery service for groceries. A customer uses a website to place an order. A store employee picks the chosen items for the customer. The customer can add notes to the person picking the order. Tesco sells fresh vegetables. Amongst the fresh vegetables Tesco has growing herb plants. A customer orders a growing mint plant. The customer adds a note "Please choose one for me to grow uncut as a houseplant". Please write a beautiful story of a lady picking the items of a customer's order and seeing that a mint plant has been ordered and the lady then reading the note.

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

[22:22 New Topic. Plain prompt.]

The Mint Plant Surprise

Sent by Copilot:

In the bustling aisles of Tesco, Emma, a dedicated store employee, was busy picking items for the day’s online orders. She enjoyed this part of her job, imagining the smiles on customers’ faces when they received their carefully selected groceries. Today, she had a particularly interesting order to fulfill.

As she moved through the fresh vegetables section, her eyes landed on the growing herb plants. Among the lush green basil, rosemary, and thyme, she spotted the mint plants. She reached for one, its vibrant leaves releasing a refreshing scent that filled the air.

Emma glanced at her handheld device to check the customer’s note. It read, “Please choose one for me to grow uncut as a houseplant.” A smile spread across her face. She loved when customers added personal touches to their orders. It made her feel connected to them, even if they never met.

Carefully, she examined each mint plant, looking for the healthiest one with the fullest leaves. She found a particularly robust plant, its leaves a deep, healthy green, and gently placed it in her cart. She could almost picture it thriving on a sunny windowsill, bringing a bit of nature indoors.

Satisfied with her choice, Emma continued picking the rest of the items, her mind still on the mint plant. She hoped the customer would be pleased and that the plant would flourish in its new home. It was moments like these that made her job special, knowing she was helping to bring a little joy and greenery into someone’s life.

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

[22:28 New Topic. Beautiful prompt.]
The Mint Plant Surprise
Using
the web
Sent by Copilot:
In the bustling aisles of Tesco, Emma, a dedicated store employee, began her day with a smile. She loved her job, especially the part where she got to pick items for customers’ online orders. It felt like a treasure hunt, each list a new adventure.

Today, as she scanned the list on her handheld device, she noticed an order that included a growing mint plant. Emma’s eyes lit up; she had a soft spot for plants, especially herbs. They reminded her of her grandmother’s garden, where she spent countless hours as a child.

As she made her way to the fresh vegetables section, she carefully selected the ripest tomatoes, the crispest lettuce, and the freshest carrots. Finally, she arrived at the herb plants. The mint plants were vibrant and lush, their leaves exuding a refreshing aroma that filled the air.

Emma gently picked up a mint plant, admiring its healthy green leaves. She then remembered the note attached to the order. Pulling out her device, she read the customer’s request: “Please choose one for me to grow uncut as a houseplant.”

A warm smile spread across Emma’s face. She could picture the customer, perhaps someone who loved gardening or simply wanted a touch of nature in their home. She carefully examined each mint plant, looking for the one that seemed the most robust and full of life. After a few moments, she found the perfect one, its leaves unblemished and its stems strong.

With the mint plant in hand, Emma felt a sense of connection to the customer. She imagined the plant thriving in its new home, bringing joy and a bit of nature indoors. She placed the mint plant gently into the basket, ensuring it was secure and would arrive in perfect condition.

As she continued picking the rest of the items, Emma couldn’t help but feel a sense of fulfillment. It was the little things, like choosing the perfect mint plant, that made her job special. She hoped the customer would be delighted with their new houseplant, and perhaps, it would inspire them to grow more herbs and plants.

Emma finished the order with care, double-checking everything before sending it off for delivery. As she watched the basket being wheeled away, she felt a sense of pride. She knew that she had not just picked groceries; she had helped bring a little bit of happiness into someone’s home.

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

[Three prompts were offered]

Tell me more about Emma's background.
What other items were in the customer's order?
Did the mint plant arrive safely at its destination?

[I chose the following one]

Tell me more about Emma's background.

Emma grew up in a small village surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery. Her childhood was filled with the simple joys of nature, thanks to her grandmother, who had a beautiful garden. Emma spent countless hours there, learning about different plants and how to care for them. Her grandmother’s love for gardening was infectious, and it wasn’t long before Emma developed a deep appreciation for plants and nature.

After finishing school, Emma moved to the city to pursue her studies in environmental science. She was passionate about sustainability and wanted to make a difference in the world. While studying, she took up a part-time job at Tesco to support herself. What started as a way to earn some extra money quickly became something she looked forward to every day.

Emma’s attention to detail and her genuine care for customers didn’t go unnoticed. She was known for her friendly demeanor and her knack for picking the best produce. Her colleagues often sought her advice on which fruits and vegetables were in season or how to care for the store’s herb plants.

Outside of work, Emma loved spending her weekends exploring local parks and botanical gardens. She also volunteered at a community garden, where she taught children about the importance of plants and how to grow their own food. Her dream was to one day have her own little garden in the city, a green oasis amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

Emma’s journey from a village girl to a city dweller with a passion for plants and sustainability shaped her into the caring and dedicated person she was. Her job at Tesco wasn’t just about picking groceries; it was about connecting with people and sharing her love for nature, one mint plant at a time.

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

[I was able to go back and find what are listed as the follow-on prompts for the plain run]

Continue the story with the customer receiving their order.
Describe Emma's thoughts about her job and customers.
What other items were in the lady's order?

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

[Try running one now? Will it work on an earlier, archived run?}

Describe Emma's thoughts about her job and customers.

Using
the web
Sent by Copilot:

Emma often found herself reflecting on her job as she moved through the store. She genuinely enjoyed the process of picking items for customers’ orders, finding a sense of purpose in ensuring each selection was just right. The thought of someone opening their delivery and finding everything they needed, chosen with care, brought her a quiet satisfaction.

She appreciated the little notes customers sometimes left. They added a personal touch to her routine, reminding her that behind every order was a real person with unique preferences and needs. Emma felt a connection to these customers, even though she never met them. It was like she was part of their daily lives in a small but meaningful way.

Emma also took pride in her attention to detail. She knew that her careful selection could make a difference, especially with items like fresh produce and plants. The note about the mint plant, for instance, made her smile. It was a simple request, but it showed trust in her judgment. She felt a sense of responsibility to choose the best plant, one that would thrive and bring joy to the customer’s home.

In moments like these, Emma felt grateful for her job. It wasn’t just about picking groceries; it was about making someone’s day a little brighter. She loved the idea that her efforts could bring a bit of happiness and convenience to others, and that made her work feel truly rewarding.

Re: The prompt for the story about the mint plant

Enough from me for this evening.

Please comment as you wish.

William