Bill Conrad's Blog - Posts Tagged "life-experiences"
Go Where the Ball Will Be
When I was eight, I joined a soccer (football) team called the Purple Dragons. Not a great team, but I tried my best. Alright, truth. “Tried” is a strong word to describe my effort.
What was it like being on this team? Once a week after school, we had drills and strategy discussions. On weekends, we competed against the local teams, and our record was around one win and ten losses. I did not enjoy playing, but my parents felt it was suitable for exercise and sportsmanship. I suppose this is true, but all these years later, I cannot remember any life-building experiences.
Well, there was one little gem. In one of the games, I vividly recall the coach telling me to “Stop chasing the ball. Go where the ball will be!” “How?” “Guess where you think the players will kick the ball.” “Umm. OK.”
So… I wildly ran around trying to anticipate the other player’s strategy. There were three outcomes. The first was that my flailing attempts failed miserably. Second, the running left me tired. Third, the coach yelled at me more. So, I returned to chasing the ball and ignored the sage wisdom to go where I thought the ball would be.
The lesson my coach was attempting to teach was not to copy the other players. My goal (I made a sports pun) was to take control of the game. Of course, I did not put this together until I was in my mid-twenties.
It is tough to be the leader because they get all the blame when something fails. It is much easier to follow. For example, if pink jeans are popular, buy an armload. How about these new reality television shows? Try watching them all day long. Do you see how much money people are making on Enron stocks? Buy a thousand shares.
The big problem with following is that the result will be a generation behind. This means that a person must see what the leader is doing, copy their idea, and then produce it, which takes time. But what if a person is good at copying? Companies made millions in the ‘80s selling designer jeans. It was a simple formula. Put a stylish label on ordinary jeans, make a flashy commercial, and rake in the cash. The only skill involved was quickly copying the latest fad.
While some duplication models are successful, developing an incredible new gizmo is always more profitable. Sure, there are risks; not every wiz-bang invention will work or sell. The real takeaway is that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
All these years later, I still think about what my coach said. I put effort into investigating news stories, asking questions, and making bold choices. This is my best attempt to go where the ball will be. Yes, life can be scary, but not as frightening as getting to the end of our lives and realizing we have been following the ball.
You’re the best -Bill
May 15, 2024
What was it like being on this team? Once a week after school, we had drills and strategy discussions. On weekends, we competed against the local teams, and our record was around one win and ten losses. I did not enjoy playing, but my parents felt it was suitable for exercise and sportsmanship. I suppose this is true, but all these years later, I cannot remember any life-building experiences.
Well, there was one little gem. In one of the games, I vividly recall the coach telling me to “Stop chasing the ball. Go where the ball will be!” “How?” “Guess where you think the players will kick the ball.” “Umm. OK.”
So… I wildly ran around trying to anticipate the other player’s strategy. There were three outcomes. The first was that my flailing attempts failed miserably. Second, the running left me tired. Third, the coach yelled at me more. So, I returned to chasing the ball and ignored the sage wisdom to go where I thought the ball would be.
The lesson my coach was attempting to teach was not to copy the other players. My goal (I made a sports pun) was to take control of the game. Of course, I did not put this together until I was in my mid-twenties.
It is tough to be the leader because they get all the blame when something fails. It is much easier to follow. For example, if pink jeans are popular, buy an armload. How about these new reality television shows? Try watching them all day long. Do you see how much money people are making on Enron stocks? Buy a thousand shares.
The big problem with following is that the result will be a generation behind. This means that a person must see what the leader is doing, copy their idea, and then produce it, which takes time. But what if a person is good at copying? Companies made millions in the ‘80s selling designer jeans. It was a simple formula. Put a stylish label on ordinary jeans, make a flashy commercial, and rake in the cash. The only skill involved was quickly copying the latest fad.
While some duplication models are successful, developing an incredible new gizmo is always more profitable. Sure, there are risks; not every wiz-bang invention will work or sell. The real takeaway is that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
All these years later, I still think about what my coach said. I put effort into investigating news stories, asking questions, and making bold choices. This is my best attempt to go where the ball will be. Yes, life can be scary, but not as frightening as getting to the end of our lives and realizing we have been following the ball.
You’re the best -Bill
May 15, 2024
The Smart Rat
A close friend has found herself in a challenging situation. She’s bright, a hard worker, and a tremendous asset to her company. In fact, her efforts have improved multiple projects, and the managers have promoted her. Wonderful! Right? Well, no.
Her job is frustrating because the company is large, meaning there is endless. Well, have no fear. The owners hired an outside vice president to fix all the problems. When it came time to update her department, she was put in charge of several projects. The result is more work and responsibility without authority. To make matters worse, her manager is spineless and takes on every project without pushback. Now, she is swamped with work; the projects are slower, and she is getting more blame.
It gets worse. Her main project is writing a government proposal. Like all such projects, the government has strict procedures, and if they are done per their guidelines and the questions are thoroughly answered, then the proposal might get accepted. The VP wants to skip the first step (safety) to save time. Is the government going to allow that? Of course not.
There is an even bigger problem. Three other companies have approved excellent solutions, but their proposed solution will be less than 30% effective. Why on earth is the company going in this direction? It is a big market, and the owners only see dollar signs. The result is that she is working like crazy on something that will never be approved or used. I see the frustration in her eyes every time we talk.
What is she going to do about it? Because the company is huge, correcting the multiple issues across all departments will take a gigantic effort, and the VP shows no signs of heading in that direction. This leaves one viable solution for my friend. Find a new job.
This woman has had several interviews, and I anticipate that next week, she will turn in her resignation. Will the managers be surprised? Of course, but her coworkers will not because they are looking, too. I have seen this pattern many times. Great coworkers see problems, get frustrated, and leave. There is an old saying, “The smart rats leave the sinking ship first,” which perfectly explains what is happening to my friend.
