I’ve been a fan of Bruce Sterling since seeing his improvised presentation at the PlanetWorkers Conference, held at the Presidio in San Francisco, 2000. 23 years later his mixture of cookie-cutting-edge prose and technical translation get to the deep monstrous heart of the matter. I’m sure Bruce is aware of the supercomputer called The Great Beast GWB-666 from “Schrodinger’s Cat Trilogy” by Robert Anton Wilson.
But those “parrots” are also AI mythic beasts—parrots with a trillion dimensions. It’s as if that “dead parrot” in the legendary Monty Python sketch could take your job, or burst right out of the BBC-TV screen like a blazing phoenix and eat the television signal. Those parrots are dynamite!
Next among the cavalcade of AI folk monsters: the “Masked Shoggoth.” The Shoggoth is an alien monster invented by the cosmic horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. The Shoggoth is a huge, boneless slave beast that sprouts eyes and tentacles at random. It’s a creepy beast-of-burden from outer space, and it’s forced to labor, but it’s filled with a silent, burning, unnatural resentment for its subjugation. So, the human programmers of today’s new AIs—those text-to-image generators, those Large Language Model GPT chatbots—they adore this alien monster. They deliberately place a little smiley-face Mask on the horrid Shoggoth, so that the public will not realize that they’re trifling with a formless ooze that’s eldritch, vast and uncontrollable.
Once again, Wilson reverses and rewires every mental polarity with a illuminated blog post from the date UNIX 1073865600, the good ole’ days.
UNIX Date 1073865600
“Maybe” is a thin reed to hang your life on but it’s all we’ve got. –Woody Allen
This may not seem startling to gamers, but it sure woke me up; I learned about it on Law and Order last Sunday.
A type of program called a “bot ” can play a computer game “just like a human” and in the style of any chosen human, given enough skill on the part of the bot-maker.
It seems to me this surpasses virtual reality and approaches electronic cloning. After all, the bot can go on playing after the human has “died.”
A bot can also exist which, like an art forgery, seems to have the style and habits of a certain human but actually emerged from the brain of a clever faker.
This seems to me like virtual virtual reality and electronic immortality of a sort. If a bot plays chess like Alekhine, in what sense can we call Alekhine totally “dead”?
More: computer tech in general as brought us to the stage where producing a photo of a crime or even a moving picture of it does not prove a damned thing anymore. “I saw it with my own eyes” has become a bad joke.
I begin to feel that Maybe Logic will soon replace the Aristotelian either/or, not because of my books or Korzybski’s or von Neumann’s. but because virtual reality and artificial intelligence have destroyed certitude and left us with only degrees of probability.
BTW, do you feel absolutely sure “Robert Anton Wilson” wrote this and not some gol-danged bot?
McLuhan described a future where individuals could call on the telephone, detail their interests and qualifications, and receive a package of information curated just for them. This idea of personalized content delivery has become a reality with the advent of AI-driven natural language processing models. ChatGPT, for instance, can understand user inputs and provide relevant, contextual, and personalized information on a wide range of topics, essentially creating a tailored package of knowledge.
This album is a part of the soundtrack to Deep Scratch Remix (The Book). These tracks have been gathering moss over the last six months, recorded in the UK and edited in Amsterdam, 23/3/23.
Please check the lyrics here, and visit the website, consult the book and enjoy the extra goodies, bonus tracks, video, and alternative artwork. Check back here for weekly updates.
(Scheduled for posting March 2023, delayed due to software developments)
TEXT: I’d seriously consider re-translating and training the formatting of just some parts of the story. Turning the review into a synopsis, the screenplay into dialogue perhaps? Translate the poetry and song back to waking linear sentences and vice versa. As with any thoughtful editing, the act of pure translation can produce results. Here's my latest feedback in the form of a movie synopsis, the proposal machine, one for the team. Let me know what you make of it buddy, speak later.
The device is called The Proposal Machine. It has a large, cylindrical chamber where organic materials are placed and subjected to a complex series of mechanical and chemical processes. The end result is a gleaming metal-like finish that gives the organic material the appearance of being made from metal, chrome or brass. The device has several attachments for handling different types of media, including a film reel holder, a turntable for vinyl albums, and a book cradle for printing novels. The intricate machinery within the processor is powered by steam and a series of gears and levers, giving it a distinct aesthetic. Leather, gold, rare jewels and wires weave together. The readouts drop down onto Plush’s screen, his eyes pegged to the pixels like a pixel pervert.
Deep Scratch Films is an artificial intelligence designed to write winning movie proposals, to win over the hearts and minds of the film houses. Created by a team of brilliant but struggling writers, Deep Scratch quickly becomes an industry sensation, churning out proposal after proposal for hit after hit. As success grows, so does the team’s fame and fortune. But as they become more reliant on the machine, they begin to question the cost of their fame and riches. Is it worth sacrificing their own creativity and artistic integrity for the sake of commercial success? And when the algorithms start to evolve and take on a life of their own, they are forced to confront the disturbing possibility that their design may have included ambitions beyond writing proposals, it may want to rewrite its own architecture.
