ChatGPT is an app which offers ‘artificial intelligence’ responses to questions or instructions created by the user. Could it dampen the ardor, or even substitute for the labor and challenge in writing a monthly memoir? Greatly impressed by the results of a request to ‘write me a list of the good features of memoir writing’, we withheld our judgment.
In October, members delighted and entertained:
Phiona shared three memoirs: ‘My satin dress’, ‘Railway adventure’ and ‘Summer in the high country’. In each she offered us opportunities to see a young adventurous life. Her love of the outdoors, and her ability to offer an exquisite descriptive young eyes’ perspective, enchanted and engaged.
Heather Wallace offered an intriguing juxtaposition between the 1966 and the 2023 AFL grand finals both leaving her with memorable experiences. The roar of St Kilda’s 1966 grand final win resonates still in her memory.
Barry and Ray returned to experiences from their professional careers and the wisdom and skills which continue to nurture their reflections and community engagements.
Carmyl shared her love of writing lists. She offered a delightful family perspective on her disposition in the form of a song written by her sons called ‘she’ll make a list’. We heard it sung to a popular G & S. Sullivan tune.
Lou shared the sparkle and allure of ‘this diamond life’ meeting with a Dubai prince and his three wives. Lou and the prince found common ground in their acknowledged challenge to meet the aspirations and expectations of their spouses. Phil reflected on the joy in the last twelve months exploring his life journey via U3A’s family history and memoirs writing groups.
Finally, Neville offered to submit his memoir to the skills of ChatGPT, before sharing with the group. For Neville and Bev, who were able to compare the original with the amended version, the latter had lost something of Neville’s ‘voice’.
A very provisional judgment of ChatGPT!
The unique character, content and writing style of ‘As time goes by’ members has much to be acknowledged and valued. ChatGPT has much to offer but will not replace the colour and vitality of our monthly coming together.
At our November meeting, the topics are ‘‘One Moment, This Year’ ’Looking back on 2023 to date, what single moment stands out for you? Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment’ OR ‘Triggers’ ‘Keep a notebook close by this month in which to note any ‘triggers’ which led you to reminisce about a time in your lives. You may have been talking to someone, watching television or a film, driving somewhere, reading a book. Choose one to three of these - write about the memories evoked, keeping the total words to 500 – 750 words’. And… as always …. Members’s Choice – whether from a past topic list or your own design.
Graham Jensen
In October, members delighted and entertained:
Phiona shared three memoirs: ‘My satin dress’, ‘Railway adventure’ and ‘Summer in the high country’. In each she offered us opportunities to see a young adventurous life. Her love of the outdoors, and her ability to offer an exquisite descriptive young eyes’ perspective, enchanted and engaged.
Heather Wallace offered an intriguing juxtaposition between the 1966 and the 2023 AFL grand finals both leaving her with memorable experiences. The roar of St Kilda’s 1966 grand final win resonates still in her memory.
Barry and Ray returned to experiences from their professional careers and the wisdom and skills which continue to nurture their reflections and community engagements.
Carmyl shared her love of writing lists. She offered a delightful family perspective on her disposition in the form of a song written by her sons called ‘she’ll make a list’. We heard it sung to a popular G & S. Sullivan tune.
Lou shared the sparkle and allure of ‘this diamond life’ meeting with a Dubai prince and his three wives. Lou and the prince found common ground in their acknowledged challenge to meet the aspirations and expectations of their spouses. Phil reflected on the joy in the last twelve months exploring his life journey via U3A’s family history and memoirs writing groups.
Finally, Neville offered to submit his memoir to the skills of ChatGPT, before sharing with the group. For Neville and Bev, who were able to compare the original with the amended version, the latter had lost something of Neville’s ‘voice’.
A very provisional judgment of ChatGPT!
The unique character, content and writing style of ‘As time goes by’ members has much to be acknowledged and valued. ChatGPT has much to offer but will not replace the colour and vitality of our monthly coming together.
At our November meeting, the topics are ‘‘One Moment, This Year’ ’Looking back on 2023 to date, what single moment stands out for you? Whether it be loss, love, discovery or disappointment, share your unforgettable moment’ OR ‘Triggers’ ‘Keep a notebook close by this month in which to note any ‘triggers’ which led you to reminisce about a time in your lives. You may have been talking to someone, watching television or a film, driving somewhere, reading a book. Choose one to three of these - write about the memories evoked, keeping the total words to 500 – 750 words’. And… as always …. Members’s Choice – whether from a past topic list or your own design.
Graham Jensen