What is going on? One can view society and companies like waves gently rolling in the sea. Sure, there are storms, but usually, they gently roll by. Something to be ignored. The key is watching the waves and ensuring your ship is positioned to capture their energy. What is a wave? It is anything substantial that can be considered good or bad.
Take the computer and the cashier. Let’s pretend it is the early ‘80s. For a cashier to do their job effectively, they spend years learning prices and how to operate a mechanical cash register—completing a refund? Wow, learning how to do it effectively is a big part of the job.
Then, a big wave approaches. A company invented a cash register that has a computer inside. This technology has a price database and a barcode scanner. Suddenly, the cashier sees the future. All their skills are meaningless. The smart cashier sees two options: Learn how to use a computerized cash register or take their career in a new direction. The oblivious cashier did not see the big wave, and a few months later, the owner bought computerized cash registers. Now, the oblivious cashier is out of a job.
This pattern is all over modern society. We desire the latest entertainment, a time-saving kitchen gadget, look for a shorter route to work, avoid an unpleasant situation, ignore a problem, or do something stupid when we know better. The trick is to see the big picture and make the best decisions for the long term. This means paying attention to innovations and taking advantage of the situation, technology, or windfall.
As always, I try to tie concepts into writing. In this case, the smart rat. This character type would be wise, make good decisions, see the trends, avoid unpleasantness, and do their best to lead a happy life. Err, I’m describing a lazy know-it-all. Yeah…
Take the situation my friend is in. No reader wants depressing work descriptions. How about some conflict? Tell that VP to shove it! And the cashier? Why spend pages lamenting about learning how to use a computerized device? It’s easy. Move on!
My point is that an author must be careful when creating characters that mimic real-life situations. Readers like typical characters who live exciting lives. They dislike tedious situations, apparent solutions to big problems, and characters who seem to think they know everything. Yet, this is precisely what people must do to remain ahead. Be the smart rat. It is interesting when life mirrors art, but even more fascinating when the opposite is true.
You’re the best -Bill
November 20, 2024
Her job is frustrating because the company is large, meaning there is endless. Well, have no fear. The owners hired an outside vice president to fix all the problems. When it came time to update her department, she was put in charge of several projects. The result is more work and responsibility without authority. To make matters worse, her manager is spineless and takes on every project without pushback. Now, she is swamped with work; the projects are slower, and she is getting more blame.
It gets worse. Her main project is writing a government proposal. Like all such projects, the government has strict procedures, and if they are done per their guidelines and the questions are thoroughly answered, then the proposal might get accepted. The VP wants to skip the first step (safety) to save time. Is the government going to allow that? Of course not.
There is an even bigger problem. Three other companies have approved excellent solutions, but their proposed solution will be less than 30% effective. Why on earth is the company going in this direction? It is a big market, and the owners only see dollar signs. The result is that she is working like crazy on something that will never be approved or used. I see the frustration in her eyes every time we talk.
What is she going to do about it? Because the company is huge, correcting the multiple issues across all departments will take a gigantic effort, and the VP shows no signs of heading in that direction. This leaves one viable solution for my friend. Find a new job.
This woman has had several interviews, and I anticipate that next week, she will turn in her resignation. Will the managers be surprised? Of course, but her coworkers will not because they are looking, too. I have seen this pattern many times. Great coworkers see problems, get frustrated, and leave. There is an old saying, “The smart rats leave the sinking ship first,” which perfectly explains what is happening to my friend.
What is going on? One can view society and companies like waves gently rolling in the sea. Sure, there are storms, but usually, they gently roll by. Something to be ignored. The key is watching the waves and ensuring your ship is positioned to capture their energy. What is a wave? It is anything substantial that can be considered good or bad.
Take the computer and the cashier. Let’s pretend it is the early ‘80s. For a cashier to do their job effectively, they spend years learning prices and how to operate a mechanical cash register—completing a refund? Wow, learning how to do it effectively is a big part of the job.
Then, a big wave approaches. A company invented a cash register that has a computer inside. This technology has a price database and a barcode scanner. Suddenly, the cashier sees the future. All their skills are meaningless. The smart cashier sees two options: Learn how to use a computerized cash register or take their career in a new direction. The oblivious cashier did not see the big wave, and a few months later, the owner bought computerized cash registers. Now, the oblivious cashier is out of a job.
This pattern is all over modern society. We desire the latest entertainment, a time-saving kitchen gadget, look for a shorter route to work, avoid an unpleasant situation, ignore a problem, or do something stupid when we know better. The trick is to see the big picture and make the best decisions for the long term. This means paying attention to innovations and taking advantage of the situation, technology, or windfall.
As always, I try to tie concepts into writing. In this case, the smart rat. This character type would be wise, make good decisions, see the trends, avoid unpleasantness, and do their best to lead a happy life. Err, I’m describing a lazy know-it-all. Yeah…
Take the situation my friend is in. No reader wants depressing work descriptions. How about some conflict? Tell that VP to shove it! And the cashier? Why spend pages lamenting about learning how to use a computerized device? It’s easy. Move on!
My point is that an author must be careful when creating characters that mimic real-life situations. Readers like typical characters who live exciting lives. They dislike tedious situations, apparent solutions to big problems, and characters who seem to think they know everything. Yet, this is precisely what people must do to remain ahead. Be the smart rat. It is interesting when life mirrors art, but even more fascinating when the opposite is true.
You’re the best -Bill
November 20, 2024
Run What You Brung
One of my core traits is hoarding junk and using it creatively to solve problems inexpensively. I have been doing this since I could walk, and a good example is my fishing tackle box. It was a birthday gift when I was eight, and I packed it with tiny light bulbs. When I needed one, I would open my carefully organized box and select the perfect bulb for an electronics project.
Around age fifteen, we took a driving trip, and I packed my tackle box with candy to select the perfect sweet for each location. Later, I used this box for screws and then switches. By high school, this box was falling apart, and I needed to use a screw to hold it shut. By then, I had a new interest in technical drawings, and I packed this box with templates, erasers, pens, mechanical pencils, lead, ink, and colored pencils.