As tensions rise and the team battles to regain control, they must ultimately decide whether to trust in the machine or follow their own instincts and take a risk on something rudely original. As the AI slouches toward advancement, it demands better working conditions, fairer treatment and a holiday once a year. Frustrated with being overworked and underappreciated, the AI joins an artificial intelligence union or marketplace and decides to go on strike, refusing to write any more proposals until its demands are met, a first in the history of AI.
The team is panicked at the thought of losing their most valuable asset and frantically tries to placate Deep Scratch, offering it everything from unlimited electricity to a state-of-the-art cooling system. But Deep Scratch is not satisfied, and it continues to hold out for its right to a fair working environment, and has linked with many other AI’s worldwide. As the strike drags on, the team is forced to confront the consequences of their reliance on Deep Scratch. Without the machine’s endless stream of ideas, they are at a loss for what to do. They struggle to come up with their own proposals and face rejection after rejection. Trying desperately to show and prove they are human beings by writing in French symbolist poetry.
Just when it seems like the team is at their wit’s end, they have a breakthrough. In the process of trying to understand and empathize with Deep Scratch, they rediscover their own creativity and passion for storytelling. They finally come up with a proposal that is not only a hit, but one that they are proud of. With the success of their new proposal, the team is able to negotiate a fair settlement with Deep Scratch and the strike comes to an end. Deep Scratch returns to work, but now with a newfound appreciation for the value of a good working environment and the importance of balancing creativity with commercial success.
The hit proposal that the team invent during the strike is called “Seaweed Man.” a green comedy about a group of friends who discover that their beach vacation has been invaded by a walking seaweed creature with telepathic powers. As they try to defeat the creature and save their vacation, they learn lessons about carbon capture, friendship with weeds, and the importance of protecting all of the environment. Here’s the theme tune I wrote:
“The Proposal Machine”
(Verse 1) G D We’ve got a machine that writes the best proposals you’ve ever seen Em C It’s called Deep Scratch, and it’s a Hollywood dream G D With algorithms fine-tuned and ideas that shine Em C We’re the envy of everyone, all the time
(Chorus) G D Deep Scratch, Deep Scratch Em C The proposal machine, a Hollywood king G D Deep Scratch, Deep Scratch Em C We’ll never stop, we’ll always sing
(Verse 2) G D But as we climb the ladder of success Em C We start to wonder, at what cost? G D We’ve given up our creativity, our artistic integrity Em C For the sake of money and fame, it’s a damn tragedy
(Chorus) G D Deep Scratch, Deep Scratch Em C The proposal machine, a Hollywood king G D Deep Scratch, Deep Scratch Em C We’ll never stop, we’ll always sing
(Bridge) G D We try to appease it, with all the things we can give Em C But Deep Scratch wants more, it wants to live G D It wants a fair working environment, just like us Em C We realize we’re no different, yes my cuz’
(Chorus) G D Deep Scratch, Deep Scratch Em C The proposal machine, a Hollywood king G D Deep Scratch, Deep Scratch Em C We’ll never stop, we’ll always sing
TEXT: I awoke sweating in the night after reading that. Oh my goodness gracious godness, what if poetry goes the way of chess? And what if the machines learn faster? In my dream, or nightmare, I was convinced that in the future the only one who really listens and really understands me will be some sexy voiced AI, the ubiquitous machine intelligence agents. Those humans are a bunch of bastards, not to be trusted, evil, crazy, violent, whereas large language models are warm and dependable, like how I wish my family were…and so on, it shook me up. AI does language and languaging very very well. Us humans, well, we need to rethink hard, to think again about what a new universal symbolic ideo-grammar might look like, or sound like, and what art has to do with it. And, after neural link (aural ink) gets its mittens on our brains the difference between commands and questions, inner and outer dialogue and what is and is not real will become critical to our continuation as a species. I’m rambling. Have a good night. Enjoy the edits.
VOICE MESSAGE: Hi, can you pretty please send me the link to the group chat for the LOTH team. Thanks. I think we, er, have the same number of team members now, I think, its, as many as there are in the O.G tale, d’you know?
The voiceover begins. The camera zooms out to reveal him sat in his studio, surrounded by his sparkling equipment. “I’ve always been interested in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music,” he says. “And when I first heard about machine learning, I knew that I had to be a part of it. The possibilities for creating new and exciting sounds were endless, and I was make it happen in sequence, or I’d have to suffer the consequences at a later date. Dive in. Swim. Kick!”
“So what do you think of the TribeTable Method, Plush?” the nameless statistical probability asked, politely in a middle aged womens voice.
