Bill Conrad's Blog, page 14
May 10, 2023
Roman Numerals
Education did not come easily for me, especially at the beginning. Right when I mainly had grasped basic arithmetic, the teacher introduced something radical, Roman Numerals. What are they? A long time ago, before numerical symbols like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 were invented, the Romans developed an unorthodox method. For example, three capital I’s represented the number 3, III. Unfortunately, numbers quickly became confusing. Four was IV, five was V, and six was VI. Addition and subtraction are required to count? Lame!
My six-year-old brain hurt when the teacher explained Roman Numerals, and I could not determine why we were not using what we already knew 4, 5, 6. The answer is that Roman Numerals are the classic method and uplift a document. Umm, alright. Not a great sell.
Today, we have many ways to represent numbers, including binary (computer gobblygook), hex (more computer gobblygook), text (twenty-six), floating point (complex computer gobblygook), fractions, morse code, color code (electrical engineering gobblygook), maritime flag and even imaginary (complex math gobblygook). Did you get the joke? Imaginary numbers are complex. Hahaha. Alright, too much math.
Why am I discussing this topic? It is time to retire Roman Numerals because they are no longer helpful, which would be one less thing to cram into our overloaded brains. Do they have a legitimate use? I would argue that Roman Numerals, Egyptian pictographs, Inca rope knot language, smoke signals, and semaphores (railroad flags) have no use because we have developed better methods. Plus, we have thoroughly recorded Roman Numerals history and structure for posterity.
Many carryovers in the English language should also be eliminated, including alternate spellings, disused words, double spaces after the period, double-spaced paragraphs, and old English fonts (fonts that are difficult to read). Plus, there are keyboard keys that never get used, print screen, scroll lock, pause, and insert.
Yeah, I’m dreaming. Roman Numerals will be used daily until our sun becomes warm to the touch. Why? Umm, tradition? That is not a sound reason, but we love traditions. Or perhaps I am an agelast? (A person who never laughs.) (Another word that we should eliminate.)
You’re the best -Bill
May 10, 2023
My six-year-old brain hurt when the teacher explained Roman Numerals, and I could not determine why we were not using what we already knew 4, 5, 6. The answer is that Roman Numerals are the classic method and uplift a document. Umm, alright. Not a great sell.
Today, we have many ways to represent numbers, including binary (computer gobblygook), hex (more computer gobblygook), text (twenty-six), floating point (complex computer gobblygook), fractions, morse code, color code (electrical engineering gobblygook), maritime flag and even imaginary (complex math gobblygook). Did you get the joke? Imaginary numbers are complex. Hahaha. Alright, too much math.
Why am I discussing this topic? It is time to retire Roman Numerals because they are no longer helpful, which would be one less thing to cram into our overloaded brains. Do they have a legitimate use? I would argue that Roman Numerals, Egyptian pictographs, Inca rope knot language, smoke signals, and semaphores (railroad flags) have no use because we have developed better methods. Plus, we have thoroughly recorded Roman Numerals history and structure for posterity.
Many carryovers in the English language should also be eliminated, including alternate spellings, disused words, double spaces after the period, double-spaced paragraphs, and old English fonts (fonts that are difficult to read). Plus, there are keyboard keys that never get used, print screen, scroll lock, pause, and insert.
Yeah, I’m dreaming. Roman Numerals will be used daily until our sun becomes warm to the touch. Why? Umm, tradition? That is not a sound reason, but we love traditions. Or perhaps I am an agelast? (A person who never laughs.) (Another word that we should eliminate.)
You’re the best -Bill
May 10, 2023
May 3, 2023
The Final Result
I did not suddenly decide to become an author. Instead, I invented stories in my bonkers mind for years, and only when I had three fully vetted ones did I write them down. Since that fateful day, I now use an outline to visualize the entire plot before committing a story to paper.
I was Facetiming a fellow author recently, and she described her method of writing. It involves jumping on the keyboard and blasting away. The plot, characters, and details develop as she types. I equate this to somebody asking me to “make up a story.” Unfortunately, I am not great at this activity, and I fill my lousy verbal results with pauses.
We both write well (at least I do in my radically biased opinion), but which method is better? I would argue that the means do not matter and only the final result counts. After all, that is what the reader experiences. Yet, there is room for discussion.
Do outlines improve the quality? They are a plot development tool for people like me who cannot create a story on the fly. Perhaps a story with a solid foundation is superior, but artistic creations are best when made without structure.
Let’s invent a simple plot starting with “Sally walked down the hill.” Challenge accepted. “Sally walked down the hill, turned left, and headed to the grocery store. She purchased a sandwich at the deli and ate it in the parking lot. Sally bought apples at the store, walked home, and fell asleep.”
That effort was not exciting, but there is a foundation. Now, the writer could build up the story with details, flush out all the problems and share their creation.
However, there is a glaring problem. The above story is awful. Nothing happened, and I should immediately delete it. However, it was the best I could do on short notice. Some people have a fantastic ability to make things up on the fly. Obviously, I do not. Instead, I noodle an idea for months before committing it to an outline. On two occasions, I had to start over.
What makes a good story? The term “garbage in, garbage out” applies to the process. A talented author will create a fantastic book, and bad will follow bad. However, readers cannot see how a person makes a book. Instead, they only see the published work.
Do we only look at the final result for other parts of our life? Society, physics, and biology have rules with dire consequences. The process for producing results is often important, visible, and open to criticism. For example, one cannot be a successful cab driver by breaking traffic laws. What about creating a blog? Did it matter how I came up with this topic or how I wrote it? Nope.
I was Facetiming a fellow author recently, and she described her method of writing. It involves jumping on the keyboard and blasting away. The plot, characters, and details develop as she types. I equate this to somebody asking me to “make up a story.” Unfortunately, I am not great at this activity, and I fill my lousy verbal results with pauses.
We both write well (at least I do in my radically biased opinion), but which method is better? I would argue that the means do not matter and only the final result counts. After all, that is what the reader experiences. Yet, there is room for discussion.
Do outlines improve the quality? They are a plot development tool for people like me who cannot create a story on the fly. Perhaps a story with a solid foundation is superior, but artistic creations are best when made without structure.
Let’s invent a simple plot starting with “Sally walked down the hill.” Challenge accepted. “Sally walked down the hill, turned left, and headed to the grocery store. She purchased a sandwich at the deli and ate it in the parking lot. Sally bought apples at the store, walked home, and fell asleep.”
That effort was not exciting, but there is a foundation. Now, the writer could build up the story with details, flush out all the problems and share their creation.
However, there is a glaring problem. The above story is awful. Nothing happened, and I should immediately delete it. However, it was the best I could do on short notice. Some people have a fantastic ability to make things up on the fly. Obviously, I do not. Instead, I noodle an idea for months before committing it to an outline. On two occasions, I had to start over.
What makes a good story? The term “garbage in, garbage out” applies to the process. A talented author will create a fantastic book, and bad will follow bad. However, readers cannot see how a person makes a book. Instead, they only see the published work.
Do we only look at the final result for other parts of our life? Society, physics, and biology have rules with dire consequences. The process for producing results is often important, visible, and open to criticism. For example, one cannot be a successful cab driver by breaking traffic laws. What about creating a blog? Did it matter how I came up with this topic or how I wrote it? Nope.
April 26, 2023
Critical Decision
Two months ago, I needed to make a big decision. After a job interview, I knew they were going to make me an offer. The workers and company were fantastic, but there was a glaring problem. This company fully embraced the “open office” layout. This configuration places all employees in full view of each other. Even the conference rooms and managers offices had enormous windows. They actually called it “the fishbowl.”
I have an aversion to being watched and get distracted when I see other people working. However, it was a great opportunity. So, how did I make my decision? I thought about the choice while exercising, watching television, and while going to sleep. I focused on what was best for myself, my family, and my career. Plus, I talked with my wife and friends. After two days of deliberating, right before I want to sleep, I thought, “Yeah, let’s do this.”