I do all my technical work on a computer, but these drawing tools are still contained and organized in that same fishing tackle box, ready for immediate use. This core hoarding value is improving with age as I constantly find new uses for my junk.
This value also extends to writing, and I rely upon life experiences, English knowledge, and what I see around me to create engaging stories. My trait reminds me of a phrase that violates some grammar rules, “Run What You Brung.” It means do your best with what you have, and I rely on all my wisdom to write.
An example is a scene I created in my second book, where I described what it was like to be in a relationship. I have had three long ones and recalled the most relevant moments from each to create the following paragraph:
“Good relationships are hard, really hard,” Gabe continued. “They require a lot of effort just to stay at a normal level, never mind being happy with the person you’re with. In the beginning, everything is wonderful, new, and exciting. I know when I am in love because every song on the radio is the best one ever. But those feeling fades. A long-term relationship involves commitment, hard work, sacrifice, and adapting yourself to your partner. Also, dating a person and living with a person are completely different. For example, the first time I slept with my girlfriend, I knocked her out of bed, reaching for the darn alarm clock.”
That paragraph was honest, direct, and amusing, but that is not quite what I wanted to discuss. It is the humble word “run.” What is so special about that word? It’s simple with three letters, super-easy to pronounce and understand.
It turns out that the word has multiple meanings and uses. This article claims the words to be the most complex word in the English language, with 645 Oxford English Dictionary definitions:
https://www.onlygoodnewsdaily.com/pos...
That article was eye-opening, and I looked up the word run for myself:
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/run
Not quite 645 definitions, but a staggering 143 definitions. I had no idea there were so many, but I knew that more than one usage was possible. Like running a program, running late, a runny nose, run a business, runny eggs, run out of fuel, engine stopped running, and a movie runs for an hour. Yet there were many more.
From dictionary.com: The salmon are running, the ship ran aground, let the water run before you drink it, the river ran into the sea, wax ran down the burning candle, materials that run when washed, cars run on gasoline, the well ran dry, the bill ran to $100, the easement runs with the land, shelves ran from floor to ceiling, a thought ran through his mind, she ran her fingers over the keyboard, run an errand, he ran out of breath, run home in my car, run guns across the border, ran the presses 24 hours, run the car motor, run the water for a bath, he ran a large monthly tab, run a line through a word, this watch runs $30, the car repair will run you a couple of hundred, she took a five-minute run, to take a run up to New York, the plane took a strafing run, a long run on Broadway, a run of salmon, to run through a fortune, she ran into an old friend at the party, his speech ran over the time limit, please run off 500 copies, run along, my watch has run down, he ran away from home three times, running up huge debts, and he ran off with the money.
Wow, so many uses that I was unaware of. What is the tie-in? The word is a perfect example of gaining and storing writing knowledge for future applications. I can now apply the word run better, resulting in improved sentences with fewer mistakes. So, I guess what I am saying is, “I brung more to the party.”
You’re the best -Bill
February 26, 2025
Around age fifteen, we took a driving trip, and I packed my tackle box with candy to select the perfect sweet for each location. Later, I used this box for screws and then switches. By high school, this box was falling apart, and I needed to use a screw to hold it shut. By then, I had a new interest in technical drawings, and I packed this box with templates, erasers, pens, mechanical pencils, lead, ink, and colored pencils.
I do all my technical work on a computer, but these drawing tools are still contained and organized in that same fishing tackle box, ready for immediate use. This core hoarding value is improving with age as I constantly find new uses for my junk.
This value also extends to writing, and I rely upon life experiences, English knowledge, and what I see around me to create engaging stories. My trait reminds me of a phrase that violates some grammar rules, “Run What You Brung.” It means do your best with what you have, and I rely on all my wisdom to write.
An example is a scene I created in my second book, where I described what it was like to be in a relationship. I have had three long ones and recalled the most relevant moments from each to create the following paragraph:
“Good relationships are hard, really hard,” Gabe continued. “They require a lot of effort just to stay at a normal level, never mind being happy with the person you’re with. In the beginning, everything is wonderful, new, and exciting. I know when I am in love because every song on the radio is the best one ever. But those feeling fades. A long-term relationship involves commitment, hard work, sacrifice, and adapting yourself to your partner. Also, dating a person and living with a person are completely different. For example, the first time I slept with my girlfriend, I knocked her out of bed, reaching for the darn alarm clock.”
That paragraph was honest, direct, and amusing, but that is not quite what I wanted to discuss. It is the humble word “run.” What is so special about that word? It’s simple with three letters, super-easy to pronounce and understand.
It turns out that the word has multiple meanings and uses. This article claims the words to be the most complex word in the English language, with 645 Oxford English Dictionary definitions:
https://www.onlygoodnewsdaily.com/pos...
That article was eye-opening, and I looked up the word run for myself:
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/run
Not quite 645 definitions, but a staggering 143 definitions. I had no idea there were so many, but I knew that more than one usage was possible. Like running a program, running late, a runny nose, run a business, runny eggs, run out of fuel, engine stopped running, and a movie runs for an hour. Yet there were many more.
From dictionary.com: The salmon are running, the ship ran aground, let the water run before you drink it, the river ran into the sea, wax ran down the burning candle, materials that run when washed, cars run on gasoline, the well ran dry, the bill ran to $100, the easement runs with the land, shelves ran from floor to ceiling, a thought ran through his mind, she ran her fingers over the keyboard, run an errand, he ran out of breath, run home in my car, run guns across the border, ran the presses 24 hours, run the car motor, run the water for a bath, he ran a large monthly tab, run a line through a word, this watch runs $30, the car repair will run you a couple of hundred, she took a five-minute run, to take a run up to New York, the plane took a strafing run, a long run on Broadway, a run of salmon, to run through a fortune, she ran into an old friend at the party, his speech ran over the time limit, please run off 500 copies, run along, my watch has run down, he ran away from home three times, running up huge debts, and he ran off with the money.
