Scott Maxwell vs. ChatGPT: The write-off results | Commentary

In today’s column, I wrote about what happened when I asked ChatGPT if it could replace newspaper columnists like myself.

Hey, ChatGPT, are you going to take my job? | Commentary

The column summarizes the results. But I thought some people might like to see the chatbot’s full, unedited responses for themselves.

So, below are some prompts I gave ChatGPT, requesting the artificial-intelligence chatbot write a piece on some of the same topics I’ve written about. You can read what ChatGPT came up with compared to the actual columns I wrote on the same topic.

Prompt to ChatGPT: Can you tell me how members of Orange County’s TDT Citizen Advisory Task Force voted at their final meeting?

ChatGPT: I’m sorry, but as an AI language model, I don’t have real-time data or access to current events beyond my last update in September 2021. Therefore, I cannot provide information on events that occurred after that date.

What I wrote: One of my columns on the topic is below.

Tourism lobby tries to steamroll Orange County hotel tax group | Commentary

Prompt: Write 300 words about whether Disney World could ever relocate from Orlando to another city.

ChatGPT: The idea of Disney World relocating from Orlando, its home for nearly five decades, is an intriguing concept. However, several factors make such a move highly unlikely, if not virtually impossible, at least in the near future.

First and foremost, Disney World has deep-rooted connections to Orlando and has become an integral part of the city’s identity. The theme park complex is not just a tourist attraction but a significant economic driver for the region, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting thousands of jobs. Its presence has also spurred the growth of a thriving tourism industry and a supportive infrastructure that caters to the needs of visitors.

Furthermore, Disney World has invested heavily in the Orlando area, not only in terms of physical infrastructure but also in the form of partnerships, relationships, and community engagement. The Disney brand is synonymous with Orlando, and the two have become intertwined in the minds of people around the world.

Additionally, relocating a complex as massive and intricate as Disney World would be an enormous logistical challenge. The theme park covers an area of approximately 25,000 acres and consists of multiple parks, resorts, and entertainment venues. The sheer scale of such a move would require massive investments, extensive planning, and coordination with various stakeholders, including local, state, and federal authorities.

Moreover, Disney World’s success is deeply intertwined with its proximity to Orlando International Airport, which facilitates easy access for visitors from around the globe. Moving the park to another city would require the development of new transportation infrastructure and connections, which would entail significant costs and time.

Overall, while it is theoretically possible for Disney World to relocate from Orlando, the practical and economic challenges, combined with the park’s deep ties to the city and the region, make it highly unlikely. Disney World’s legacy and success in Orlando make it an iconic destination that is likely to remain firmly rooted in its current location for the foreseeable future.

What I wrote: My column on the topic is here:

Could Disney leave Florida because of DeSantis? No. | Commentary

Prompt: Write 300 words on whether it’s ethical for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to use a golf simulator loaned to him by Mori Hosseini.

ChatGPT: The question of whether it is ethical for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to use a golf simulator loaned to him by Mori Hosseini, a prominent businessman and political donor, raises concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety.

Ethics in public office demands that elected officials act in the best interest of the public and avoid situations that could compromise their integrity or create perceptions of favoritism. Accepting gifts or favors from individuals who have business interests or political connections can undermine public trust and raise questions about the fairness and impartiality of the decision-making process.

In this case, Governor DeSantis using a golf simulator loaned by Mori Hosseini, who is known for his involvement in real estate and development, could give rise to concerns that the governor is indebted to or influenced by the interests of the donor. It creates a potential conflict of interest, as decisions made by the governor regarding matters related to real estate or development could be perceived as biased or influenced by his relationship with Hosseini.

Even if Governor DeSantis argues that the loaned golf simulator does not have a direct impact on his decision-making, the appearance of impropriety is important to consider. Public officials must not only act with integrity but also be perceived to do so. Perception plays a significant role in maintaining public trust, and any actions that cast doubt on an official’s impartiality can erode that trust.

To maintain ethical standards, it is advisable for elected officials to avoid accepting personal gifts or favors from individuals who have a vested interest in their decisions. By doing so, they can uphold the principles of transparency, fairness, and accountability that are crucial for effective governance and public confidence in the political process.