The final decision did not involve logic, a compelling reason, or a pro/con evaluation. I did not use a whiteboard, notes, or sound opinions. Instead, I jumped into the unknown. What was my precise motivation? It was right there in my “yeah” statement. I had no firm meaning behind my decision. Did I stand by it? You bet! Why? Umm, because I committed myself. Could I justify my decision? I could repeat all the pros, but my decision’s core contained no logic.
On a side note, the company never called back. This is a new trend called “ghosting,” where companies fail to contact interviewers with their decision. Dang!
How would an author describe such a critical decision? “After the harrowing job interview. (I added tension.) They left Bill with an ethical quandary. Should he take the job? His family encouraged him, and so did his friends. But there was an issue! He hated working in an open office. Bill wrestled day and night, trying to decide. Finally, throwing caution into the wind, he leaped successful employment!”
My story needed a happy ending, but why did Bill leap? That reason is not apparent. Thinking back on other big decisions, many were “gut reactions.” The problem was that I did not have enough information to make an informed decision. For example, I could not accept “half” of the job or try working at the company for a week.
Characters need to make rational decisions. “Bill took the job because it was a great opportunity.” The writer would not mention an open office because few readers have an issue with this awful business trend. It is important not to distract the reader with confusing or unpopular motives.
What if it mattered? The writer would spend several paragraphs describing the issue with a series of apparent considerations that lead to a firm decision. This might include a pro/con evaluation, taking the advice of a friend, or having a primary deciding factor. For example, “Bill needed the money.” The reader would see all the sides of the decision and fully know why the character made their decision. Otherwise, the reader would be confused and leave a critical review.
Can a character make a random or gut decision? Readers would call this “lazy writing.” All character decisions must tie to a core motivation, which is why “bill needed the money” is a perfect decision and simple explanation.
We make critical decisions all the time without logic. Should humans be more logical? If we were, society would become organized but less fun. Another way to express this is that we would take fewer risks and make fewer discoveries. It’s nice to mix things up and make crazy decisions, so I keep blogging.
You’re the best -Bill
April 26, 2023
I have an aversion to being watched and get distracted when I see other people working. However, it was a great opportunity. So, how did I make my decision? I thought about the choice while exercising, watching television, and while going to sleep. I focused on what was best for myself, my family, and my career. Plus, I talked with my wife and friends. After two days of deliberating, right before I want to sleep, I thought, “Yeah, let’s do this.”
The final decision did not involve logic, a compelling reason, or a pro/con evaluation. I did not use a whiteboard, notes, or sound opinions. Instead, I jumped into the unknown. What was my precise motivation? It was right there in my “yeah” statement. I had no firm meaning behind my decision. Did I stand by it? You bet! Why? Umm, because I committed myself. Could I justify my decision? I could repeat all the pros, but my decision’s core contained no logic.
On a side note, the company never called back. This is a new trend called “ghosting,” where companies fail to contact interviewers with their decision. Dang!
How would an author describe such a critical decision? “After the harrowing job interview. (I added tension.) They left Bill with an ethical quandary. Should he take the job? His family encouraged him, and so did his friends. But there was an issue! He hated working in an open office. Bill wrestled day and night, trying to decide. Finally, throwing caution into the wind, he leaped successful employment!”
My story needed a happy ending, but why did Bill leap? That reason is not apparent. Thinking back on other big decisions, many were “gut reactions.” The problem was that I did not have enough information to make an informed decision. For example, I could not accept “half” of the job or try working at the company for a week.
Characters need to make rational decisions. “Bill took the job because it was a great opportunity.” The writer would not mention an open office because few readers have an issue with this awful business trend. It is important not to distract the reader with confusing or unpopular motives.
What if it mattered? The writer would spend several paragraphs describing the issue with a series of apparent considerations that lead to a firm decision. This might include a pro/con evaluation, taking the advice of a friend, or having a primary deciding factor. For example, “Bill needed the money.” The reader would see all the sides of the decision and fully know why the character made their decision. Otherwise, the reader would be confused and leave a critical review.
Can a character make a random or gut decision? Readers would call this “lazy writing.” All character decisions must tie to a core motivation, which is why “bill needed the money” is a perfect decision and simple explanation.
We make critical decisions all the time without logic. Should humans be more logical? If we were, society would become organized but less fun. Another way to express this is that we would take fewer risks and make fewer discoveries. It’s nice to mix things up and make crazy decisions, so I keep blogging.
You’re the best -Bill
April 26, 2023
April 19, 2023
ChatGPT Fiction
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence language program that analyzes existing text to write stories, descriptions, research, reports, and text messages. It has become popular among teens for writing texts and doing homework. Adults now use it to do their jobs, and its creations have ended up in many important documents.
ChatGPT caught teachers off guard because its work is fantastic, and they cannot tell the difference between an excellent student and a ChatGPT document. Furthermore, because this technology is so new, companies do not know that workers use it. This usage will lead to legal and ethical issues.
I was vaguely aware of ChatGPT until a month ago when South Park lambasted it. After the episode, I wanted to see what ChatGPT offered a fiction author. So, I got an account and asked ChatGPT to write a story.
Here is what ChatGPT generated when I fed it a vague description of my first book, “Write a story about an immortal woman who forces a disgraced author to interview her. She lived an astounding 500-year life and met many famous people. Her immortality source came from harvesting the organs of living people.”
Once a celebrated author, Richard had fallen from grace. His last book had been panned by critics, and his once loyal fans had turned their backs on him. He spent his days drinking and smoking, drowning in self-pity, until one day he received a strange letter.
The letter was from a woman named Cassandra, and it was unlike any letter he had ever received. Cassandra claimed to be over 500 years old, and she offered Richard an exclusive interview. She promised to tell him the story of her incredible life, a life filled with adventure, tragedy, and celebrity encounters. Richard was skeptical, but also curious. He agreed to the interview, and Cassandra provided him with an address and a time to meet.
The address turned out to be an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Richard arrived at the designated time, and he found Cassandra waiting for him inside. She was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with long black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a flowing red dress that seemed out of place in the dilapidated surroundings.
Cassandra wasted no time in getting to the point. “I need you to tell my story,” she said. “I need the world to know who I am and what I have accomplished. And I need you to do it.”
Richard was taken aback. “Why me?” he asked. “There are plenty of other journalists who would be more than happy to tell your story.”
Cassandra smiled wryly. “Because you are a disgraced author,” she said. “You have nothing left to lose. And because I know you have a way with words. You can make people care about my story, even if they don’t believe it.”
Richard hesitated, but he could see the determination in Cassandra’s eyes. He agreed to the interview, and over the course of the next few hours, Cassandra told him the story of her incredible life.
She had been born in the early 1500s, and she had discovered her immortality by accident. She had been experimenting with medicine, and she had discovered a way to harvest the organs of living people without killing them. She had used this method to keep herself young and vibrant for centuries.
As she told her story, Richard was both fascinated and repulsed. He couldn’t believe that someone could be so callous, so cruel. But he was also mesmerized by Cassandra’s stories of meeting famous people throughout history. She had met Shakespeare, Da Vinci, and Napoleon. She had seen the rise and fall of empires, the birth of new technologies, and the evolution of human society.
Wow! That was super impressive. This thoughtful and creative piece blows me away. And there was a fantastic coincidence. My 500-year-old character, Grace, met Napoleon. I did not know artificial intelligence had come so far.
My original blog plan was to tear apart the ChatGPT mess and proclaim myself superior. Bill rules! Well, that will not work. So, let’s evaluate the writing and ponder what this new technology means to me and society.