Wow, so many uses that I was unaware of. What is the tie-in? The word is a perfect example of gaining and storing writing knowledge for future applications. I can now apply the word run better, resulting in improved sentences with fewer mistakes. So, I guess what I am saying is, “I brung more to the party.”
You’re the best -Bill
February 26, 2025
AI-Generated HOA Stories
Three weeks ago, I had a home owners association (HOA) issue. They did not like my gate color and sent me a nasty letter. Oh, the humanity! Of course, being a good neighbor, I have kept the gate and its paint in good condition. And it was the same color as when I moved in. How do I know? The previous owner left cans of paint with writing on the sides, such as “inside wall” and “outside gate,” which I have used to maintain the gate. Additionally, I have digital photos of the house for insurance purposes, which confirm that I have not changed the color. Side note: My neighbor has a gate five feet away with the same color, and the HOA did not send them a nasty letter. Typical…
The problem is that the HOA changed the official fence color. (Yes, somehow, they classified my gate as a fence…) So, I rode around the neighborhood and saw that half the gates or fences were the new color and the rest were the old color. (Why on earth would anybody care about gate colors???) And one was bright green…
Rather than make a fuss, I painted my gate the approved color. The entire episode irritated me, and in the process of searching for “HOA gate color rules,” I found many other people’s HOA frustrations.
There are not one, but three YouTube channels dedicated to HOA nightmares. Sign me up! I began watching the many outlandish HOA horror stories. Wow, their audacity! Quite entertaining.
The creators of these channels all followed the same pattern. They had an AI animated scene showing arguing people, a narrator explaining what the HOA did, and how the homeowners responded. Here is one such YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@HoaStories-k8
Last Thursday, I had a few minutes and clicked on a video. The HOA began charging a local rancher to drive through their neighborhood even though he had an easement granting access. The nerve! Well, the video named names and locations, so I searched the internet to learn more about the dreadful incident.
And what did I find? Umm, nothing. I then broadened my search to “HOA charges a rancher fees.” There were a few hits, but nothing matched. So, I watched the video again to gather more details, and that’s when I noticed it.
All the AI patterns: long-winded descriptions, precise focus, re-emphasizing the same topic, repetitive language, heightened drama, subtle mistakes, unusual English, and a lack of authenticity. It was all there.
When I looked at the comments, many people stated that it was AI-generated. The incident angered me more than my original HOA issue, and I blocked all the YouTube HOA story channels.
Why was I so upset? It was not real. I clicked on those links to learn more about what HOAs were doing and how homeowners addressed their HOA problems. Instead, I viewed AI-generated nonsense. What is so wrong with this type of entertainment? It is dishonest, like a machine is tricking me.
Now hold on. I have allowed myself to be tricked by a machine—for example, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. I am not a pirate, and the ride was not in the Caribbean. Still, I enjoyed the experience because I knew it was fake in advance. Is this not the same thing?
The difference is that the HOA video did not have a disclaimer. And there was an insidious aspect of this video; it was pulling at my heartstrings. I felt like I was being duped by an online scam or a con artist. Not cool! But I have more bad news. This is just the beginning. Hyper-focused AI-generated stories are on the rise, and they are getting better. Is there any good news?
In past articles, I have claimed that readers/viewers are becoming increasingly adept at identifying AI-generated content. Like me, they are not happy about it. I now see more reviews like, “This looks like AI wrote it.” I assert that a major AI-generated backlash is forming in our society, and here is some proof:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techno...
Yet, there is an added insidious element. When I was in college, I had a good friend who was also an electrical engineer. We attended classes and had a lot of fun off campus. So, it was only natural that we took Basic Electronics 102 together. I learned a great deal about the topic, and we gained a lot from each other’s prior electronic experience.
Fast forward to my second job, and I was working on a circuit. I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong, and my coworker was confused by my approach. So, we went to a whiteboard, and I explained how transistors worked. “No, you have that all wrong,” he said. I was adamant, and he pulled out a textbook. Dang, I was woefully incorrect.
I reflected on where I obtained my incorrect information and realized that my knowledge originated from the 102 class, where my friend explained how transistors worked. The thing is, he applied great effort to explain the topic; it made perfect sense. He answered all my questions and was confident in his knowledge. How did he get so confused? I had no idea.
Fast forward five years. My roommate got married, and I attended the wedding. During the reception, I asked why my friend was not at the wedding. Well… There had been a major falling out between him and our group. It turns out that he is a pathological liar. The light bulb went off. In college, he intentionally misled me. Evil!
The problem is that transistors are a fundamental part of electronics, and my foundation had a huge void. It took a lot of effort to rewire my brain (an electrical engineering pun) to think with correct knowledge.
Now, I have the same bad HOA information locked in my bonkers mind. In other words, my mental foundation has flaws, and I could mistakenly use this information. Society refers to this as “fake news.” Why is this a problem? I do not want to mislead anybody or think incorrectly. Yet… Here I am, loaded with AI junk.
What could happen? Let’s say I am in an HOA discussion and I mention the time “they blocked that rancher from using the road.” This sounds like a good example of an out-of-control HOA. The problem is that it is pure fiction, which means that the premise for my discussion is incorrect.
What if I wrote an article all about HOA problems and cited the incidents in the video? That would further spread fake information, causing all kinds of issues with the people who used my “information.”
Would my readers be upset? You bet! And would they direct their anger toward YouTube? No, they would be upset with me, even though my misrepresentation is not my fault. There would be no choice for me but to accept all blame and deal with the consequences and guilt of misleading my readers. Not cool!
And I am not alone. AI-generated junk is everywhere,* and here is an article discussing it:
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/technolog...
* “AI-generated junk is everywhere” sounds like the line from a song. Funny how life imitates art.
