Blog writing | my version
The way I work is to attempt to assemble a web post using my own experience and previous (fuzzy) memory.
I start by scribbling into my A4 spiral-bound notebook with a 0.7 mm mechanical pencil in various cafes I visit on my regular morning strolls. I crack out 500 or more words straight off the top of my head. Usually this is completed in one sitting.
When I get home, I then dictate the text into Apple Notes, although I’ve started using Gemini AI as its dictation is considerably more accurate than the Apple native dictation, particularly with New Zealand localisation like place names or other details. Sometimes I replace words and re-order paragraphs.
The first and last paragraphs are closely considered so they have high impact. The parting thought has to resonate.
In reality, the amount of editing is limited for most of what I come up with. The words seem to flow without effort, and sometimes I’m left thinking: Where did that come from?
I’m not keen to use AI to make suggestions or rewrite my casual Kiwi style into American corporate speak, or worse, with an obviously New Zealand idiom.
I kinda like my own style.
As an experiment, I decided to see what the three AI apps I’ve been using would do with this text. Qwen was the first AI I stumbled over, then Gemini. Most recently, I thought I’d check a piece of writing with ChatGPT.
This was the prompt:
I am writing a blog post for my personal website, and this is intended to be for a general audience who have an interest in my thoughts but might not be particularly academic. Some readers know me well, but some will be unfamiliar with my background or my casual Kiwi writing style. My style is intentionally chatty, and I’m obviously interested in the bigger picture rather than nitpicking details. Critique, offer suggestions, and give reasons for them.
Also, give me another version you think is better. Go for it!