First, I would like to point out the excellent dialog integration. Cassandra wasted no time in getting to the point. “I need you to tell my story,” she said. “I need the world to know who I am and what I have accomplished.” Fantastic technique and great flow. The grammar and style are solid. Even the voice, intent, word choice, and confidence are great. Grammarly gave it a C, and ProWritingAid gave it a B. Microsoft Word grammar found no issues. Yet, the phrase “I need” and “she” got used too often, and there was some clunky flow. (It read stiff.) My grade for this generated fiction is a B. Very impressive for five minutes of work.
Now, let’s consider the big picture. When I want to write a story, I begin with an outline. This tool sets up the basic story arc, shows the overall flow, and reveals plot problems. The three sentences I fed into ChatVPT were the outline. I created the entire arc, and AI has difficulty generating (not copying from an existing work) even a basic arc. However, an outline is far from an actual story. The details are what a reader uses to fulfill the picture.
ChatGPT generated those details and added additional story. “She was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with long black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a flowing red dress that seemed out of place in the dilapidated surroundings.” Those super-specific details pull the reader in.
While the generated story was impressive, it is not good enough for me to use for two reasons. First, the above results were not what I wanted to create because using an AI tool invalidates the point of writing. The second reason is that the results did not meet the minimum criteria or length to be a book. It should take at least a chapter to describe the main character and another chapter to ease the reader into the other main character into her life. However, it was fun to read what ChatGPT came up with.
I see two uses for ChatGPT to assist my writing process. First, when developing an outline, ChatGPT might flush out the plot. So, I will enter my next outline and see what it comes with. Perhaps ChatGPT will inspire ideas or reveal problems. Stay tuned for an update.
My second use will be for bolder character descriptions. I have difficulty thoroughly describing a character. “Fred walked into the room.” Done! Wait. How tall was he? What was he wearing? Readers expect much more, but those extra details seem unnecessary. (Not a good mental block for a writer.)
ChatGPT created an excellent description in the above writing. “She was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with long black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a flowing red dress that seemed out of place in the dilapidated surroundings.” With some editing, that would be a perfect description for a female character.
However, I will not copy and paste text from ChatGPT. Not because of my ethics, it is because of my creativity. I do the writing for MY books, not somebody or something else. This is why I do not copy celebrated authors’ text, style, characters, scenes, or plots.
How does ChatGPT affect society? For teachers, it is a worst-case scenario. They will need ChatGPT detection software, and anti-cheat companies are already developing such tools. However, there is a broader problem for teachers and society.
Remember learning arithmetic? 1+1=2. However, when we discovered calculators, it did not seem necessary to learn. “Why learn when there are calculators?” That is a solid argument for students, but as adults, our education allows us to understand the logic behind math. However, many students did not learn because of calculators, and now many adults do not know arithmetic.
Why must a student learn how to write if ChatGPT can write for them? Another valid argument. Some students will take this path in life. But like a student who only knows how to use a calculator, they will not have the foundation to see mistakes, make improvements or go beyond what ChatGPT can create.
Let’s pretend I’m using a calculator and “fat-fingered” the buttons. 1+1=12. The answer is valid because calculators do not make mistakes. But my blog readers instantly see the error because they understand arithmetic. “There is no way that the answer can be that high.”
The same will be true with writing. ChatGPT is not perfect and will make obvious mistakes. Pretend that student grew up and is now using ChatGPT to write a safety instructions for their job. “Always use bare hands to touch the live wires.” Seems logical. Bare hands are clean, and we do not want to use dirty gloves on clean live wires. ZAP!!!
What about writing? I now see that if a person has a good plot outline and can edit segments together, they will be able to “write” a ChatGPT book. The result may not be perfect, the flow odd, and the story incomplete, but it will read well.
Because of my recent experiment, I now understand that a societal change has occurred. ChatGPT upped the game with excellent grammar, exciting descriptions, tasteful random elements, and solid dialog. Hey authors! All books (including the classics) will be judged to this improved standard in five years. For me, that is a scary concept. Of course, some readers will insist on the “old method” of “handmade writing.” However, that market will shrink.
What is the future of books? I see a day when writers will be conductors instead of “hands-on.” Is this bad? I do not know because ChatGPT impressed me. But do I want to “conduct” a book? Hmm. It does not sound like there will be much joy in that process.
Should we ban/limit ChatGPT? That suppression method has never worked in the past. Do we want organized crime to take over this space? Yet, I have seen legislation explicitly drafted to ban/limit ChatGPT. Hey taxpayers! Get ready for another fruitless battle to contain a bomb that has already exploded.
How about a ChatGPT blog? I may try to “write” one as an experiment, but I would inform my blog readers about my decision in advance. So, for now, you get the real deal.
You’re the best -Bill
April 19, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published three! Please check them out.
Interviewing Immortality is a psychological thriller about a 500-year-old woman who forces a disgraced author to interview her.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival is a drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties is a classic spy novel about two hunters discovering that government communications are being recorded and the ensuing FBI investigation.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
ChatGPT caught teachers off guard because its work is fantastic, and they cannot tell the difference between an excellent student and a ChatGPT document. Furthermore, because this technology is so new, companies do not know that workers use it. This usage will lead to legal and ethical issues.
I was vaguely aware of ChatGPT until a month ago when South Park lambasted it. After the episode, I wanted to see what ChatGPT offered a fiction author. So, I got an account and asked ChatGPT to write a story.
Here is what ChatGPT generated when I fed it a vague description of my first book, “Write a story about an immortal woman who forces a disgraced author to interview her. She lived an astounding 500-year life and met many famous people. Her immortality source came from harvesting the organs of living people.”
Once a celebrated author, Richard had fallen from grace. His last book had been panned by critics, and his once loyal fans had turned their backs on him. He spent his days drinking and smoking, drowning in self-pity, until one day he received a strange letter.
The letter was from a woman named Cassandra, and it was unlike any letter he had ever received. Cassandra claimed to be over 500 years old, and she offered Richard an exclusive interview. She promised to tell him the story of her incredible life, a life filled with adventure, tragedy, and celebrity encounters. Richard was skeptical, but also curious. He agreed to the interview, and Cassandra provided him with an address and a time to meet.
The address turned out to be an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. Richard arrived at the designated time, and he found Cassandra waiting for him inside. She was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with long black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a flowing red dress that seemed out of place in the dilapidated surroundings.
Cassandra wasted no time in getting to the point. “I need you to tell my story,” she said. “I need the world to know who I am and what I have accomplished. And I need you to do it.”
Richard was taken aback. “Why me?” he asked. “There are plenty of other journalists who would be more than happy to tell your story.”
Cassandra smiled wryly. “Because you are a disgraced author,” she said. “You have nothing left to lose. And because I know you have a way with words. You can make people care about my story, even if they don’t believe it.”
Richard hesitated, but he could see the determination in Cassandra’s eyes. He agreed to the interview, and over the course of the next few hours, Cassandra told him the story of her incredible life.
She had been born in the early 1500s, and she had discovered her immortality by accident. She had been experimenting with medicine, and she had discovered a way to harvest the organs of living people without killing them. She had used this method to keep herself young and vibrant for centuries.
As she told her story, Richard was both fascinated and repulsed. He couldn’t believe that someone could be so callous, so cruel. But he was also mesmerized by Cassandra’s stories of meeting famous people throughout history. She had met Shakespeare, Da Vinci, and Napoleon. She had seen the rise and fall of empires, the birth of new technologies, and the evolution of human society.
Wow! That was super impressive. This thoughtful and creative piece blows me away. And there was a fantastic coincidence. My 500-year-old character, Grace, met Napoleon. I did not know artificial intelligence had come so far.
My original blog plan was to tear apart the ChatGPT mess and proclaim myself superior. Bill rules! Well, that will not work. So, let’s evaluate the writing and ponder what this new technology means to me and society.