This HOA story incident was a wake-up call for me. From this point forward, I must apply great effort to identify this type of “entertainment” and avoid it at all costs.
You’re the best -Bill
July 16, 2025
The problem is that the HOA changed the official fence color. (Yes, somehow, they classified my gate as a fence…) So, I rode around the neighborhood and saw that half the gates or fences were the new color and the rest were the old color. (Why on earth would anybody care about gate colors???) And one was bright green…
Rather than make a fuss, I painted my gate the approved color. The entire episode irritated me, and in the process of searching for “HOA gate color rules,” I found many other people’s HOA frustrations.
There are not one, but three YouTube channels dedicated to HOA nightmares. Sign me up! I began watching the many outlandish HOA horror stories. Wow, their audacity! Quite entertaining.
The creators of these channels all followed the same pattern. They had an AI animated scene showing arguing people, a narrator explaining what the HOA did, and how the homeowners responded. Here is one such YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@HoaStories-k8
Last Thursday, I had a few minutes and clicked on a video. The HOA began charging a local rancher to drive through their neighborhood even though he had an easement granting access. The nerve! Well, the video named names and locations, so I searched the internet to learn more about the dreadful incident.
And what did I find? Umm, nothing. I then broadened my search to “HOA charges a rancher fees.” There were a few hits, but nothing matched. So, I watched the video again to gather more details, and that’s when I noticed it.
All the AI patterns: long-winded descriptions, precise focus, re-emphasizing the same topic, repetitive language, heightened drama, subtle mistakes, unusual English, and a lack of authenticity. It was all there.
When I looked at the comments, many people stated that it was AI-generated. The incident angered me more than my original HOA issue, and I blocked all the YouTube HOA story channels.
Why was I so upset? It was not real. I clicked on those links to learn more about what HOAs were doing and how homeowners addressed their HOA problems. Instead, I viewed AI-generated nonsense. What is so wrong with this type of entertainment? It is dishonest, like a machine is tricking me.
Now hold on. I have allowed myself to be tricked by a machine—for example, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. I am not a pirate, and the ride was not in the Caribbean. Still, I enjoyed the experience because I knew it was fake in advance. Is this not the same thing?
The difference is that the HOA video did not have a disclaimer. And there was an insidious aspect of this video; it was pulling at my heartstrings. I felt like I was being duped by an online scam or a con artist. Not cool! But I have more bad news. This is just the beginning. Hyper-focused AI-generated stories are on the rise, and they are getting better. Is there any good news?
In past articles, I have claimed that readers/viewers are becoming increasingly adept at identifying AI-generated content. Like me, they are not happy about it. I now see more reviews like, “This looks like AI wrote it.” I assert that a major AI-generated backlash is forming in our society, and here is some proof:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/techno...
Yet, there is an added insidious element. When I was in college, I had a good friend who was also an electrical engineer. We attended classes and had a lot of fun off campus. So, it was only natural that we took Basic Electronics 102 together. I learned a great deal about the topic, and we gained a lot from each other’s prior electronic experience.
Fast forward to my second job, and I was working on a circuit. I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong, and my coworker was confused by my approach. So, we went to a whiteboard, and I explained how transistors worked. “No, you have that all wrong,” he said. I was adamant, and he pulled out a textbook. Dang, I was woefully incorrect.
I reflected on where I obtained my incorrect information and realized that my knowledge originated from the 102 class, where my friend explained how transistors worked. The thing is, he applied great effort to explain the topic; it made perfect sense. He answered all my questions and was confident in his knowledge. How did he get so confused? I had no idea.
Fast forward five years. My roommate got married, and I attended the wedding. During the reception, I asked why my friend was not at the wedding. Well… There had been a major falling out between him and our group. It turns out that he is a pathological liar. The light bulb went off. In college, he intentionally misled me. Evil!
The problem is that transistors are a fundamental part of electronics, and my foundation had a huge void. It took a lot of effort to rewire my brain (an electrical engineering pun) to think with correct knowledge.
Now, I have the same bad HOA information locked in my bonkers mind. In other words, my mental foundation has flaws, and I could mistakenly use this information. Society refers to this as “fake news.” Why is this a problem? I do not want to mislead anybody or think incorrectly. Yet… Here I am, loaded with AI junk.
What could happen? Let’s say I am in an HOA discussion and I mention the time “they blocked that rancher from using the road.” This sounds like a good example of an out-of-control HOA. The problem is that it is pure fiction, which means that the premise for my discussion is incorrect.
What if I wrote an article all about HOA problems and cited the incidents in the video? That would further spread fake information, causing all kinds of issues with the people who used my “information.”
Would my readers be upset? You bet! And would they direct their anger toward YouTube? No, they would be upset with me, even though my misrepresentation is not my fault. There would be no choice for me but to accept all blame and deal with the consequences and guilt of misleading my readers. Not cool!
And I am not alone. AI-generated junk is everywhere,* and here is an article discussing it:
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/technolog...
* “AI-generated junk is everywhere” sounds like the line from a song. Funny how life imitates art.
This HOA story incident was a wake-up call for me. From this point forward, I must apply great effort to identify this type of “entertainment” and avoid it at all costs.
You’re the best -Bill
July 16, 2025
More YouTube AI Junk
I enjoy learning about many subjects, including current events, technology, electronics, and history. However, these topics are complex, and I prefer to learn by reading the direct source because there is so much misinformation.
I also like to know what other people think, especially on topics that are open to opinion. Politics is one such topic, and for this, I enjoy YouTube commentary channels. This is when an expert analyzes a topic and presents their opinion.
One channel I follow is Zeihan on Geopolitics. He offers a global perspective on complex political/economic topics. I do not always agree with his conclusions, but I appreciate his balanced approach, thorough research, and insightful analysis.
https://www.youtube.com/@ZeihanonGeop...
And so went my life. Events happened, and I watched YouTube to get different viewpoints. Along the way, I learned more about history, what was happening around me, and technology. Two weeks ago, something changed.
