A Place Where Stories are Told

So let’s get it out on the table right from the start. This evening‘s post is a departure. Something new. And different. I mean *really* different… Let’s start with the title of this post, “A Place Where Stories are Told”, for example. Sounds like Essex, right? And plenty of other places, perhaps. I’ll jump the gun and tell you that it’s the title of a poem (that I’ll be including in a moment) about our fair village. So far, so good. By this point you’re accustomed to verse popping up in these posts. And you’re certainly not unfamiliar with hyperlocal belly button gazing. But there’s a twist. A wrinkle. A peculiarity. This poem, this post, this title are a collaboration — a conversation even — with an artificial intelligence chatbot. “A Place Where Stories are Told” is largely the product of ChatGPT, or more precisely, discourse with ChatGPT.

If that confession threw you for a loop, I’m sorry. Let’s rewind a little bit. I took that photograph above while pulling away from the Essex ferry dock a few hours ago en route to Burlington for dinner with friends. Rosslyn’s boathouse. A place where stories are told. No artificial intelligence. Just the old fashioned, between-the-ears intelligence and location, location, location (a curiously catalytic energy this location provides for storytelling, reminiscing, and pipe dreaming). If it weren’t snowing and below freezing, the three of us probably would be sitting out there telling stories. Instead, we’ll be hunkering at a farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Burlington.

Mark, the friend arriving from Montpelier, primed the proverbial pump for this evening’s storytelling with a quick quip from the aforementioned AI chatbot. He directed ChatGPT to “say something nice about Westport, New York” where Jim, the other friend joining us for dinner, lives. Here’s how it responded.

Westport, New York is a scenic and charming town located near the Adirondack Mountains. Known for its beautiful natural surroundings and friendly community, it offers a range of outdoor recreational activities and opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the countryside. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and friendly people, Westport is a wonderful place to visit or call home.

ChatGPT

Interesting. That reads a little like the sort of gormless drivel we’re accustomed to reading in destination marketing and chambers of commerce blurbs. Canned and generic, but accurate. And, I should note, it *is* somewhat surreal that a chatbot can generate accurate drivel.

Next, Mark asked ChatGPT to compose a poem about Essex, New York. And this brings us to the title of my post, “A Place Where Stories are Told”.

A Place Where Stories are Told

Essex, a town so serene and bright,
Nestled in the hills with all its might,
Surrounded by beauty, both near and far,
A place where memories will always be a star.

From the rolling hills and vibrant trees,
To the sparkling waters and gentle breeze,
Essex is a place where one can find,
Peace, happiness and a sense of mind.

With its quaint streets and friendly folks,
Essex is a place where stories are told,
Of days gone by and memories made,
In this beautiful town that will never fade.

So here's to Essex, a town of pride,
With its natural wonders and scenic ride,
A place where dreams and memories come true,
Forever cherished by me and you.

— ChatGPT

The chat bot excelled with rhythm and rhyme, but it underperformed elsewhere. It’s worth noting that the penultimate stanza is slightly promising, hence my decision to harvest the title from the least contrived and most accurate, meaningful, and compelling sentence.

Perhaps like me, you’re a little wary of AI dabbling in the cultural and aesthetic arenas. An idea is percolating underneath my tangled mop, but I’m going to sleep on it. Morning might mature my perspective a few shades. And, so, without further ado, I’ll wrap up for the evening, inviting you to contemplate AI chat bots as fellow sojourners. Artificial intelligence offering us an ode to Essex. Thank you, ChatGPT. Thank you, Mark!