First, I would like to point out the excellent dialog integration. Cassandra wasted no time in getting to the point. “I need you to tell my story,” she said. “I need the world to know who I am and what I have accomplished.” Fantastic technique and great flow. The grammar and style are solid. Even the voice, intent, word choice, and confidence are great. Grammarly gave it a C, and ProWritingAid gave it a B. Microsoft Word grammar found no issues. Yet, the phrase “I need” and “she” got used too often, and there was some clunky flow. (It read stiff.) My grade for this generated fiction is a B. Very impressive for five minutes of work.
Now, let’s consider the big picture. When I want to write a story, I begin with an outline. This tool sets up the basic story arc, shows the overall flow, and reveals plot problems. The three sentences I fed into ChatVPT were the outline. I created the entire arc, and AI has difficulty generating (not copying from an existing work) even a basic arc. However, an outline is far from an actual story. The details are what a reader uses to fulfill the picture.
ChatGPT generated those details and added additional story. “She was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with long black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a flowing red dress that seemed out of place in the dilapidated surroundings.” Those super-specific details pull the reader in.
While the generated story was impressive, it is not good enough for me to use for two reasons. First, the above results were not what I wanted to create because using an AI tool invalidates the point of writing. The second reason is that the results did not meet the minimum criteria or length to be a book. It should take at least a chapter to describe the main character and another chapter to ease the reader into the other main character into her life. However, it was fun to read what ChatGPT came up with.
I see two uses for ChatGPT to assist my writing process. First, when developing an outline, ChatGPT might flush out the plot. So, I will enter my next outline and see what it comes with. Perhaps ChatGPT will inspire ideas or reveal problems. Stay tuned for an update.
My second use will be for bolder character descriptions. I have difficulty thoroughly describing a character. “Fred walked into the room.” Done! Wait. How tall was he? What was he wearing? Readers expect much more, but those extra details seem unnecessary. (Not a good mental block for a writer.)
ChatGPT created an excellent description in the above writing. “She was an imposing figure, tall and regal, with long black hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a flowing red dress that seemed out of place in the dilapidated surroundings.” With some editing, that would be a perfect description for a female character.
However, I will not copy and paste text from ChatGPT. Not because of my ethics, it is because of my creativity. I do the writing for MY books, not somebody or something else. This is why I do not copy celebrated authors’ text, style, characters, scenes, or plots.
How does ChatGPT affect society? For teachers, it is a worst-case scenario. They will need ChatGPT detection software, and anti-cheat companies are already developing such tools. However, there is a broader problem for teachers and society.
Remember learning arithmetic? 1+1=2. However, when we discovered calculators, it did not seem necessary to learn. “Why learn when there are calculators?” That is a solid argument for students, but as adults, our education allows us to understand the logic behind math. However, many students did not learn because of calculators, and now many adults do not know arithmetic.
Why must a student learn how to write if ChatGPT can write for them? Another valid argument. Some students will take this path in life. But like a student who only knows how to use a calculator, they will not have the foundation to see mistakes, make improvements or go beyond what ChatGPT can create.
Let’s pretend I’m using a calculator and “fat-fingered” the buttons. 1+1=12. The answer is valid because calculators do not make mistakes. But my blog readers instantly see the error because they understand arithmetic. “There is no way that the answer can be that high.”
The same will be true with writing. ChatGPT is not perfect and will make obvious mistakes. Pretend that student grew up and is now using ChatGPT to write a safety instructions for their job. “Always use bare hands to touch the live wires.” Seems logical. Bare hands are clean, and we do not want to use dirty gloves on clean live wires. ZAP!!!
What about writing? I now see that if a person has a good plot outline and can edit segments together, they will be able to “write” a ChatGPT book. The result may not be perfect, the flow odd, and the story incomplete, but it will read well.
Because of my recent experiment, I now understand that a societal change has occurred. ChatGPT upped the game with excellent grammar, exciting descriptions, tasteful random elements, and solid dialog. Hey authors! All books (including the classics) will be judged to this improved standard in five years. For me, that is a scary concept. Of course, some readers will insist on the “old method” of “handmade writing.” However, that market will shrink.
What is the future of books? I see a day when writers will be conductors instead of “hands-on.” Is this bad? I do not know because ChatGPT impressed me. But do I want to “conduct” a book? Hmm. It does not sound like there will be much joy in that process.
Should we ban/limit ChatGPT? That suppression method has never worked in the past. Do we want organized crime to take over this space? Yet, I have seen legislation explicitly drafted to ban/limit ChatGPT. Hey taxpayers! Get ready for another fruitless battle to contain a bomb that has already exploded.
How about a ChatGPT blog? I may try to “write” one as an experiment, but I would inform my blog readers about my decision in advance. So, for now, you get the real deal.
You’re the best -Bill
April 19, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published three! Please check them out.
Interviewing Immortality is a psychological thriller about a 500-year-old woman who forces a disgraced author to interview her.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival is a drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties is a classic spy novel about two hunters discovering that government communications are being recorded and the ensuing FBI investigation.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
April 12, 2023
Good or Lucky
I grew up in San Diego, California, specifically in University City. (No, there were no universities near that part of town.) So naturally, I attended the fifth grade at one of the three local grade schools. That year, we got a new principal who transferred from one of the other two. We did not get along… But that’s another story.
The principal introduced a school-yard sport that was popular at his last school. It was called Ball Wall. Yes, an incredibly creative name. It involves two players, a volleyball, and a wall. The rules are precisely the same as playing one round of handball. Fantastically creative rules. It became a hit (pun intended), and we played it before, during recess, and after school. I was not physically talented, but I tried my best.
During all sports, it is expected to “trash talk.” The other players would psych a player out or annoy them to improve their score. Ball Wall was my first exposure to trash talk, and I quickly picked up the lingo. One popular insult occurred after a player scored a point, and the other player would claim “a lucky shot.” The retort was always, “Nah, it was pure skill.”
After the game, things would calm down, and we would talk. Often, the subject was whether it was better to be lucky or skilled. There are many schools of thought about this topic, and for sports, the census is that only winning counts, which means that the discussion was irreverent.
What about writing a book? A typical book has 120,000 words, and it is impossible to get lucky 120,000 times. A person can get lucky with a poorly written book with a great story or catchy title. (50 Shades of Grey is a fantastic title, but the writing…) However, talent and perseverance are required to structure the plot, develop characters, write, and edit. That is no accident, and the only luck involved is having wonderful people in your life to support your tedious efforts.
Luck plays a vital role in marketing, including knowing a publisher or attracting the attention of a big name. For example, Ronald Reagan made author Tom Clancy a household name with his endorsement.
Is luck more important than skill in marketing? Marketing is a combination of extreme perseverance and luck. This means working hard until you get your big break, which means making your own luck. “Chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur Alright, truth. I desperately need a lucky marketing break!
How about a blog? I come up with my topics during my daily activities. So, luck plays an important role, but I must appreciate and write about the subject. However, I am lucky that you read this blog.
You’re the best -Bill
April 12, 2023
The principal introduced a school-yard sport that was popular at his last school. It was called Ball Wall. Yes, an incredibly creative name. It involves two players, a volleyball, and a wall. The rules are precisely the same as playing one round of handball. Fantastically creative rules. It became a hit (pun intended), and we played it before, during recess, and after school. I was not physically talented, but I tried my best.
During all sports, it is expected to “trash talk.” The other players would psych a player out or annoy them to improve their score. Ball Wall was my first exposure to trash talk, and I quickly picked up the lingo. One popular insult occurred after a player scored a point, and the other player would claim “a lucky shot.” The retort was always, “Nah, it was pure skill.”
After the game, things would calm down, and we would talk. Often, the subject was whether it was better to be lucky or skilled. There are many schools of thought about this topic, and for sports, the census is that only winning counts, which means that the discussion was irreverent.