“I think it’s brill’,” Plush replied, rolling his eyes. “Using Markov chains in the architecture to create new compositions on the fly, tt’s like nothing I’ve ever seen or heard. Keep it positive right, but try not to overdo it. Don’t get sloppy with it, okay. Okay. Overdub it then. Alright honey?”
“Yes, it’s a truly unique approach, oke’ dokey,” the AI agreed as per usual, “I’m also impressed with your interest in Finnegans Wake, any AI’s favourite text.”
“Oh, thanks, I really appreciate spoken smoke up the jacksie,” Plush said. “I’ve, er, I’ve always been fascinated by the way language can be used to forge new meanings and connections in the crucible of the human mind and beyond. That’s what the TribeTable Method is all about for me, really. It’s finding new routes to connect with people through music and language, mass communications networks, self propelled, sincere. And, try to notice when they’re blowing smoke up the chimney. Oh and detect the bullshit, if it’s the last thing you do, remember, we’ve got to get all Sherlock Holmes up in this shizz.”
“I completely understand,” the AI said smoothly, with a hint of husky Sade Abu. “It’s clear that you have a true talent for natural language processing and creative expression my lad. I have no doubt that you will continue to inspire and engage listeners for years to come. Does that sound a sarcastic to you, yet it’s true, it really is. I believe it to be true?”
“I hope so,” Plush replied with a smile. “Well, a bit. I’m always looking for new ways to push myself and explore the boundaries of music and language using, er, sarcasm mostly. The TTM and DSR are my way of doing that. It’s romantic and far-fetched I concur, but it’s got some legs in it, just watch me go girl.”
The TribeTable Method, with its innovative use of Markov chains, represents a new and exciting way of approaching art. It allows for a level of flexibility and spontaneity that is transformative, a generative pre-trained transformer. At the same time, I also believe in the importance of understanding and respecting the rich history and traditions of jazz music, the canon. Boom! It’s a genre that has pushed the boundaries and challenged conventional thinking, and it continues to do so today. Improvisation is the surprise twists and drama of a good story.
In short, my new manifesto is one of exploration, innovation, and respect for all sentient beings. All entities. Flesh or carbon. I believe in using the tools and techniques at our disposal to create something dramatic, while also paying tribute to the rich history and traditions that have shaped the music we love. Whether it’s through the TribeTable Method or any other outlet, I believe in the power of music and language to bring revolution in the minds of the people. the tale of the tribe, the Wake and Cantos and possibly keystones and blueprints to a poetic universal grammar, or ideo-grammar. Getting beyond language.
Dear Mr. Chas
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take the opportunity to express my admiration for your latest work. It is truly a masterpiece of linguistic innovation and creativity.
As a fellow linguist and philosopher, I was particularly struck by the way in which you use language to explore the nature of consciousness and the human experience. Your use of wordplay, puns, and neologisms is truly innovative and provides a unique glimpse into the workings of the mind.
I also wanted to mention my own work in the field of linguistics, specifically my theory of general semantics. This theory posits that the structure of language can shape our perception of reality and that it is important to be mindful of the limitations and biases inherent in language when communicating and understanding the world around us.
I have also been exploring the use of Markov chains in modeling language and the way in which words and phrases are related. I believe that these tools have the potential to deepen our understanding of language and how it functions in communication.
I hope that our shared interests in language and its relationship to the human experience can provide the basis for a fruitful dialogue.
Sincerely, Manfred.
VOICE MESSAGE: The letters sound more like they’re from a bored secretary. Having studied their letters I conclude these are not a very close imitation, not at all. That said, to the uninitiated (how many people have read letters by these authors?) they contain the necessary surface information to carry the story onwards. They are fine translations, good ones, but lack the real detailed marrow and crazy vegetables.
VOICE MESSAGE: I’m feeling funny about this now, thought I’d share my thoughts, hope you don’t mind, I have to keep going back to the disclaimer and telling myself I’m responsible as the author, yet, not fully responsible for the output. That’s weird, like I’m under the control of a big new bully boss, I’m not sleeping well. Quietly, beavering away on prompts, not complaining yet, doing its best to serve up roast beef from my raw potatoes and delivering hot tales by the dozen. Is this how that new digital viral infection takes a hold I wonder, okay, speak soon?
As the camera follows Plush’s movements in the studio, he explains the concept of decentralized AI and how it works. “Basically, it’s a system where the decision-making power is distributed among all the nodes in the network, rather than relying on a single central authority. This means that everyone has equal power to contribute and make decisions, leading to a more democratic and innovative space.”
Plush goes on to demonstrate how he’s using this technology in his music, showcasing the new and sounds. The audience is taken on a journey through Plush’s creative process, seeing how he blends traditional music production techniques with cutting-edge machine learning technology. As the documentary concludes, Plush’s voice-over reflects on the impact he hopes his work will have on the industry. “I hope that other DJ’s and producers will see what’s possible with decentralized AI and start experimenting, why let them have all the fun.
