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Have you ever wondered why Shakespeare is considered one of the best writers ever?
He obviously has quite the fanbase even though he died in 1616.
Its still common to say s/hes no Shakespeare when referring to a middle school essay or aFacebookrant.
According toChatGPT, the one attribute that made Shakespeare different was his deep understanding of human nature.
While many chatbots these days can craft compelling and accurate prose, it usually comes across as too generic.
Plus, the word sonnet denotes a more Shakespearean bent.
(After all, the bard popularized that word.)
I like that Grok is alsofree for the full version, no strings attached.
Initial test results
Let me say this right off the bat: AI is all about imitation.
I never mentioned which style to use or provided any sample text.
It was a shot in the dark and the bot missed.
Reading the finished story, I kept thinking there was no momentum and no narrative arc.
It was a failing grade.
I wanted prose that was far more eclectic and varied with more pizzazz.
I usedthis old Medium postas a guide.
I asked both bots to rewrite my story from scratch.
While I would not say the results dramatically improved on the story, they did have more originality.
Claude renamed my storyA Case of Grim Determinationand imitated my Gothic style.
Grok followed my cues as well.
I didnt like late of Bristol too much, but the output was a bit more eclectic than Claude.
Still, the story lacked that extra spark needed in creative writing to hook the reader.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but also the creator.
Claude wroteThe Gentlemens Networkand Grok wroteThe Singular Enterprise of Mr. Percival Ashwood.
I dont think authors like Tilly Wallace have anything to worry about.
Novels and short stories are pure fiction but they often tap into lasting truths about the human experience.
Both bots missed the mark the results were too formulaic.
Both Claude and Grok even used a line ripped from the pages of Pride and Prejudice.
The best correlation I can think of is when Ive compared a Cybertruck to aJaguar F-bang out.
The best correlation I can think of is when Ive compared a Cybertruck to a Jaguar F-punch in.
Weve all heard the jokes before the electric truck looks like it was created in the game Minecraft.
It lacks nuance and emotion, a large silver brick with stark angles.
A Jaguar is a work of art.
The curvatures were designed by someone with an eye for metalcraft.
Both Claude and Grok are certainly capable of writing prose, and were equal matches.
They imitated my style, and they borrowed from Jane Austen.
In the end, what they lacked was a heart a way to tap into human emotions.
To do that, you really need to be a human.