What about writing a book? A typical book has 120,000 words, and it is impossible to get lucky 120,000 times. A person can get lucky with a poorly written book with a great story or catchy title. (50 Shades of Grey is a fantastic title, but the writing…) However, talent and perseverance are required to structure the plot, develop characters, write, and edit. That is no accident, and the only luck involved is having wonderful people in your life to support your tedious efforts.
Luck plays a vital role in marketing, including knowing a publisher or attracting the attention of a big name. For example, Ronald Reagan made author Tom Clancy a household name with his endorsement.
Is luck more important than skill in marketing? Marketing is a combination of extreme perseverance and luck. This means working hard until you get your big break, which means making your own luck. “Chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur Alright, truth. I desperately need a lucky marketing break!
How about a blog? I come up with my topics during my daily activities. So, luck plays an important role, but I must appreciate and write about the subject. However, I am lucky that you read this blog.
You’re the best -Bill
April 12, 2023
April 5, 2023
Believing The Lie
I follow the tragic war in Ukraine closely and find it interesting that the primary source for raw news is Twitter, and the best analysis occurs on YouTube. These new sources have replaced the old sources, such as newspapers, internet articles, and national television. This new medium allows rapid news spreading and analysis. We can also check out the raw news sources and even directly contact the source—quite a change.
Recently, a YouTube influencer (I hate that word) discussed a translated Russian state television broadcast. It proclaimed that the restaurants in England were serving rat meat because of the chronic food shortage caused by their Ukraine support. Wow, what a bold lie! But unfortunately, many people truly believed this “trusted” news source.
What was going on in the viewer’s heads? “Because the news said so, it must be true.” “Makes sense to me.” “Seems logical.” “They have never lied before.” I propose something different is going on. These misguided people allowed themselves to believe the lie. Essentially, the lie is better than the truth. Humans often have ill-advised reactions to unpleasant situations. “I do not need to go on a diet. I look great!” But what does this have to do with writing? I am glad you asked.
I realized that the newscaster was not lying as I watched this news clip. She was acting. She read a fictional script, and the audience allowed themselves to be taken in. The same activity occurs in a play or a movie. There is no such thing as a Star Wars lightsaber, but we sure liked it when Luke Skywalker started waving one around. So, we (the audience) believed the lie.
Perhaps when watching a movie, we expect to be entertained; when watching the news, we expect facts. Yet, sometimes we allow ourselves to be taken in. It’s nice to feel good about ourselves; the awful truth is a hard pill. Blissful ignorance. How about our favorite person X? Did you hear X was drunk driving last week? No way, not true. X is a fantastic person!
Fictional writers use every trick to pull readers into their stories. We twist facts, add intimate relationships where they would never occur, alter physics, spice up the characters, insert an impossible plot twist, entice the reader with a juicy hook, and paint a scene larger than life. “A beautiful, intelligent woman with everything going for her falling in love with an ugly, stupid, fat beast of a man? Of course!”
Readers and viewers expect a dream world where crazy ideas come true, people commit outrageous acts, and the lowest of the low is commonplace. I suppose that was also the goal of the Russian newscaster. They were achieving the state agenda by any means necessary. However, to the rest of us, the results were absurd. Yet, that technique works every time in a story. Did you see the movie Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure? That silly movie was as believable as that Russian state news broadcaster. Fortunately, I keep my blogs real. Or do I?
You’re the best! -Bill
April 05, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published three! Please check them out.
Interviewing Immortality is a psychological thriller about a 500-year-old woman who forces a disgraced author to interview her.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival is a drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties is a classic spy novel about two hunters discovering that government communications are being recorded and the ensuing FBI investigation.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
Recently, a YouTube influencer (I hate that word) discussed a translated Russian state television broadcast. It proclaimed that the restaurants in England were serving rat meat because of the chronic food shortage caused by their Ukraine support. Wow, what a bold lie! But unfortunately, many people truly believed this “trusted” news source.
What was going on in the viewer’s heads? “Because the news said so, it must be true.” “Makes sense to me.” “Seems logical.” “They have never lied before.” I propose something different is going on. These misguided people allowed themselves to believe the lie. Essentially, the lie is better than the truth. Humans often have ill-advised reactions to unpleasant situations. “I do not need to go on a diet. I look great!” But what does this have to do with writing? I am glad you asked.
I realized that the newscaster was not lying as I watched this news clip. She was acting. She read a fictional script, and the audience allowed themselves to be taken in. The same activity occurs in a play or a movie. There is no such thing as a Star Wars lightsaber, but we sure liked it when Luke Skywalker started waving one around. So, we (the audience) believed the lie.
Perhaps when watching a movie, we expect to be entertained; when watching the news, we expect facts. Yet, sometimes we allow ourselves to be taken in. It’s nice to feel good about ourselves; the awful truth is a hard pill. Blissful ignorance. How about our favorite person X? Did you hear X was drunk driving last week? No way, not true. X is a fantastic person!
Fictional writers use every trick to pull readers into their stories. We twist facts, add intimate relationships where they would never occur, alter physics, spice up the characters, insert an impossible plot twist, entice the reader with a juicy hook, and paint a scene larger than life. “A beautiful, intelligent woman with everything going for her falling in love with an ugly, stupid, fat beast of a man? Of course!”
Readers and viewers expect a dream world where crazy ideas come true, people commit outrageous acts, and the lowest of the low is commonplace. I suppose that was also the goal of the Russian newscaster. They were achieving the state agenda by any means necessary. However, to the rest of us, the results were absurd. Yet, that technique works every time in a story. Did you see the movie Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure? That silly movie was as believable as that Russian state news broadcaster. Fortunately, I keep my blogs real. Or do I?
You’re the best! -Bill
April 05, 2023
Hey book lovers, I published three! Please check them out.
Interviewing Immortality is a psychological thriller about a 500-year-old woman who forces a disgraced author to interview her.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival is a drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties is a classic spy novel about two hunters discovering that government communications are being recorded and the ensuing FBI investigation.
These books are available in soft-cover on Amazon and eBook format everywhere.
March 29, 2023
Embedded Promotions
This morning, I watched a YouTube video and the “influencer” (The term for an actor on a streaming video. Apparently, he cannot be called a “tractor expert” because that would be too obvious. Also, I hate the word influencer because it sounds like YouTube people are better than us. It was a privilege to be influenced.) was describing how he fixed a broken water pump. I cannot own a tractor because l do not live in a house that can fit/use such an enormous machine, but I still find these videos interesting.
Halfway through the video, the influencer (I still hate that word) embedded a promotion. The idea is when a familiar person is describing the product; the sales pitch will be more effective. In this video, the influencer (I still, still hate that word) plugged the website hosting company Squarespace. The sales pitch had the usual benefits, features, low introductory prices, and a cost reduction for mentioning the influencer’s (I still, still, still hate that word) name at the time of purchase.
I am sure my blog readers see such advertisements often, but what does this have to do with writing? Of course, some reading formats such as magazines, newspapers, comic books, or websites have advertisements or website links, but what about books?
I recall reading books in the ‘70s with center sections loaded with advertisements. These were the same campy type you would (and still do) see in the back of comic books. “Call us to receive a free catalog.” “Send $9.99 to receive your spy glasses.” So I did some research, and in the ’50-70s, they did this type of advertising in inexpensive books to offset the printing cost. The term Dime Novels describes them.
By the ‘80s, this kind of advertising had fallen out of favor, and I doubt you can find a modern book with it. What about a “paid promotion?” Meaning that they pay an author to include a topic. “Our hero was in a bind because he needed a quick way to get the word out. Fortunately, he knew about Squarespace and quickly developed an excellent website.”
I suppose companies can pay super-famous authors to embed promotions, but from reading famous books, I have never read a blatant plug. Instead, authors use the brands they know, “She jumped into her Ford pickup truck.” Unfortunately, the Ford Motor Company would not pay the author a dime for mentioning them. Bummer.
