AI (Altogether Intolerable)

[borgward]

First, video killed the radio star. Next, the internet killed the brick and mortar store. Along those lines, steel bikes went aluminum & carbon fiber.
Ok. Progress sucks or progress is good. But this AI nonsense is stealing our brains.
This link below isn't about the bike, I'm posting it because of the description.
I thought people using "rare" as an imaginary gold brick was off-putting. Ok, maybe they're sheltered and desperate. I almost take offense to a 1980s bike being sold by a twenty something as an "antique." That's just ignorant and naive.
But when we can't think for ourselves and let AI describe our stuff as trinkets on the shelf. When we can't do 2 minutes of lame research, when we believe what AI tells us about our own stuff, it's just too much.
The description of the bike in the link below isn't even one of the worst. I've read this used car salesman adjective abuse crap all over. Some of them go on to the point that if I buy that bike, it will cure my bad breath.....
Uhg.
I know it makes not a difference to anyone but me, but from this point forward, I don't care how much I want or need something, if it's got an AI description, I'm not buying it. Deal or no deal.

Vintage woman's bicycle. Incredible collector opportunity for a vintage bicycle | eBay

This vintage women's bicycle is the perfect addition to your collection. With its classic style and durable construction, it is sure to turn heads on your next ride. The brand, Executive, is known for their top-quality bicycles and this model is no exception. Its timeless design and vintage...

www.ebay.com

But if you buy this bike, all your enemies become friends and your hammer toe will disappear.
A perfect addition to any collection.

As for AI, I never send in corrections to AI errors. I am not on their payroll and why should I correct something that is out to replace me?

Vintage, restored - I see those incorrectly used in the car world. Restored does not mean a fresh coat of paint, that's reconditioned or refurbished. Restored means everything is period correct to the day it left the factory.

 

[billyjones]

think positive bro.. jeesh.. but you are right

 

[borgward]

My bikes are not restored. I keep them in good shape and with their well earned patina. I don't want them to be so precious that they can not be used.

 

[acg_schwinn]

My bikes are not restored. I keep them in good shape and with their well earned patina. I don't want them to be so precious that they can not be used.

Ditto! My 1969 Orange Krate is in strictly average, mostly original condition, and it's available for rides by anyone who wants to try it out. (Seat strut springs have been upgraded to take an adult's weight.) Here's my sister-in-law taking it around the block. She had a violet Slik Chik or similar back in the day, so she had an instant flashback as soon as she saw the Krate:

Note that she even took her purse with her, in case she had a flat and needed to call the Motor Club or something...

 

[bobcycles]

Recently I've had offers on BIN stuff on ebay. Let' say the offer makes sense... a bit less than my asking price...
but overall saves buyer$ and me fees, fair for both. So then I'll ask them to check my local CL where I will post the item for sale...
for them at their asking price... BINGO! phone rings/ text/ or email ... Six listings over the last couple of weeks..
most local PU too...and decent $ items. Ebay doesn't catch this in the messages like they will emails or phone #s.
BIG Middle Finger to ebay... end the listing and make Priority 1 and 2 ...Buyer and Seller happy both..
and NOT feebay.

With these AI descriptions on items now? Ebay is Hammering the last nails in its own casket.

Posting a pic of your biz card...or phone contact also a good way to F the site that keeps sucking more and more.

 

[Oilit]

Here's another example of "AI" in action. These are called "Starships" and they appeared on the campus about a year ago to allow people to get meals delivered from the dining hall to other buildings, basically a self-guided cooler on wheels. As I understand it, it's all handled over the phone and you get a code to open the lid once it has arrived. During the semester I usually ride to the dining hall because I can get there in about 5 minutes, as opposed to 15 minutes walking. Approaching a student I can watch them and know whether they see me or not, but with these things there's no way to know and no way to predict what they will do next. They use the sidewalks exclusively and you will often see a small knot of them all waiting to cross the street, because evidently when their little brains are overwhelmed the default is to stop and wait until there are no more possible hazards. They also seem to have a harder time detecting a bicycle compared to a pedestrian (slower) or a motor vehicle (much bigger). At best they're a P.I.T.A. and at worst they're an actual hazard. Coming up behind one it stopped dead in it's tracks and I only missed it because I was already preparing to go around. Maybe by the time these get to your neighborhood they'll put some kind of direction indicators on them.

 

[vincev]

Are the drones just an AI experiment where we see what isnt there only when it is dark ?? This could intimidate an enemy into thinking the sky has dozens of aircraft overhead,

 

[acg_schwinn]

Are the drones just an AI experiment where we see what isnt there only when it is dark ?? This could intimidate an enemy into thinking the sky has dozens of aircraft overhead,

Interesting thought, but I suspect only the dumbest enemy would be fooled by that. Pretty much everyone knows a drone when they see one.

I have to say, this whole mystery nighttime drone kerfuffle is one of the weirdest public panics in a long time. If you're really feeling threatened by the drone, shoot it down. If that's not your preference, just get your own drone and send it after the mystery one to see where it goes. Not really seeing a whole lot of danger here.

 

[Wolfmac]

Interesting thought, but I suspect only the dumbest enemy would be fooled by that. Pretty much everyone knows a drone when they see one.

I have to say, this whole mystery nighttime drone kerfuffle is one of the weirdest public panics in a long time. If you're really feeling threatened by the drone, shoot it down. If that's not your preference, just get your own drone and send it after the mystery one to see where it goes. Not really seeing a whole lot of danger here.

Is it time to stock up on toilet paper again

 

[acg_schwinn]

Is it time to stock up on toilet paper again

I'm looking forward to when we can start panicking and looting...