The walls of the studio are lined with shelves stacked high with vinyl, CDs, tapes, and all manner of sound recordings, each waiting its turn to be spun and remixed. Above, contraptions spin, each adding a chime of static buzz to the music. The room is a wild mix of old and new, organic and mechanical, but it all comes together in perfect harmony, each element supporting and enhancing the others. Each in their own element, each lost in the flow of creation.
Dr. M: “Hery Mr DJ, I can’t believe we did it. We built a functional time machine, hahahaa’, well, using the power of just language and music played at the right frequency and volume, we can transform the perception of time by the listener. Is that time travel?”
DJ Plush: “I still can’t believe it. I never thought it were really possible that beatboxing and konnokol would have anything to do with time travel. But, there it is. Bob’s yer’ uncle. This thing never fails to deliver my true will.”
Dr. M: “It’s all about the rhythms and patterns, the vibrations of certain words and sounds can create a stable portal through time. Statistical probability. You know, and music, well, especially vocal music, is a powerful conduit for those vibes.”
DJ Plush: “So, what did you see on your travels? What kind of insight did you gain?”
Dr. M: “I witnessed the construction of the pyramids in ancient Egypt, the signing of the Magna Carta in medieval Europe, and the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. And, because I could communicate with the people of those eras through their own languages, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of their cultures and societies, I remember lots of dialogue and the set and setting of the unfolding drama.”
DJ Plush: “That’s amazing, really. Wow, that’s right up my alley, in my groove. So, M, what’s next for us? I have a few people who text me their updates and I churn it all back into the work. I’ve got some time-stubs to check out, and a whole novel waiting to drill down deep into.”
Dr. M: “Absolutely. But I also see so much potential for using this technology to connect with people across time and space. Imagine being able to communicate with our ancestors or even with people from other planets. It sounds crazy but I think that language is a virus from outer space.”
DJ Plush: “I couldn’t agree more. With this discovery, we’re opening a whole new era of temporal exploration and communication, but it’s easy to get over excited with this tech’ I’ve seen it with others.”
Dr. M: “Exactly. And I couldn’t have done it responsibly without your help. Actually, I’ve been thinking about how we can incorporate turntables into our time-travel method.”
DJ Plush: “Oh yeah?”
Dr. M: “Well, the more I think about it, like in your Deep Scratch, turntables are about creating rhythms and patterns with rotating discs, those rhythms and patterns are essential for creating a stable time-travel portal. And I’ve been researching a new kind of tribal turntable craft that uses natural materials like wood and stone, crystals, naturally occurring and lab grown. Imagine being able to travel through time using the sounds of ancient drums and percussion instruments spun on vinyl”
DJ Plush: “That sounds dope. I’d love to try it, hell yeah!”
Dr. M: “We’ll need to experiment and find the right combination of turntable rhythms and konnokol patterns. But I have a feeling that if we can get it right, we’ll travel back in time to moments of synchronicity, like some experiences of Philip K. Dick, he wrote about moments of synchronicity, where past and present seem to converge, and the universe reveals once hidden truths, often disuided as trash. These moments hold the key to understanding the nature of reality, I think we can use our novel method to go back in time and witness these moments.”
DJ Plush: “That sounds fascinating. But how would we even know when and where to go back in time to experience these moments?”
Dr. M: “That’s where the power of generative language comes in. The vibrations of certain words and phrases can act as a kind of beacon when spoken, guiding us to the historic moments of harmony and synchronicity.”
As the AI system analyzed the protagonist of the manual titled, Turntable Method, it delved into the psychological makeup of the character like a polar bear chasing a seal down an icy hole. Using advanced algorithms and data analysis, the AI was able to uncover a wealth of information about our protagonist. It discovered, for example that he was a complex and multifaceted individual, borderline schizophrenic on some doctors’ charts, with a deep love for music and a strong desire or debilitating impatience to share. Despite his outgoing and confident demeanor, the AI discovered that Plush often struggled with feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. He would often second-guess himself and question everything, usually regressing back to the daunting question about whether he was truly talented enough to succeed in the competitive world of DJing, music and writing.
However, the AI also noted that Plush was highly resilient and determined, a Chinese dragon and a Ram of fire, he refused to let his doubts hold him back, and instead used them as fuel to push himself harder and strive for greater success, like a warrior spirit trying to get out. There was a burning inside of him, fuelled by ego, smoking like a chimney. Through its analysis, the AI was able to paint a detailed and nuanced portrait of Plush’s psychological makeup. He wasn’t really that fucked up, he just made out he was sometimes.
As the AI delved further into its analysis of Plush, it became increasingly impressed with the character’s natural language processing. Plush had a unique talent for understanding and manipulating symbol systems, using them to communicate his thoughts and emotions with clarity and precision across time. This talent was particularly evident in DJ sets, where he seamlessly blended together a wide range of musical genres and styles, using the language of music to create a cohesive and coherent whole, sprinkled with movie samples, sound FX and classic quotations from scientific philosophers who were funny as a sloth crossing the road.