What about a blog? I have read many blogs and never encountered an embedded promotion. There are advertisements on blog sites, and perhaps famous bloggers might get paid to plug something, but the rest of us only receive likes and insightful comments.
Oddly, advertising has not penetrated books. One would think that a famous book such as Harry Potter would have an advertisement or sponsor’s content on every page. I can hear “girrrr” from my blog readers. Yeah, I would also hate a book full of plugs.
Reading is a solitary activity that requires patience and deep concentration. One needs focus to enjoy the medium. Well, I could be part of a new revolution!
My website company is Web Hosting Pad, and perhaps they will sponsor me if I embed a plug in this blog. “Did you know that Web Hosting Pad has the best prices? And their customer support is outstanding!” Nice job!
https://www.webhostingpad.com/
Web Hosting Pad, I did my part! Can I please have a free year of service?
You’re the best! -Bill
March 29, 2023
Halfway through the video, the influencer (I still hate that word) embedded a promotion. The idea is when a familiar person is describing the product; the sales pitch will be more effective. In this video, the influencer (I still, still hate that word) plugged the website hosting company Squarespace. The sales pitch had the usual benefits, features, low introductory prices, and a cost reduction for mentioning the influencer’s (I still, still, still hate that word) name at the time of purchase.
I am sure my blog readers see such advertisements often, but what does this have to do with writing? Of course, some reading formats such as magazines, newspapers, comic books, or websites have advertisements or website links, but what about books?
I recall reading books in the ‘70s with center sections loaded with advertisements. These were the same campy type you would (and still do) see in the back of comic books. “Call us to receive a free catalog.” “Send $9.99 to receive your spy glasses.” So I did some research, and in the ’50-70s, they did this type of advertising in inexpensive books to offset the printing cost. The term Dime Novels describes them.
By the ‘80s, this kind of advertising had fallen out of favor, and I doubt you can find a modern book with it. What about a “paid promotion?” Meaning that they pay an author to include a topic. “Our hero was in a bind because he needed a quick way to get the word out. Fortunately, he knew about Squarespace and quickly developed an excellent website.”
I suppose companies can pay super-famous authors to embed promotions, but from reading famous books, I have never read a blatant plug. Instead, authors use the brands they know, “She jumped into her Ford pickup truck.” Unfortunately, the Ford Motor Company would not pay the author a dime for mentioning them. Bummer.
What about a blog? I have read many blogs and never encountered an embedded promotion. There are advertisements on blog sites, and perhaps famous bloggers might get paid to plug something, but the rest of us only receive likes and insightful comments.
Oddly, advertising has not penetrated books. One would think that a famous book such as Harry Potter would have an advertisement or sponsor’s content on every page. I can hear “girrrr” from my blog readers. Yeah, I would also hate a book full of plugs.
Reading is a solitary activity that requires patience and deep concentration. One needs focus to enjoy the medium. Well, I could be part of a new revolution!
My website company is Web Hosting Pad, and perhaps they will sponsor me if I embed a plug in this blog. “Did you know that Web Hosting Pad has the best prices? And their customer support is outstanding!” Nice job!
https://www.webhostingpad.com/
Web Hosting Pad, I did my part! Can I please have a free year of service?
You’re the best! -Bill
March 29, 2023
March 23, 2023
Who’s Who
The first edition of Who’s Who got published in 1849. Then a compact, 250-page volume (less than one-tenth of the size of the 2017 edition) comprised an almanac followed by thirty-five lists of military ranks and appointments and the names of those holding them.
Fast forward to the epic ‘20-80s. Who’s Who had become the “go to” reference (yellow-pages telephone book) of important people. Author? Scientist? Artist? There was no choice. You had to be listed in the Who’s Who. Why? An entry made a normal person into a “celebrated” person, and the publication stood as proof. To cement your standing, you would update the profile annually with your latest accomplishments, projects, and certifications.
Of course, at the beginning of the book, there was a fee and all kinds of expensive options, such as photographs, graphics, and premiere placement. Plus, you needed a copy of this “industry standard” to see yourself. And to do “research” on the other people in your given field (see how your profile compares to others). My father was a talented ceramics author in the ’70-80s and paid dearly to have his entry in the Who’s Who.
Well, what happened? The myth was that everybody (of importance) would have a copy and use it to look up critical facts about the industry leaders. However, this was a fantasy, and people eventually realized the “reference” was useless. Let’s use my father as an example. Would a ceramic artist buy this expensive reference book, look up my father’s name and then buy his books? That was certainly the sales pitch.
No, they would go to the library. And what would people do at the library? They would research the available books and either check them out, request them, or go to a bookstore.
There is a more fundamental problem. Who cares?! The Who’s Who of ceramics lists all the ceramic artists, sculptors, teachers, authors, and amateurs. Dredging through the alphabetical list takes a long time to gain limited knowledge.
And what about this “knowledge?” Were the entries fact-checked? Of course not! The entries only built ego.
By the late ‘80s, the public had caught on, and these books were no longer popular. In America, the major publishers of these directories were Vanity and Uniondale, who ceased publishing Who’s Who in 2017.
An upcoming author like myself does not need to waste money on such a useless publication. Yet, I see a few hands raised among my blog readers. Why are you writing about this? The company is gone. Right?
When I graduated high school in 1988, every student got onto a mailing list (the school districts got a kickback for providing a list of their graduates). One of these companies published the “Who’s Who of the class of 1988.” Wow, what an honor. For only $$$, I could be in Who’s Who?! Then everybody would know me! Think of the doors that would open. At least, that is what the try-fold brochure claimed.
Of course, I did not pay for an entry because I asked my father about it. Side note. I knew kids that paid for an entry. But wait, there’s more! When I graduated from college, another letter arrived. Yes, I could be in the exclusive club of people in the Who’s Who of Electrical Engineers graduating in 1993!
That was long ago, and I still see a few raised hands. Why now? Three months ago, my daughter took her pre-SAT test, and they sold her name to EVERYONE. Did you know she was pre-qualified to submit her (paid) application to every university? Did you know they nominated her for an AWARD?! It’s true. She can claim her “Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence.” Wow, I am so proud and see my blog readers clapping. But I cannot take all the credit; my daughter can open mail too.
To claim the award, she (accompanied by an adult) will fly to Miami, stay at the Marriot hotel, and pay for the banquet, where she will receive her award. Plus, a transaction and booking fee. My daughter immediately saw through the ruse, but she put the award up on the refrigerator as a joke.
But then, it happened. My daughter got another letter. Guess who? That’s right; she can be in the “Who’s Who of the class of 2024!” What an honor.
This got me thinking about why I write. I do not write for fame or fortune. I write to share my stories. However, some people write for fame. But what if your books are less than popular? You can pay for fame, and Who’s Who is a path to glory. “Bill Conrad, a celebrated author featured in Who’s Who.”
I suppose it is cool to see yourself in print, and I recall looking myself up in the phone book. “Everybody else can look up my name and get my phone number. How cool!” Now, it is super easy to “Google” yourself. Perhaps my blog readers could Google my books and buy one or two? Maybe then I can have enough money to pay for my daughter to be in the Who’s Who of the class of 2024!
You’re the best! -Bill
March 23, 2023
Fast forward to the epic ‘20-80s. Who’s Who had become the “go to” reference (yellow-pages telephone book) of important people. Author? Scientist? Artist? There was no choice. You had to be listed in the Who’s Who. Why? An entry made a normal person into a “celebrated” person, and the publication stood as proof. To cement your standing, you would update the profile annually with your latest accomplishments, projects, and certifications.
Of course, at the beginning of the book, there was a fee and all kinds of expensive options, such as photographs, graphics, and premiere placement. Plus, you needed a copy of this “industry standard” to see yourself. And to do “research” on the other people in your given field (see how your profile compares to others). My father was a talented ceramics author in the ’70-80s and paid dearly to have his entry in the Who’s Who.
