Is AI about to disrupt the travel writing industry? Part 2

After my first, less than successful attempt to get ChatGPT to write a travel article in my style, the software had suggested I give it feedback to help it better generate the sort of copy I was looking for.

I told it "Less gushing, more irrelevance and idiosyncratic personality."

(Pretentious, moi?)

Thank you for your feedback. Here's another attempt at an article on visiting Valencia in the style of "Travels with St. Jude":

Valencia: Where Paella and Modernism Meet

Greetings, fellow travelers! Are you ready to explore one of Spain's most vibrant cities? Look no further than Valencia, where old-world charm and modernism come together in a delicious and eclectic blend.

Let's start with the heart of Valencia - its old town, or "Ciutat Vella" in the local lingo. This is where you'll find some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the magnificent Gothic-style Valencia Cathedral, the lively Plaza de la Reina, and the imposing Torres de Serranos. Wander around the narrow streets and alleys, soak up the atmosphere, and marvel at the centuries-old architecture.

But don't get too lost in the past, because Valencia is also a city of the future. The City of Arts and Sciences, or "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias," is a jaw-dropping complex of futuristic buildings that will make your inner sci-fi geek giddy with excitement. Visit the impressive Oceanogràfic aquarium, where you can watch dolphins and sharks swim above your head, or take a stroll around the beautiful landscaped gardens of the Umbracle.

Of course, no visit to Valencia would be complete without trying the city's most famous dish: paella. But forget about the bland and touristy versions you may have tried elsewhere - Valencia's paella is the real deal. Made with local ingredients like rabbit, chicken, and beans, and cooked over an open fire, it's a hearty and flavorful dish that will warm your soul. Join a paella cooking class to learn the secrets of this Valencian specialty, or simply head to a traditional restaurant like La Pepica or Casa Carmela for a taste of the authentic.

But Valencia is not just about paella - it's also a city of surprises and quirks. For example, did you know that the city is home to the world's smallest official building, the "Casa de los Gatos"? Or that there's a beautiful Art Nouveau-style train station, Estación del Norte, that looks like a palace from a bygone era? Or that Valencia has a long tradition of celebrating the Fallas, a raucous and colorful festival of fire, explosions, and giant puppets that takes place every March?

In short, Valencia is a city that rewards exploration and curiosity. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a modern art enthusiast, or just a traveler with a sense of adventure, Valencia has something to offer. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with this gem of the Mediterranean.

Next I told it to "Add a bit more snark"

Sure thing! Here's another attempt with a bit more snark:

Valencia: Where Paella and Modernism Meet, but Tourists Still Reign Supreme

Welcome, fellow wanderers, to Valencia - a city that's as rich in history as it is in tourists. But don't let the crowds and the souvenir shops deter you, for there's still plenty of charm and quirkiness to be found in this Mediterranean gem.

Let's start with the old town, or "Ciutat Vella" as the locals call it. Yes, it's beautiful and historic, with its winding streets and stunning Gothic cathedral, but let's face it - you'll be elbowing your way through throngs of selfie-stick wielding tourists. If you're looking for some peace and quiet, good luck finding it here.

If you're tired of the crowds, head over to the City of Arts and Sciences, or "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias," a futuristic wonderland of sci-fi architecture and expensive admission fees. Yes, it's impressive and photogenic, but you'll be rubbing shoulders with even more tourists. And good luck finding a quiet spot to take in the views - it's like a theme park on steroids.

But let's not forget the main reason you're here: paella. Yes, Valencia's most famous dish is delicious, but you'll have to navigate through a sea of paella-pushing restaurants to find the good stuff. And watch out for the tourist traps - they'll charge you an arm and a leg for a subpar version of the dish. Do your research and find a local joint that knows how to do it right.

And speaking of tourist traps, don't fall for the gimmicks. Yes, there's the world's smallest official building, the "Casa de los Gatos," but it's more of a curiosity than a must-see. And yes, there's the Art Nouveau-style train station, Estación del Norte, but let's be real - you're just here to take a photo for Instagram. And don't even get me started on the Fallas festival - a weeklong extravaganza of pyrotechnics, noise, and giant puppets that'll leave you with ringing ears and a headache.

But hey, don't let me rain on your parade. Valencia is a beautiful and lively city that's worth exploring, even if you have to do it alongside hordes of other tourists. Just remember to keep an open mind, do your research, and maybe bring some earplugs. And who knows, you might just find a hidden gem or two that'll make it all worth it. Happy travels!

So, 0 for 3. All three attempts were boring and derivative, and yet all three were - in the broadest sense of the word - usable. If I was running a content-mill style travel site, where the focus was on volume and constantly publishing new content, I could publish these.

Of course people are already publishing this stuff.

It's not particularly interesting writing, and doesn't have anything new to say, but a lot of travel writing is already like that (this isn't an attempt to set myself apart from everyone else; I'm sure I'm as guilty of tedious and pointless writing as the next small-time blogger; I'm instead talking about the reality of those trying to make a living from blogging - when the algorithm says you need to generate a bunch of new content every month to keep a decent SEO position, there's a lot of pressure to publish even if you have nothing particularly new to bring to the party).

So I can see this software being used to generate a lot of low-value content for online. Why pay a team of copywriters when ChatGPT can produce usable posts?

Of course, I'm not certain how many copywriters (at least in the west) are making a living for content-mills anyway - why pay someone in the US $15 an hour when someone in India can do the job for $3? So I'm guessing the writing industry in the emerging and frontier markets will be harder hit than the industry in the developed word.

But I'm still not any closer to getting ChatGPT to create content that sounds anything like me.

In part 3, I'll try again.