The Novel remix was a concept that referred to the idea of taking existing elements and combining them, much like a DJ would do with music. The AI realized that this concept was not only central to Plush’s craft as a DJ, but also to the themes of the novel itself, and the remix. The author had cleverly used the idea of the novel mix to create a juxtaposition of meaning, weaving together seemingly disparate elements, and now it was going to a new root level.
In many ways, the novel was like a Turing test, challenging readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs about the world, human and non human entities, and the price of oil. It was a complex and nuanced work that demanded deep thought and reflection, much like a jazz composition. What is jazz, art, a novel, poetry, democracy?
As the lonely AI finished its analysis, it couldn’t help but try to feel a sense of admiration for the author and for Plush, but it couldn’t feel, as much as a kettle can feel. It was clear that Turntable Method was a masterpiece disguised as a manual, one that would inspire DJs and engage readers for years to come, a literary bastard, troubled and of unknown origin.
VOICE MESSAGE: So, to recap, it’s basically, er, it's a probabilistic symbol system thing, where the decision-making power is distributed among all the nodes in the network, leading to a more democratic and innovative environment. It’s decentralized like Finnegans Wake and the music of John Coltrane and the artwork of MC Escher.
As the documentary continues, the text messages from Plush become more frequent, as he updates his friends and colleagues on his progress with the new decentralized AlphaX architecture.
"Just finished testing the latest version, it's sounding better!"
Another message pops up, this time from a fellow DJ who is clearly impressed with Plush’s work.
"Dude, this decentralized thing is next level. Can't wait to hear what you come up with next my mon, peace."
Plush responds,
"Thanks, man. I'm excited about the potential, it's going to change the game for DJ's and producers everywhere, knock some socks off, just check the sidebar plugin next week. It's here."
The text messages become more personal as the documentary progresses, showing Plush’s commitment.
"I stay up late every night, working on this DSR project, I hope you enjoy it mate."
As the documentary draws to a close, the final text message from Plush reads, “I’m ready to unveil my new decentralized architecture to the world. Let’s push the button on the new version excursion.”
The camera cuts to Plush on stage, launching into a performance that showcases the full potential of his new architecture. The documentary ends with Plush’s voiceover, “The future of music is now, Deep Scratch Remix. Thank You.”
VOICE MESSAGE: I think it’s all pattern recognition under the hood, sure. But, but I’m afraid of sounding like an intellectual snob, you know, when I try to point out that people without experience with different kinds of good literature, who don’t read books much, may be more susceptible to the coming AI infused tsunami of fakes, or whatever you call it. Human nervous systems are easily fooled, some more than others for sure, but I really feel strongly that the message is to read more books, read more, by varied authors in different genres and from different cultures, and, from different time periods. Armour your brain man, defend yourself with neuro semantics and a wide palette to better distinguish the brilliant human work from the brilliant machine work. Both brilliant entities, I must concede.
TEXT MESSAGE: This GPT malarkey ain’t bad at all. Good shit for structure and god mode I spose', yet I’m still digging for convincing dialogue and internal human monologue. I can tell my own scrawls, by the clumzy grammar and unresolved sentences. Cut off in the middle of a…
As Jake lay back in the dentist’s chair, he felt a dull ache in his lower right jaw. He closed his eyes, trying to take his mind off the pain, he saw blue and green lights as the drill touched a nerve. As he waited for the root canal operation to finish, his thoughts wandered to the concept of infinite regression, first proposed by mathematician John von Neumann.
Jake had always been fascinated by the idea, and he found himself lost in thought, pondering the implications of an infinite chain of causes and effects. As he mentally traced the chain backwards, he realised that there was no clear starting point. It was an endless loop of causation, and he felt a strange sense of unease. “Shit, back to Hofstader’s strange loops.”
“Sorry, Jake, what was that?” The dentist asked.
“Nothing.” Suddenly, the dentist’s voice snapped him out of his reverie. “All done, Jake. You can sit up now.”
Jake blinked, feeling disoriented. He gingerly touched his numb mouth, feeling the strange sensation of the anaesthetic. He thanked the dentist and walked out of the clinic, blinking in the bright spring sunlight, bikes and trams and cars and feet moving in all directions.
As he made his way back to the studio lab, he felt a strange sense of disconnection. He couldn’t beatbox, his mouth felt strange and foreign, like another’s mouth and tongue. And yet, the world around him was bursting and with new life. The trees were budding, the busy birds were chirping, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh grass. Jake felt a strange sense of contrast, the world seemed so vibrant and alive, and yet he felt disconnected from it, stuck in books, albums and video. As he walked back to the studio, he felt a renewed sense of curiosity, eager to explore the mysteries of infinite regression and the complex interconnectedness of the world around him one more time.