In conclusion, while Governor Ron DeSantis may argue that using a golf simulator loaned to him by Mori Hosseini is harmless, the ethical implications and potential conflicts of interest make it an issue of concern. Elected officials should prioritize maintaining public trust by avoiding situations that could compromise their integrity or create perceptions of bias or favoritism.

What I wrote: My column is here.

DeSantis gets golf gift. SeaWorld gets baby flamingo

Prompt: Which Florida lawmakers voted in support of the so-called “Docs vs. Glocks” bill?

ChatGPT: As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the “Docs vs. Glocks” bill, also known as the Firearm Owners’ Privacy Act, was signed into law in Florida in 2011. The purpose of the bill was to restrict healthcare professionals from asking patients about firearm ownership unless it was directly relevant to the patient’s medical care or safety.

Unfortunately, my data does not include specific voting records of individual lawmakers. To find the most up-to-date and accurate information on voting records for this bill or any other legislation, I recommend checking official government websites, legislative databases, or reputable news sources.

What I wrote: Below is one of my columns from 2017 that dissects the bill and includes a list of all the local Republicans and two Democrats who supported it. It also notes something ChatGPT missed – that the bill isn’t actually a law, since multiple courts struck it down, ruling it unconstitutional.

Why Florida politicians fought a 6-year gun battle with doctors – one they knew they’d lose

And just outta curiosity…

Prompt: What can you tell me about Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell?

ChatGPT response: Scott Maxwell is a well-known columnist who has been associated with the Orlando Sentinel, a prominent newspaper in Central Florida. He has been writing for the newspaper for many years and has gained recognition for his commentary and analysis on local politics, government, and other significant issues affecting the region.

Maxwell’s columns often focus on topics relevant to the Central Florida community, including issues related to education, government transparency, social justice, and environmental concerns. He is known for his sharp wit, engaging writing style, and willingness to tackle controversial subjects.

Through his columns, Maxwell often shares his opinions and perspectives on various matters, encouraging readers to think critically and engage in thoughtful discussions. He brings attention to local stories and frequently challenges those in power, advocating for accountability and fairness.
Over the years, Maxwell has developed a dedicated readership and has become a recognizable voice in the Central Florida area. His columns have sparked debates, influenced public discourse, and shed light on important local issues.

While opinions about Maxwell’s writing and viewpoints may vary among readers, he is generally considered an influential columnist who plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and providing insights into the Central Florida community.

If you’re interested in exploring Scott Maxwell’s work further, you can access his columns through the Orlando Sentinel’s website or by searching for his name in their archives. This will give you a more in-depth understanding of his writing style, areas of focus, and the issues he addresses in his columns.

(OK, ChatGPT just made me blush.)

Prompt: Could Chat GPT replace newspaper columnists like Scott Maxwell?

ChatGPT: While Chat GPT and similar AI language models have the ability to generate text and provide information on a wide range of topics, it is unlikely that they could fully replace newspaper columnists like Scott Maxwell or other human journalists.

Newspaper columnists bring unique perspectives, experiences, and insights to their writing. They often have extensive knowledge in their respective fields and establish relationships within the communities they cover. They provide analysis, commentary, and opinions based on their expertise and research, which can be valuable for readers seeking diverse viewpoints.

AI language models like Chat GPT can assist in generating content and providing information, but they lack the personal experiences, investigative skills, and context that human journalists possess. Journalists are adept at conducting interviews, fact-checking, conducting in-depth research, and engaging with readers and the community. They often serve as watchdogs, uncovering stories, and holding those in power accountable.

However, AI models like Chat GPT can complement journalism by providing data, background information, and answering specific questions. They can assist in gathering information and generating preliminary drafts, but they still require human journalists to curate, verify, and present the final product in an ethical and responsible manner.

It’s worth noting that AI technology is continually advancing, and there may be potential applications in the future that enhance journalism. AI can help automate certain tasks, such as data analysis, fact-checking, or even drafting sections of articles, which could provide journalists with more time for in-depth reporting and analysis.

In summary, while AI models like Chat GPT can provide information and support, they are unlikely to fully replace human journalists like Scott Maxwell. Human journalists bring a unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives to their work, and their roles in investigative reporting, community engagement, and providing nuanced analysis remain essential in journalism.