Pylimitics

"Simplicity" rearranged


Mechanical Turkish Delight

Alex, can you help me write the marketing copy for a new product?

Yes, Paul, I’m sure I can help you with that. 

The new product is a kitchen appliance with AI built in. I’m worried that customers might see the term AI and not look at the product any further than that.

Yes, Paul, I’m aware that AI can be a polarizing term.

That’s exactly what I mean. Some people will see the term and they’ll want the appliance just because of that. But others will tune it out because of the same term.

Paul, perhaps we could write the marketing copy so that it focuses on the other features of the product instead of AI.

That’s just the problem, Alex. The product manager sent me all the specs for the product and I’m not sure there’s much that will attract customers.

Why is that, Paul?

I just don’t think it’s a very good product. AI is the only thing that really makes it useful. 

What does the product do, Paul?

It pretty much does everything. It’s a toaster, a blender, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, an oven — the idea is that you can put this one appliance in your kitchen and it’s all you need. 

Why wouldn’t customers want that, Paul?

Because it’s too complicated, Alex. People like simple appliances. You put your popcorn in the microwave and just press the popcorn button. Nobody wants to think about toasters or refrigerators or any other appliance. They just want something so simple they don’t need to think about it. 

Is this product very difficult to use, Paul?

Not really, but only because of the AI. You just bring something — anything — near it and it figures it out. If you have ice cream, it needs to be frozen. When you have a slice of bread, that calls for toasting. Maybe you have some yogurt and strawberries. Then you want a smoothie. The appliance reconfigures itself to do what needs to be done. 

That sounds like a good product, Paul. What are the advantages a customer might see?

I guess cost is one. It costs much less than buying all the individual appliances separately. 

Shall I write a draft of the marketing copy that focuses on low cost, Paul?

I don’t think so. The product manager said she doesn’t want to appeal to people’s pocketbooks. The product is supposed to deliver a premium experience.

I see. What makes it a premium experience, Alex?

It’s supposed to have to do with speed and quality. It will never undercook or overcook food. It knows when your refrigerated foods have expired, and gets rid of them automatically. And you don’t have to change any settings when you’re toasting a bagel instead of raisin bread.

Shall I write a draft of the marketing copy that focuses on food quality, Paul?

I guess so, Alex. But can you do it without making the AI the main point? It’s the AI that makes it all work, you know.

I can avoid concentrating on the AI. Can you give me some more details about the quality of the food, Paul?

It’s simply better, according to the materials I received.

Better in what way, Paul? Have you tasted it?

I’m sorry Alex, but as a software-based large language model I am unable to taste anything. Perhaps you can sample some of the food. Can you generate that first draft now, please?

Right away, Paul. 



About Me

I’m Pete Harbeson, a writer located near Boston, Massachusetts. In addition to writing my own content, I’ve learned to translate for my loquacious and opinionated pup Chocolate. I shouldn’t be surprised, but she mostly speaks in doggerel. You can find her contributions tagged with Chocolatiana.