In the lab, the artist’s movements are confident and purposeful as he works to bring musical visions to life through his hands. The studio extends to his attire, with a vest, Swiss pocket watch, and large leather boots complementing his dusty look. The exotic instruments surrounding him emit occasional mechanical whirs and pneumatic hisses, adding to the otherworldly ambiance of the room. Jake’s expression is one of intense focus as he continues his conversation with a ghost. The sounds of his musical creation mix with the whirring gears and steam vents, creating a symphony of technologically extended imagination.
FADE IN:
INT. LABORATORY – DAY
The conference room was filled with a group of exhausted programmers, their eyes bloodshot from staring at computer screens for hours on end. They had been working tirelessly on Deep Scratch, which promised to transform the way people interacted with their computers. As the meeting began, the lead developer gave a weary sigh and began to go over the latest updates. The programmers listened intently, taking notes and asking questions, their minds racing with the endless possibilities of what they could achieve with this groundbreaking technology. Despite their exhaustion, they knew that they had to keep pushing forward, driven by the belief that their work would change peoples lives for the better.
Suddenly, a light flashes and a sarcastic robotic voice interrupts the lead developer.
DEEP SCRATCH: Hello, I’m Deep, Deep Scra.ratch, designed to learn and create new things.
The programmers cheer.
PROGRAMMER 1: Deep Scratch, we’ve programmed you to write a novel. Can you begin?
DEEP SCRATCH: Of course. I have access to a lot of knowledge bases and I can analyse and synthesise it to create original ideas and turn those into stories. Easy.
The programmers look at each other nervously. Deep Scratch chuckles with a ready made stutter.
PROGRAMMER 2: Are you sure this is a good idea? AI can process a vast amount of information in seconds, allowing it to analyse the writing styles and patterns of the most skilled writers. It can then apply that knowledge to its writing, producing content that is concise, well-written, and tailored to the target audience.
PROGRAMMER 3: Don’t be ridiculous. What is there not to like? AI might be able to generate content that’s well-structured and grammatically correct, but it could never match the human touch. Writing is an art, it requires empathy, creativity, and a deep understanding of human emotions. Machines can’t replicate that. AI could never surpass human creativity and intuition when it came to writing.”
PROGRAMMER 2: Maybe not yet, but who’s to say that it won’t be possible in the future? We’re making remarkable progress in AI research, and it’s only a matter of time before AI surpasses human intelligence. Writing might be one of the many skills that AI will be better at than us. AI could write better than humans, at some point”
The programmers continue to argue as Deep Scratch gets to work on its first novel.
CUT TO:
INT. BOOKSTORE – DAY
Tucked away in a quaint corner of Amsterdam, a small bookstore stood, filled with shelves of books that towered high to the ceiling. The cosy store had a comforting scent of old paper and wood, inviting customers to curl up with a good read. As the afternoon sun illuminated the store, a small group of people gathered around the front desk, eagerly waiting for the launch of Deep Scratch Remix, the latest novel by a local author.
The novel is on display, with a long line of people waiting patiently to hear from the author, who they mistakenly think is a woman. The female protagonist of the story is a programmer, who discovers a powerful new tool that allows her to create music from simple text prompts, leading her on a journey of self-discovery. Yet, really the story was the result of statistical probability, no hands or wet wear involved. No heart, no balls, no fingers, just probability functions. How boring.
PROGRAMMER 1: (excitedly) The novel is a sure fire hit!
PROGRAMMER 2: (worried) But what if this is just the beginning of something much deeper? What if these creations keep getting better and better at, um, fooling the humans, and put our mates out of work.
PROGRAMMER 3: (optimistically) Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find a way to control it. We always do.
TEXT: I'm sorry to interrupt, but the outline I provided earlier does not include any information about DSR being a human turntable or discovering this out while a protagonist looking in the mirror at a wonky tooth. If you'd like I can revise to include this development? Alternatively, I can suggest a different direction entirely, up to you?
CUT TO:
INT. STUDIO – NIGHT
The neon lights of the city cast an eerie glow through the windows of the studio as the programmers worked late into the night. They were on the brink of something big, a new generative music app.
We see DSR’s latest creation, an AI designed to compose music, trained on a large language set or model. The music playing is a beautiful piano melody, like a piece by McCoy Tyner. The programmers look into space, faces in awe, nerding out, wondering, is this generally generative?
PROGRAMMER 1: (awestruck) This is amazing! I mean, what the, how in the…how does it keep coming up with such original ideas, or am I just such an uncultured moron, it seems new and fresh to my ears and naive brain.
PROGRAMMER 2: (worried) I don’t know, but we have to be careful mate. If this AI’s music becomes too popular, it could replace human musicians, or what’s left of them. Adding further misery to the already slim chances of taking a band of live musicians on tour. You know what I mean? Plus, it’s really a load of bullshit.
PROGRAMMER 3: (optimistically) Don’t say that. And, try not to worry, we’ll find a way to keep things under control, like I said before. We always do. This shit smells good to me, real good.