A major political event occurred, and several channels shared their opinions. So, I watched a few to see the different takes. YouTube recognized my interest and recommended other channels that share views on the topic. I had not subscribed to these other channels, but I do occasionally click on them for additional insight. What I noticed was a massive uptick in recommendations. The channels all had on-point content and mirrored what my subscribed channels were presenting.
Their formats were identical—a focused title, careful analysis, and stock photos (or news photos of the event). The only difference from my subscribed channels was the use of a computer-generated voice. Now, I know that some presenters may not speak English well or be shy, but they are still bright individuals. Thus, I do watch a few channels with computer-generated voices, so this was not unusual.
Yet, my spider sense was telling me there was a problem. And then it hit me—the words. I have become skilled at identifying AI-generated content, which often features long-winded descriptions, flawless grammar, and formal speech.
“I did not do that.” He was reported by the Guardian newspaper, based in London, England, to have said.
What is wrong with AI-generated content? One could say that they did me a favor. AI summarized a story with excellent visual aids. Thanks for the great quality! Umm, no.
The problem is that I wanted an intelligent opinion or genuine insight. “I think A did B because of C. Yes, X is a problem, but look at Y and Z.” Meaning, I wanted a genuine human analysis. IE, something new, as opposed to a summary of other opinions and existing information. And there was another problem.
AI is a mindless tool. It does not know what a misrepresentation, omission, lie or bias is. Plus, there are fundamental flaws. “One orange plus one apple equals three grapes.” My mind has enough misinformation without AI-generated junk.
Once I realized these were AI-created channels, I blocked them. I also sent a request to YouTube to label their content as AI. (I did not put comments on the videos, because it is possible that I was incorrect, and the world has enough negative opinions based on bonkers people like me.)
The recommendations went from a trickle to a flood, which inspired a new rule. I blocked all new channels with a computer-generated voice. This resulted in fewer suggested AI channels because I had exhausted all the ones relevant to my interests. Nice.
A week passed, and a new channel popped up. It was all about World War II radio and radar technology. Seemed interesting, so I began watching. The voice had an English accent, but there was something off. Long-winded descriptions… Yes, this was AI-generated, but the content was excellent.
Even though I was upset by being duped, I watched more, paused the video, and checked the facts. They were close to historical records, but there were glaring flaws. Again, I blocked the channel and requested that YouTube declare it to be AI-generated with errors.
The next day, there were over ten World War II-themed recommendations, all of which looked similar. So, I started a new trend. If the channel did not have a visible person presenting, I blocked it.
Well, you know what happened next. A suggestion popped up with a narrator. The voice was clearly computer-generated, but the person looked real, which leads to a big problem. Soon, I will no longer be able to distinguish what is AI-generated.
When will this occur? Look no further than this excellent AI-generated Star Trek parody video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eqYs...
Videos like this have forced me to up my threshold. If a channel I am not subscribed to appears in my feed and it looks even slightly suspicious, I will block it. And if that means I make a mistake, I am willing to accept blocking new creators with beneficial information.
Well, that is messed up, but it is not the first time that technology has wronged us. They invented filters for cigarettes, and non-biodegradable cigarette butts litter my beaches. Computers and piles of e-waste. Single-serving food and trash all over my neighborhood. YouTube and AI junk.
I guess that is modern life. Now all I need is a filter to block AI content automatically. Perhaps I can use AI for this.
You’re the best -Bill
November 05, 2025
I also like to know what other people think, especially on topics that are open to opinion. Politics is one such topic, and for this, I enjoy YouTube commentary channels. This is when an expert analyzes a topic and presents their opinion.
One channel I follow is Zeihan on Geopolitics. He offers a global perspective on complex political/economic topics. I do not always agree with his conclusions, but I appreciate his balanced approach, thorough research, and insightful analysis.
https://www.youtube.com/@ZeihanonGeop...
And so went my life. Events happened, and I watched YouTube to get different viewpoints. Along the way, I learned more about history, what was happening around me, and technology. Two weeks ago, something changed.
A major political event occurred, and several channels shared their opinions. So, I watched a few to see the different takes. YouTube recognized my interest and recommended other channels that share views on the topic. I had not subscribed to these other channels, but I do occasionally click on them for additional insight. What I noticed was a massive uptick in recommendations. The channels all had on-point content and mirrored what my subscribed channels were presenting.
Their formats were identical—a focused title, careful analysis, and stock photos (or news photos of the event). The only difference from my subscribed channels was the use of a computer-generated voice. Now, I know that some presenters may not speak English well or be shy, but they are still bright individuals. Thus, I do watch a few channels with computer-generated voices, so this was not unusual.
Yet, my spider sense was telling me there was a problem. And then it hit me—the words. I have become skilled at identifying AI-generated content, which often features long-winded descriptions, flawless grammar, and formal speech.
“I did not do that.” He was reported by the Guardian newspaper, based in London, England, to have said.
What is wrong with AI-generated content? One could say that they did me a favor. AI summarized a story with excellent visual aids. Thanks for the great quality! Umm, no.
The problem is that I wanted an intelligent opinion or genuine insight. “I think A did B because of C. Yes, X is a problem, but look at Y and Z.” Meaning, I wanted a genuine human analysis. IE, something new, as opposed to a summary of other opinions and existing information. And there was another problem.
AI is a mindless tool. It does not know what a misrepresentation, omission, lie or bias is. Plus, there are fundamental flaws. “One orange plus one apple equals three grapes.” My mind has enough misinformation without AI-generated junk.
Once I realized these were AI-created channels, I blocked them. I also sent a request to YouTube to label their content as AI. (I did not put comments on the videos, because it is possible that I was incorrect, and the world has enough negative opinions based on bonkers people like me.)
The recommendations went from a trickle to a flood, which inspired a new rule. I blocked all new channels with a computer-generated voice. This resulted in fewer suggested AI channels because I had exhausted all the ones relevant to my interests. Nice.