Well, what happened? The myth was that everybody (of importance) would have a copy and use it to look up critical facts about the industry leaders. However, this was a fantasy, and people eventually realized the “reference” was useless. Let’s use my father as an example. Would a ceramic artist buy this expensive reference book, look up my father’s name and then buy his books? That was certainly the sales pitch.
No, they would go to the library. And what would people do at the library? They would research the available books and either check them out, request them, or go to a bookstore.
There is a more fundamental problem. Who cares?! The Who’s Who of ceramics lists all the ceramic artists, sculptors, teachers, authors, and amateurs. Dredging through the alphabetical list takes a long time to gain limited knowledge.
And what about this “knowledge?” Were the entries fact-checked? Of course not! The entries only built ego.
By the late ‘80s, the public had caught on, and these books were no longer popular. In America, the major publishers of these directories were Vanity and Uniondale, who ceased publishing Who’s Who in 2017.
An upcoming author like myself does not need to waste money on such a useless publication. Yet, I see a few hands raised among my blog readers. Why are you writing about this? The company is gone. Right?
When I graduated high school in 1988, every student got onto a mailing list (the school districts got a kickback for providing a list of their graduates). One of these companies published the “Who’s Who of the class of 1988.” Wow, what an honor. For only $$$, I could be in Who’s Who?! Then everybody would know me! Think of the doors that would open. At least, that is what the try-fold brochure claimed.
Of course, I did not pay for an entry because I asked my father about it. Side note. I knew kids that paid for an entry. But wait, there’s more! When I graduated from college, another letter arrived. Yes, I could be in the exclusive club of people in the Who’s Who of Electrical Engineers graduating in 1993!
That was long ago, and I still see a few raised hands. Why now? Three months ago, my daughter took her pre-SAT test, and they sold her name to EVERYONE. Did you know she was pre-qualified to submit her (paid) application to every university? Did you know they nominated her for an AWARD?! It’s true. She can claim her “Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence.” Wow, I am so proud and see my blog readers clapping. But I cannot take all the credit; my daughter can open mail too.
To claim the award, she (accompanied by an adult) will fly to Miami, stay at the Marriot hotel, and pay for the banquet, where she will receive her award. Plus, a transaction and booking fee. My daughter immediately saw through the ruse, but she put the award up on the refrigerator as a joke.
But then, it happened. My daughter got another letter. Guess who? That’s right; she can be in the “Who’s Who of the class of 2024!” What an honor.
This got me thinking about why I write. I do not write for fame or fortune. I write to share my stories. However, some people write for fame. But what if your books are less than popular? You can pay for fame, and Who’s Who is a path to glory. “Bill Conrad, a celebrated author featured in Who’s Who.”
I suppose it is cool to see yourself in print, and I recall looking myself up in the phone book. “Everybody else can look up my name and get my phone number. How cool!” Now, it is super easy to “Google” yourself. Perhaps my blog readers could Google my books and buy one or two? Maybe then I can have enough money to pay for my daughter to be in the Who’s Who of the class of 2024!
You’re the best! -Bill
March 23, 2023
March 15, 2023
Did Not Age Well
Society has changed since I was a child. Most of the changes are positive, such as making great strides toward reducing racism and sexism. However, there have been setbacks, and two examples are grunge music and the Tide Pod challenge. What were people thinking? What are they still thinking?
These changes surrounded me, and I adapted to what was new. Bell-bottom jeans? I was lucky to have parents who did not buy them for me. However, I took a deep dive into 80s music, which still makes up 90% of my playlist. RUSH RULES!!!!! Alright, truth. I did wear corduroy pants, OP shirts, Jordache Jeans, and a salmon pink shirt. Stylin’
Unfortunately, there is a problem with books and movies. They stand as anchors to how society used to be because writers wrote them at a single point in time. For example, a risqué funny scene that is now considered sexist. Therefore, we look down on “outdated” works.
Nobody can predict what society will find offensive in the future. Plus, writers run a fine line when adding “shock value.” Often, controversial additions were barely acceptable when the work was released. However, we also appreciate that it is difficult to create something popular and, more importantly, make money.
An excellent example of a material that did not age well is the now-banned eleven Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny) cartoons of the ‘40s and ‘50s. (They are still available on YouTube and on one DVD release, so they are not “banned.”) These cartoons had racial stereotypes that we now consider offensive, and by the ‘70s, the cartoons were no longer on television and were not available to anyone. At that time, consumers couldn’t purchase any television show or movie. Eventually, these cartoons got re-released on videotape and DVD with a strong disclaimer.
Well? What do we do? Ban these works? Edit them? Add a disclaimer? Start a WOKE campaign to “remove these dregs from society?” These solutions have been implemented and continue to be implemented.
A good example of a recently edited book (by the publisher) is the works by celebrated children’s author Roald Dahl’s books. (James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Twits, George’s Marvellous Medicine, and Danny, the Champion of the World.) The publisher’s goal was to remove “offensive descriptions.” However, there was an unexpected pushback from parents and bookstores. This has created quite a controversy on both sides of the issue, and several bookstores are refusing to carry the altered versions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-TJW...
Well, what is an author supposed to do? Not write offensive works? Not take risks? Only write in the “safe past?” Umm? Do your best to be a good author… That is the best advice I have.
What about a concerned/conservative parent or a sensitive adult who dislikes filth in our society? My opinion is that the world has changed and is not going back. Trying to rewind the clock makes the problem worse. Preparing our children to stop reading or viewing when they encounter offensive material.
What about something public, such as the statue of a brutal historical figure? Umm… Fortunately, this blog is about books; I do not have to address that topic.
I try to write respectively, and this limits what areas I can explore. Of course, my morals also define my entertainment choices. Life is full of compromises, and we (my blog readers) can only do our best.
You’re the best! -Bill
March 15, 2023
These changes surrounded me, and I adapted to what was new. Bell-bottom jeans? I was lucky to have parents who did not buy them for me. However, I took a deep dive into 80s music, which still makes up 90% of my playlist. RUSH RULES!!!!! Alright, truth. I did wear corduroy pants, OP shirts, Jordache Jeans, and a salmon pink shirt. Stylin’
Unfortunately, there is a problem with books and movies. They stand as anchors to how society used to be because writers wrote them at a single point in time. For example, a risqué funny scene that is now considered sexist. Therefore, we look down on “outdated” works.
Nobody can predict what society will find offensive in the future. Plus, writers run a fine line when adding “shock value.” Often, controversial additions were barely acceptable when the work was released. However, we also appreciate that it is difficult to create something popular and, more importantly, make money.
An excellent example of a material that did not age well is the now-banned eleven Looney Tunes (Bugs Bunny) cartoons of the ‘40s and ‘50s. (They are still available on YouTube and on one DVD release, so they are not “banned.”) These cartoons had racial stereotypes that we now consider offensive, and by the ‘70s, the cartoons were no longer on television and were not available to anyone. At that time, consumers couldn’t purchase any television show or movie. Eventually, these cartoons got re-released on videotape and DVD with a strong disclaimer.
Well? What do we do? Ban these works? Edit them? Add a disclaimer? Start a WOKE campaign to “remove these dregs from society?” These solutions have been implemented and continue to be implemented.
A good example of a recently edited book (by the publisher) is the works by celebrated children’s author Roald Dahl’s books. (James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, The Twits, George’s Marvellous Medicine, and Danny, the Champion of the World.) The publisher’s goal was to remove “offensive descriptions.” However, there was an unexpected pushback from parents and bookstores. This has created quite a controversy on both sides of the issue, and several bookstores are refusing to carry the altered versions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-TJW...
Well, what is an author supposed to do? Not write offensive works? Not take risks? Only write in the “safe past?” Umm? Do your best to be a good author… That is the best advice I have.
