JB, or ChatGPT?

I decided to try ChatGPT for the first time by giving it this prompt:

Write a 600 word essay on sustainable, inclusive growth and Colorado

15 seconds later, I had this:

Sustainable, inclusive growth is a key goal for many states, including Colorado. This type of growth aims to create economic prosperity and development while also considering the long-term impacts on the environment and the well-being of all members of the community. In Colorado, there are a number of initiatives and policies in place that are designed to promote sustainable, inclusive growth, and there are also ongoing efforts to further improve and refine these efforts.

One key aspect of sustainable, inclusive growth in Colorado is the state's commitment to renewable energy. Colorado has set a goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2040, and it has made significant progress towards this goal in recent years. The state has a number of wind and solar energy facilities, and it is also home to several companies that are leaders in the clean energy industry. In addition to generating electricity, Colorado is also working to increase the use of electric vehicles and to promote energy efficiency in buildings and homes.

Another important aspect of sustainable, inclusive growth in Colorado is the state's focus on outdoor recreation and tourism. Colorado is home to a number of national parks, forests, and other protected areas, and these natural resources are a major contributor to the state's economy. The state's tourism industry is centered around these natural resources, and Colorado has made a commitment to preserving and protecting these resources for future generations. In addition to tourism, Colorado is also home to a number of outdoor recreation companies, and these companies contribute to the state's economy while also promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

In addition to its focus on renewable energy and outdoor recreation, Colorado is also working to promote sustainable, inclusive growth through initiatives related to education, healthcare, and housing. The state has made significant investments in its public education system, and it is also home to a number of top-ranked universities and colleges. In terms of healthcare, Colorado has a strong network of hospitals and clinics, and it is working to improve access to care for all residents, including those in underserved communities. Finally, Colorado is facing a housing crisis, with many residents struggling to afford housing in the state's major cities. To address this issue, the state is working to increase the supply of affordable housing and to create policies that promote the development of mixed-income neighborhoods.

Overall, Colorado is making significant progress in its efforts to promote sustainable, inclusive growth. The state has a strong commitment to renewable energy and outdoor recreation, and it is also working to improve access to education, healthcare, and affordable housing. While there are still challenges to be addressed, Colorado is well positioned to continue on its path towards sustainable, inclusive growth in the future.

I can of course ask it to edit by asking further questions, asking for data in support, putting it into iambic pentameter (dare me!), and on and on. I tried this:

Add a specific quantitative example of Colorado's progress on sustainable inclusive growth

Ten seconds later, this:

One specific example of Colorado's progress on sustainable, inclusive growth is the state's renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS). The RPS is a policy that requires a certain percentage of the state's electricity to come from renewable sources. In 2018, Colorado passed legislation increasing its RPS to 30% by 2020 and to 50% by 2030. This ambitious goal is one of the most aggressive in the country, and it reflects the state's commitment to renewable energy as a key component of sustainable, inclusive growth.

To achieve these targets, Colorado has implemented a number of policies and initiatives to support the growth of the renewable energy sector. These include financial incentives for renewable energy projects, grants for research and development, and technical assistance for businesses and individuals looking to adopt renewable energy technologies.

The impact of these efforts can be seen in the state's renewable energy statistics. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Colorado generated over 22% of its electricity from renewable sources in 2020. This is up from just 10% in 2010, and it puts the state well on track to meet its RPS goals. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change, these efforts have also created jobs and stimulated economic development in the state.

It’s not polished, but as a first fast draft in a field I know well — !!! As Ethan Mollick points out (my emphases added),

This interactivity is unlike anything you would get with a real-world assistant, and, with a little knowledge and experience, you can achieve amazing results, multiplying your productivity.

You will also notice that the AI makes mistakes and errors with complete confidence. That is why it is so important for you to have knowledge of the area you are in. You can tell the AI to correct the mistakes, but you need to know enough to understand it.

This reminds me of my first time playing with other new, transformative productivity technologies — a Mac with a spreadsheet in the early ‘80s; PowerPoint vs. overhead slides (yep, I’m that old) back in the day; newsreaders with RSS (I was NewsGator’s CEO for a number of years — shouldn’t have sold that!) before Twitter.

So … cool. Or, as Ethan says, ‘Wow’.

Or as Ethan’s Chat said ?!?

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For those who want more about ChatGPT, there’s a helpful interview w/ Ajay Agrawal of the University of Toronto in Dealbook (you’ll need to scroll to find it). It’s a tool with a market:

According to Reuters, OpenAI forecasts $200 million in revenue next year, and $1 billion by 2024. Many experts are betting that the technology behind ChatGPT, and other bots like it, will be used for more practical (and lucrative) tasks like reading contracts and drafting sales emails.