A week passed, and a new channel popped up. It was all about World War II radio and radar technology. Seemed interesting, so I began watching. The voice had an English accent, but there was something off. Long-winded descriptions… Yes, this was AI-generated, but the content was excellent.
Even though I was upset by being duped, I watched more, paused the video, and checked the facts. They were close to historical records, but there were glaring flaws. Again, I blocked the channel and requested that YouTube declare it to be AI-generated with errors.
The next day, there were over ten World War II-themed recommendations, all of which looked similar. So, I started a new trend. If the channel did not have a visible person presenting, I blocked it.
Well, you know what happened next. A suggestion popped up with a narrator. The voice was clearly computer-generated, but the person looked real, which leads to a big problem. Soon, I will no longer be able to distinguish what is AI-generated.
When will this occur? Look no further than this excellent AI-generated Star Trek parody video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eqYs...
Videos like this have forced me to up my threshold. If a channel I am not subscribed to appears in my feed and it looks even slightly suspicious, I will block it. And if that means I make a mistake, I am willing to accept blocking new creators with beneficial information.
Well, that is messed up, but it is not the first time that technology has wronged us. They invented filters for cigarettes, and non-biodegradable cigarette butts litter my beaches. Computers and piles of e-waste. Single-serving food and trash all over my neighborhood. YouTube and AI junk.
I guess that is modern life. Now all I need is a filter to block AI content automatically. Perhaps I can use AI for this.
You’re the best -Bill
November 05, 2025
Systems That Don’t Fix Themselves
Last summer, we had a wonderful vacation in Japan and Korea. Both countries were filled with friendly people, tasty food, and astounding sights. On the way back, our flight landed in Toronto, Canada, where we went through US customs even though we were not leaving the airport. Wait, a minute. US customs in Canada? That seems a little out of place. Authors call this foreshadowing.
This little adventure began with filling out the Canadian customs paperwork. We proceeded to the scanner, and they also had a walk-through metal detector, but it was not in use. (We already went through security in Asia. I guess this is normal?)
Because there was only one scanner, a long line formed. About fifteen people ahead of us was a group of eight. They all wore blue Make-A-Wish Foundation T-shirts. A child was in a specialized wheelchair pushed by an adult male. I think the man was a Make-A-Wish volunteer. Also in the group was a grandmother and three young family members.
It was clear that the child was in grave danger, which added urgency. Still, they had to wait their turn in the long line. Not cool. When they arrived at the scanner, security took over, pushing the wheelchair. It would not fit inside the scanner, which perplexed the three security team members.
So, they held a three-person meeting and called over the radio for guidance. Meanwhile, the other passengers were forbidden from going through the scanner. Why yes, we were frustrated, and one angry passenger yelled, “Let the kid through!”
The situation also upset the Make-A-Wish people, which further amplified the stress. Security solved this problem by having the Make-A-Wish people stand a few paces away. Double not cool. Of course, this action confused the child, who reached out to them with his frail arms. The heartbreaking image multiplied an already bad situation.
Eventually, the security team came to a brilliant solution. They allowed the man to push the wheelchair into the scanner. I mentioned it did not fit. Right? Well, the laws of physics did not change, and it still did not fit.
They had another meeting, and because of their radio call, two additional security people joined. You cannot imagine the level of frustration as over 100 passengers watched the foolishness.
Finally, they made a decision! Yes, security would allow the man to remove the child from the wheelchair and place him in the scanner. The Make-A-Wish people were horrified and insisted on a hushed-toned meeting with security.
We watched in amusement as the meeting raged, and at one point, all the security personnel turned to look at the child with shocked expressions. I guess they did not understand what Make-A-Wish is all about.
The five-person security team held another private meeting and made a new decision. Yes, they would allow the wheelchair to go through the metal detector! Now, you might be thinking, “Bill, are you serious? You must be making this up.” I wish I did.
Every Make-A-Wish member looked at them like they were total idiots. Still, a security officer confidently pushed the wheelchair through. Yay, it fits! And wouldn’t you know it? The metal detector beeped. Following procedures, they waved the wand around the child. Big revelation! The wand beeped.
Again, following the procedure, the security officer tried to lift the child to see the source of the beeping. All the Make-A-Wish people howled at them to stop. Now, security was at a total loss. They did not even hold a meeting, and the line of people was flabbergasted.
Security made another radio call, and two more security people briskly walked over, but not for the reason you think. They were there to control the passengers—meaning, keeping an upset group of people from getting out of hand. Yes, I really wish I had made this up.
A few minutes later, a sharply dressed woman walked up. She had a badge clipped to her stylish belt and quickly eyed the situation. She spoke to security and waved the group through.
Side note: This was Canadian customs, but the woman had a TSA badge (American law enforcement). So why was she in charge? Truth is stranger than fiction.
Here is the thing. Security personnel have been present at Toronto and other airports since the first metal detector was installed. During that time, rules and procedures were firmly established, including specific instructions on how to treat people with disabilities.
That was all good until something changed. Suddenly, the Toronto security team was forced to follow new rules rigidly. Perhaps it was a new manager or law. More likely, a major overcorrection resulting from an incident.
What naturally occurs after such a rigid change is feedback, which alters the rules. But it was clear to me and the other passengers that feedback was being blocked. I believe that if a sick child had to pass through security a month later, there would be the same fuss.
There is another aspect to this disconnect. I do not doubt that the security personnel were intelligent. Meaning they were fully aware of the situation, but something external was compelling them to set aside their wisdom.
Yet, the Toronto airport managers expected that their well-written rules would result in flawless and professional operations. They ignored the human aspect, experiences, and common sense. They did this by instituting draconian punishments for breaking the rules, even in such an absurd situation.
Albert Einstein famously proclaimed, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” In this case, instituting absurd rules and expecting them to work in all situations.
