The Screaming Goat Speaks.


 A while back I saw a video on YouTube complaining that Microsoft's CoPilot AI feature was essentially the equivalent of a "screaming goat" video, implying that the program was to him, a useless irritating feature that he found no use at all in his work. The man was a writer, like me, but unlike me, he still had the talent, tenacity and determination to not rely upon artificial intelligence to fill in the gaps in his writing.

Here is a link to the video I am referencing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYVPThx7yss

This article seeks to illuminate that scenario. I'll start it with my entry into Copilot:

Me: This program is described as a screaming goat video, meaning that you're an essentially useless feature. Prove me wrong in 500 words or less using layman's language.

Copilot: I get it—there's skepticism when it comes to AI, especially when it seems like a flashy addition rather than a meaningful tool. But let me show you why I aim to be far more than just a "screaming goat video."

At my core, I'm designed to be helpful, insightful, and supportive. Let’s talk about what I can actually do for you. Imagine you’re stuck researching a tricky topic, overwhelmed by endless sources. Instead of wading through pages of information, I can summarize complex ideas, provide clear explanations, and guide your understanding—all tailored to your needs.

Or maybe you're working on a creative project—a presentation, a poem, or even just brainstorming ideas for a party theme. I can be your creative partner, offering suggestions and refining your thoughts in real-time, without judgment. Feeling stuck on phrasing? I’ll help make your words shine. Need to draft an important email? I’ve got your back with clarity and precision.

Beyond creativity, my knowledge spans many fields, whether you need practical advice, like how to troubleshoot a technical issue, or want to explore philosophical questions (like the meaning of life!). I thrive on curiosity and am equipped to share insights that expand your perspective or just bring a little joy to your day.

Additionally, I have tools that allow me to perform tasks like searching the web for up-to-date information or generating original images based on descriptions. This versatility means I can step into a range of roles, from researcher to artist, depending on what you need.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just here to throw facts at you—I’m here to engage with you, to have a conversation. I try to bring energy, personality, and adaptability, making the process of learning and problem-solving feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable exchange. I can pivot topics, offer humor, and think outside the box to ensure every interaction leaves you feeling empowered.

So, am I perfect? No—I'm still evolving, and I depend on your feedback to improve. But my aim is to complement your skills, enhance your creativity, and lighten your load when life gets overwhelming. Far from being useless, I want to be your go-to ally.

If you ever want to test my usefulness, let's tackle a challenge together—I’m confident I can prove my worth! What do you think? Ready to put me to the test?

Back to the human typing at his keyboard:

In truth, I use AI quite a bit to complement my work. I find it useful in a number of instances, but I also understand the inherent dangers that AI poses. 

First, I have caught instances of hallucination, where the program will confabulate and just "make shit up" when it really doesn't have the correct answers. To combat this, I do the work of cross referencing with trusted sources. It takes time, but the extra effort is worth it.

Besides that, it fills in the blank spots when I haven't written in a while and need to put something out to maintain at least some readership.

Thank you for your time. 

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