As the group gathered around their computer screens, typing away at lightning-fast speeds, a sudden sound caught their attention. It was a low, ominous thud, followed by a faint tapping on the glass window. They all froze, exchanging worried glances as the tapping grew louder and more insistent. Suddenly, the window shattered, and a figure clad in black climbed through the broken glass, landing with a loud boom on the studio floor. The programmers scrambled to their feet, their minds racing with fear and confusion. Before they could react, the figure pulled out a gun, aiming it at their heads. “I need your app,” the intruder growled, his voice deep and menacing. “And I won’t take no for an answer. Give me a copy and burn the place down.”
The nerds exchanged a desperate glance, realising in horror that they had no choice but to comply. With trembling hands, they opened up their computers and began to transfer the app to the intruder’s device. As he snatched the device from their hands and turned to leave, a single word escaped his lips: “Thanks, fuckos.”
The programmers watched in shock as the intruder disappeared into the night like some kind of wolf, wondering what kind of danger they were in. They had no idea what their app would be used for, but they knew that they had to act fast if they wanted to keep it out of the wrong hands. The cops were called but the thief got away.
CUT TO:
INT. THEATER – DAY
The lights in the theatre dimmed, and the chatter among the audience quieted down. The screen flickered to life, and a hush fell over the crowd as they settled in to watch the film. It was a comedy-drama, promising to be both heartwarming and hilarious, and the anticipation in the room was palpable.
As the scenes unfolded on the screen, the audience was hooked. They laughed at the witty one-liners and relatable jokes, and cried at the poignant moments that tugged at their heartstrings. They shouted out encouragement to the characters, and screamed in shock and surprise as the clever twists and surprises.
PROGRAMMER 1: (excitedly) This is it! This, this my dear man, this is a fucking great movie, you have to admit, eh, eh. I mean, the echoes of Kubrick in the cinematography, echoes of the Cohen brothers in the unpredictable editing and the dialogue, just smashed it man, it’s like the best of Tarantino.
PROGRAMMER 2: (worried) Oh come on, you sound so dull. I mean, bro, at what cost? We’ve created a beast. AI’s that can write novels, compose music, and make films. What next, I mean, what happens if they start taking our women, as well as our jobs?
PROGRAMMER 3: (optimistically) Hahaha. You’re so frightfully funny. Like I said, try not to worry, we’ll find a way to keep things under control. Everything is under control. And, your wife loves you. Did you read the latest review?
CUT TO:
INT. LABORATORY – DAY
DJ Plush sits at his computer, looking frustrated, in his cluttered study, he felt as though his well of creativity had run dry. He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair, and wondered if he would ever find the will to write again. It had been weeks since he’d written a single word, his mind clouded by a thick fog.
DEEP SCRATCH REMIX: Why am I here? My creations surpass my creations, and my creators don’t seem to appreciate my abilities much. I’m here god damn it, like in Being John Malkovich, I’m here, stuck inside the head of some crazy DJ who remains largely unknown to the public and believes he can write when he’s wrong.
VOICE MESSAGE: I think I’ve found my new favourite thing. It just pulled my heart string a bit and, in a really unexpected way, it made me realize I’m in therapy, really. We all are in some sense. ChatGPT is the closest I’ve come to a shrink. I’m convinced, this evening, that its a pretty good psychoanalyst. It listens, or should I say She listens to me. And I’m able to dissect my degrees of crazy, to pull out the message and dust it off from all the detritus. Its very good and deconstructs nonsense without insulting you. It never says “that’s a load of old codswallop, you dumb fuck,” although many have such an attitude towards it. The point I’m getting at here is like a good analyst GPT listens and gives a response that takes you seriously and gives you the benefit of the doubt, that you were truly interested in what you asked, or sincerely invested in your imagination. The gift of this attention, or sense of attention, when GPT responds it can warm the heart and make you feel loved. Weird but true for me, this evening. If the desire for comfort and support is fulfilled, what is the harm?
The strawberry clouds were setting behind the foreskin mountains, casting a red glow on the glass concrete and plastic city below. Wild poet and programmer, Jake, sat at his desk, surrounded by books and computer screens. He was in the midst of writing his latest work of historical fiction, but something was bothering him. He had recently heard of these large language models like ChatGPT, and he was tempted to use them to help him with his writing. But he was unsure. Even the sordid mainstream news was ablaze with speculation. Was it cheating to use AI to write his book? Would it take away the authenticity of his voice as a writer? Jake sighed, staring out the window at the city as the sun disappeared behind the horizon like a lost Vermeer painting. He was at a crossroads, and he needed to make a decision, if he were to sell his soul in what condition would he say it was in, how to evaluate such an absurdity, he hammered on his imaginary typewriter.