Well, if you have read any of my prior articles, you know I like to have a writing tie-in. Good characters/stories must have feedback and not follow ironclad rules. This is because readers dislike stiff characters who do not evolve.
What if we explained the lack of feedback? “John never seemed to understand the right way to treat disabled people.” I suppose that might work, but readers would prefer, “John was fired because of his disrespectful behavior.” That works.
What about the ironclad rules? Let’s think about Harry Potter. In that story, the characters frequently broke the strict Hogwarts rules, resulting in a fun narrative. Why? Breaking rules is cool and exciting. Plus, getting caught often leads the plot into new directions. Meaning that readers like seeing rules being broken and, more to the point, expect a lively plot. Can you imagine a scanner scene with a disabled magic student at the Hogwarts entrance? Readers would demand a refund.
I still find it fascinating to locate taboo writing topics. Readers are a finicky bunch and do not tolerate much outside of their unwritten rules. Fortunately, this article followed all of them:)
You’re the best -Bill
November 12, 2025
This little adventure began with filling out the Canadian customs paperwork. We proceeded to the scanner, and they also had a walk-through metal detector, but it was not in use. (We already went through security in Asia. I guess this is normal?)
Because there was only one scanner, a long line formed. About fifteen people ahead of us was a group of eight. They all wore blue Make-A-Wish Foundation T-shirts. A child was in a specialized wheelchair pushed by an adult male. I think the man was a Make-A-Wish volunteer. Also in the group was a grandmother and three young family members.
It was clear that the child was in grave danger, which added urgency. Still, they had to wait their turn in the long line. Not cool. When they arrived at the scanner, security took over, pushing the wheelchair. It would not fit inside the scanner, which perplexed the three security team members.
So, they held a three-person meeting and called over the radio for guidance. Meanwhile, the other passengers were forbidden from going through the scanner. Why yes, we were frustrated, and one angry passenger yelled, “Let the kid through!”
The situation also upset the Make-A-Wish people, which further amplified the stress. Security solved this problem by having the Make-A-Wish people stand a few paces away. Double not cool. Of course, this action confused the child, who reached out to them with his frail arms. The heartbreaking image multiplied an already bad situation.
Eventually, the security team came to a brilliant solution. They allowed the man to push the wheelchair into the scanner. I mentioned it did not fit. Right? Well, the laws of physics did not change, and it still did not fit.
They had another meeting, and because of their radio call, two additional security people joined. You cannot imagine the level of frustration as over 100 passengers watched the foolishness.
Finally, they made a decision! Yes, security would allow the man to remove the child from the wheelchair and place him in the scanner. The Make-A-Wish people were horrified and insisted on a hushed-toned meeting with security.
We watched in amusement as the meeting raged, and at one point, all the security personnel turned to look at the child with shocked expressions. I guess they did not understand what Make-A-Wish is all about.
The five-person security team held another private meeting and made a new decision. Yes, they would allow the wheelchair to go through the metal detector! Now, you might be thinking, “Bill, are you serious? You must be making this up.” I wish I did.
Every Make-A-Wish member looked at them like they were total idiots. Still, a security officer confidently pushed the wheelchair through. Yay, it fits! And wouldn’t you know it? The metal detector beeped. Following procedures, they waved the wand around the child. Big revelation! The wand beeped.
Again, following the procedure, the security officer tried to lift the child to see the source of the beeping. All the Make-A-Wish people howled at them to stop. Now, security was at a total loss. They did not even hold a meeting, and the line of people was flabbergasted.
Security made another radio call, and two more security people briskly walked over, but not for the reason you think. They were there to control the passengers—meaning, keeping an upset group of people from getting out of hand. Yes, I really wish I had made this up.
A few minutes later, a sharply dressed woman walked up. She had a badge clipped to her stylish belt and quickly eyed the situation. She spoke to security and waved the group through.
Side note: This was Canadian customs, but the woman had a TSA badge (American law enforcement). So why was she in charge? Truth is stranger than fiction.
Here is the thing. Security personnel have been present at Toronto and other airports since the first metal detector was installed. During that time, rules and procedures were firmly established, including specific instructions on how to treat people with disabilities.
That was all good until something changed. Suddenly, the Toronto security team was forced to follow new rules rigidly. Perhaps it was a new manager or law. More likely, a major overcorrection resulting from an incident.
What naturally occurs after such a rigid change is feedback, which alters the rules. But it was clear to me and the other passengers that feedback was being blocked. I believe that if a sick child had to pass through security a month later, there would be the same fuss.
There is another aspect to this disconnect. I do not doubt that the security personnel were intelligent. Meaning they were fully aware of the situation, but something external was compelling them to set aside their wisdom.
Yet, the Toronto airport managers expected that their well-written rules would result in flawless and professional operations. They ignored the human aspect, experiences, and common sense. They did this by instituting draconian punishments for breaking the rules, even in such an absurd situation.
Albert Einstein famously proclaimed, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” In this case, instituting absurd rules and expecting them to work in all situations.
Well, if you have read any of my prior articles, you know I like to have a writing tie-in. Good characters/stories must have feedback and not follow ironclad rules. This is because readers dislike stiff characters who do not evolve.
What if we explained the lack of feedback? “John never seemed to understand the right way to treat disabled people.” I suppose that might work, but readers would prefer, “John was fired because of his disrespectful behavior.” That works.
What about the ironclad rules? Let’s think about Harry Potter. In that story, the characters frequently broke the strict Hogwarts rules, resulting in a fun narrative. Why? Breaking rules is cool and exciting. Plus, getting caught often leads the plot into new directions. Meaning that readers like seeing rules being broken and, more to the point, expect a lively plot. Can you imagine a scanner scene with a disabled magic student at the Hogwarts entrance? Readers would demand a refund.
I still find it fascinating to locate taboo writing topics. Readers are a finicky bunch and do not tolerate much outside of their unwritten rules. Fortunately, this article followed all of them:)
You’re the best -Bill
November 12, 2025