What about a concerned/conservative parent or a sensitive adult who dislikes filth in our society? My opinion is that the world has changed and is not going back. Trying to rewind the clock makes the problem worse. Preparing our children to stop reading or viewing when they encounter offensive material.
What about something public, such as the statue of a brutal historical figure? Umm… Fortunately, this blog is about books; I do not have to address that topic.
I try to write respectively, and this limits what areas I can explore. Of course, my morals also define my entertainment choices. Life is full of compromises, and we (my blog readers) can only do our best.
You’re the best! -Bill
March 15, 2023
March 8, 2023
Laugh Tracks
I recently re-watched the ‘80s BBC television series Red Dwarf for (at least) the fifth time. It is an excellent science fiction comedy about an imbecile human who wakes up from a three-million-year cryogenic sleep. I enjoyed the show when it first aired and enjoyed it again.
The first episode has funny hijinks, and they filmed it with a studio audience. The resulting video has added laughter during a funny scene. The reason behind the addition is twofold. Bringing life to the actors is the first benefit. They hear reactions that enhance their acting. The second is to entice the viewing audience. They hear other people laughing, and this encourages them to laugh. This effect can add to the humor.
Because it is expensive to film in front of an audience, television producers add a “laugh track” which is “mixing in” pre-recorded laughter.
I dislike laugh tracks and only tolerate a mild amount of audience laughter. However, as I watched Red Dwarf, something changed in season seven. They took away the laughter. At first, this was a surprise and then a slight disappointment because I was used to the format. Later, I enjoyed the silence because I could concentrate on the entertainment. However, it returned in season eight, and I had to adapt. This transition got me thinking about laugh tracks.
Some television shows went overboard with laugh tracks; the best example is MASH. Here is the basic format.
The character walks into the room and makes a funny smile.
The character unnaturally pauses while laughter is inserted by the sound editor.
Moments later, the character makes a humorous reference.
The character unnaturally pauses while laughter is inserted.
The problem is that an awkward pause breaks up the momentum. In real life, do you do something and then pause for no apparent reason? People would look at you with confused expressions and ask, “Is everything alright? Are you having a heart attack?” Fortunately, laugh tracks are limited to sitcoms. I have never encountered a movie with a laugh track or one that is filmed in front of an audience. Of course, actors perform plays in front of a live audience, which is part of their charm.
Has there ever been a book with a laugh track? Well, sort of.
Bob asked with a smile, “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
“No idea,” Jane answered.
“To get to the other side,” he answered, and Jane laughed.
Or:
“To get to the other side. Ha-ha.”
However, that is not quite the point. A laugh track is an unseen third group of people laughing.
“To get to the other side,” Bob answered, and then the audience laughed for ten seconds.
What audience? When did they get there? I thought Bob and Jane were alone? Note that this is exactly what happens in a sitcom. Characters representing real people are doing their normal activities, and this unseen third group of people laughs. It makes no sense, but viewers love it.
I find it interesting to discuss a popular entertainment element that cannot exist in a book. For example, laugh tracks have become an integrated part of television, yet they have no use in writing. And books really need help because it is tough to write comedy that only exists on stale paper.
As a writer, I wish I could hear readers reacting to my funny scenes. Do they laugh out loud? Do they smirk? Or did my humor fail to connect? What if readers were all reading at the same time? Would a few readers laugh, and then the rest join in? Would that help the experience? I will never know.
How about an interactive eBook that analyzes a reader’s face? When a smile gets detected, the reader inserts a laugh track. Hmm. This might be an exciting invention, but I would not use that feature. I enjoy the silent aspect of reading. “My mind is the scene.” However, some readers might enjoy more interaction. Side note. Do audiobooks contain laugh tracks? I have only listened to three, so I do not know.
My local cinema has a “4D” theater. This added technology subjects the viewers to motion, vibration, wind, snow, fog, strobes, rain, lights, and scents. I recall in the ‘50s that, some theater staff would interact with the audiences, and there were added effects. So this audience-engaging technology is not new, and there is a movie about this ‘50s concept, Matinee starring John Goodman:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107529
I suppose we have come full circle. Including a laugh track in a book is impossible, and that is probably a good thing. Is it possible in a blog? Sure! Please click hear to listen to endless laughter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToOV5...
Did you get the pun? Hear, not here. Ha-ha-ha-ha.
The first episode has funny hijinks, and they filmed it with a studio audience. The resulting video has added laughter during a funny scene. The reason behind the addition is twofold. Bringing life to the actors is the first benefit. They hear reactions that enhance their acting. The second is to entice the viewing audience. They hear other people laughing, and this encourages them to laugh. This effect can add to the humor.
Because it is expensive to film in front of an audience, television producers add a “laugh track” which is “mixing in” pre-recorded laughter.
I dislike laugh tracks and only tolerate a mild amount of audience laughter. However, as I watched Red Dwarf, something changed in season seven. They took away the laughter. At first, this was a surprise and then a slight disappointment because I was used to the format. Later, I enjoyed the silence because I could concentrate on the entertainment. However, it returned in season eight, and I had to adapt. This transition got me thinking about laugh tracks.
Some television shows went overboard with laugh tracks; the best example is MASH. Here is the basic format.
The character walks into the room and makes a funny smile.
The character unnaturally pauses while laughter is inserted by the sound editor.
Moments later, the character makes a humorous reference.
The character unnaturally pauses while laughter is inserted.
The problem is that an awkward pause breaks up the momentum. In real life, do you do something and then pause for no apparent reason? People would look at you with confused expressions and ask, “Is everything alright? Are you having a heart attack?” Fortunately, laugh tracks are limited to sitcoms. I have never encountered a movie with a laugh track or one that is filmed in front of an audience. Of course, actors perform plays in front of a live audience, which is part of their charm.
Has there ever been a book with a laugh track? Well, sort of.
Bob asked with a smile, “Why did the chicken cross the road?”
“No idea,” Jane answered.
“To get to the other side,” he answered, and Jane laughed.
Or:
“To get to the other side. Ha-ha.”
However, that is not quite the point. A laugh track is an unseen third group of people laughing.
“To get to the other side,” Bob answered, and then the audience laughed for ten seconds.
What audience? When did they get there? I thought Bob and Jane were alone? Note that this is exactly what happens in a sitcom. Characters representing real people are doing their normal activities, and this unseen third group of people laughs. It makes no sense, but viewers love it.
I find it interesting to discuss a popular entertainment element that cannot exist in a book. For example, laugh tracks have become an integrated part of television, yet they have no use in writing. And books really need help because it is tough to write comedy that only exists on stale paper.
As a writer, I wish I could hear readers reacting to my funny scenes. Do they laugh out loud? Do they smirk? Or did my humor fail to connect? What if readers were all reading at the same time? Would a few readers laugh, and then the rest join in? Would that help the experience? I will never know.
How about an interactive eBook that analyzes a reader’s face? When a smile gets detected, the reader inserts a laugh track. Hmm. This might be an exciting invention, but I would not use that feature. I enjoy the silent aspect of reading. “My mind is the scene.” However, some readers might enjoy more interaction. Side note. Do audiobooks contain laugh tracks? I have only listened to three, so I do not know.
My local cinema has a “4D” theater. This added technology subjects the viewers to motion, vibration, wind, snow, fog, strobes, rain, lights, and scents. I recall in the ‘50s that, some theater staff would interact with the audiences, and there were added effects. So this audience-engaging technology is not new, and there is a movie about this ‘50s concept, Matinee starring John Goodman:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107529
I suppose we have come full circle. Including a laugh track in a book is impossible, and that is probably a good thing. Is it possible in a blog? Sure! Please click hear to listen to endless laughter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToOV5...
Did you get the pun? Hear, not here. Ha-ha-ha-ha.