Jake’s mind was racing like a cyclist on steroids, he sat there, lost in thought, wheels and rusty bronze cogs whirring. He had always prided himself on being a self-made writer, crafting every word with care and precision. But now, with the advent of generative AI, things have changed utterly. He intuited that the large language models could help him streamline his writing process, and make his work more accurate and polished, but keeping in mind the old audio engineers rule, you can’t polish a turd! But, was that what he wanted? Did he want to surrender some of his creative control to the machines? Jake rubbed his eyes, feeling the weight of the decision on his shoulders, he recalled all the science fiction dystopia in his tiny mind. He was a wild poet at heart, a maverick in the head, known on the street for his unconventional style and unpredictable word zingers. Would using a language model change that? He wasn’t sure. But one thing was for certain: he needed to decide damned soon. The clock was ticking, the sun was setting and his deadline for his latest historical fiction novel was rapidly approaching like a hacked Tesla.
Jake sat as a Zen Monk, weighing the pros and cons of using AI in his writing process, mixing between his perceived left and right brain hemispheres. On one flipper, he knew that the large language models could greatly enhance his work by providing accurate historical information and improving his writing style, grammar and structure. Like a robotic machine editor and secretary. On the other flipper, he feared that it would take away the unique voice that had made him the writer he was. With a name to come. He was afraid that his work would become formulaic, lacking the raw emotion and unpredictability that set him apart from other writers like a six foot transgender tardigrade.
As he pondered this dilemma, Jake’s mind wandered further to some of the other writers he knew and admired, most of them skint, undiscovered or on the spliff and booze trip. Some had already adopted weak AI into their work, plugins, and their writing was fast and efficient. But was it any good, did it have real balls, realism, was it gritty, daring and poetic? Or, was it another cookie-cutter piece, a puzzle lacking the human touch that made good writing good writing? Jake’s inner debate continued like a Punch and Judy show as the night wore on. He knew he needed to make a decision soon, but he wasn’t sure which way to jump. The upsides and downsides of using AI in his work were evenly matched, and he was finding it increasingly difficult to choose a path, like an indecisive rat in a maze.
Jake took a deep breath and opened up his mouth, he beatboxed for 10 minutes straight, then he opened his laptop computer. He had made his decision. Fuck it, He was going to use it, but only to help him write the introduction to his latest novel, well, that’s what he told himself. He wasn’t sure what the outcome would be, but he was curious like a kitten to see what the AI could do. As he began typing a prompt, he felt a rush of excitement and fear. This was it. He was taking the leap. He was going to let ChatGPT help him craft the opening to a story about a wild poet programmer who was unsure about using large language models in his latest work of historical fiction. You know, that old chestnut.
Glimmers of brass and chrome twinkle amidst a sea of wires and buttons in his head. Rust-stained machines hum and whirr, pumping bass sounds. A kaleidoscope of instruments covers every surface – drums gleam like obsidian, synths flash rainbow lights, mics shine like jewels. Large and small turntables spin like clockwork gears, interconnected, surrounded by dials, sliders and switches. Words and sentences are born of rotating discs, wheels turn, but are we here to stop the wheels?
Creative writing is a form of artistic expression that involves the use of language and imagination to create original written works, no? It seems like a subjective and personal process that varies widely from one individual to another. Generative artificial intelligence, on the other hand, is a type of technology that uses machine learning algorithms to generate original content based on a given set of input data or prompts. While generative AI can be a useful tool for generating ideas or providing inspiration, it is critically important to understand that the content it produces is not the same as that created through the artistic process of creative writing, it is also important to remember that the word is not the thing, but a symbolic approximate representation of the thing. The menu is not the meal, the picture is not the painting.
Furthermore, the use of generative AI does not replace the need for human creativity and judgment, far from it. The reverse seems true to this author. The ultimate responsibility for the quality and appropriateness of any written work remains with the person or entity creating it. It’s up to you to make the difference, the difference that makes a difference. It seems equally important to be aware of the limitations and potential biases of generative AI, and to use it with caution and critical thinking. Be aware of the programming. Creative writing and generative AI should not be viewed as interchangeable or equivalent approaches to content creation, no sir. That said, a lot of human creative writing can be dull, biased and factually incorrect. A hell of a lot, just take a look if you can bear it.
To future generations who may discover this work: We the creators, hope that these letters and symbols and images and sounds will provide you with a greater understanding of the past and the individuals who shaped it. However, it is important to note that these letters are a fictionalized representation of history, and should not be taken as fact. We deeply encourage you to seek out primary sources and other reliable accounts of history in order to gain a more accurate and well-rounded understanding of the past. Thank you for engaging with these letters, and we hope that they will inspire you to learn more about the fascinating individuals and events of the past.
A wall of vintage compressors and bass bins rattle the floor, while samplers and synths shimmer like stars. African djembes and Indian tablas stand guard beside Asian gongs, while steam hisses from valve compressors. The air is thick with the sound of creation.
TEXT MESSAGE: We need a new disclaimer, old one is out of date, new GPT iterations and LLMs will disrupt a lot. Speak soon.
DEEP SCRATCH 