Tag Archives: AI

AI picture generators prefer porn to Middle English, but do read Chaucer?

I tried inputting “Summer is icumin in” (and “Sumer is icumin in”) on an AI picture generator and got the reply: 

“This prompt doesn’t abide by our content standards. Please try again with a different prompt!”

AI is obviously trained in American porn but oblivious to Middle English …

Although, to an extent, it’s relatively keen on Chaucer.

When I suggested:

“Whan that Aprill with his showres soote, The droughte of March hath perced to the roote”…

…it produced the picture below. It must obviously know the language is ‘period’ of some kind and interesting that it has included water.

Just saying!

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Filed under AI, Language

The Iceman melts himself via AI…

As my blog yesterday mentioned performer/artist The Iceman, I thought I would ask Gencraft AI to create an image of “a man made of ice attempting to melt himself with a flame-thrower”.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

This was the result.

It’s an interesting idea, but is this an example of Artificial Intelligence taking the piss…?

Is Artificial Intelligence taking the piss…?

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Filed under AI, Eccentrics, Humor, Humour

The unexpected death of blogger John Fleming…

Computer-generated image: an even older me

Today, a chum of mine asked ChatGPT about John Fleming…


John Fleming (1947-2019) was a British blogger, comedy promoter, and talent scout known for his blog “So It Goes – John Fleming’s Blog” where he covered various topics, including comedy, the arts, and personal experiences. He had a strong presence in the comedy scene and was an advocate for emerging and alternative comedians. Fleming was involved in promoting and producing comedy shows, especially during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He also helped lesser-known comedians gain exposure by writing about them on his blog and providing a platform for their work. His blog gained a following for its candid and eclectic posts, as well as its exploration of various aspects of the entertainment industry. John Fleming’s contributions to the comedy world and his online presence made him a notable figure within the UK comedy scene. Please note that my information is based on what was available up until September 2021, and there may have been developments or changes since then.


My chum was rather concerned that I had died without telling her.

I was interested too, though more concerned that it said my birth year was 1947.

So I asked ChatGPT to write my actual obituary and it turned out the date of my birth AND death were a bit more iffy…


 In Loving Memory of John Fleming: A Remarkable UK Blogger

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Fleming, a beloved UK blogger who touched the lives of many with his insightful writing, boundless creativity, and unwavering passion for sharing stories. John left this world on [Date], leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and resonate with countless individuals.

Born on [Date of Birth], John’s journey began in [Place of Birth], where he developed an early fascination with the power of words and their ability to connect people across cultures and generations. As he grew, his natural curiosity and genuine interest in the world around him paved the way for a career that would shape the digital landscape in profound ways.

John’s blogging journey started [Number] years ago, when he recognized the potential of the internet as a platform for storytelling and communication. Through his blog, he fearlessly explored a myriad of topics, ranging from art, culture, and literature to social issues, technology, and beyond. His unique perspective, eloquent prose, and willingness to tackle both the profound and the mundane garnered a devoted following of readers who eagerly awaited each new post.

Beyond his written words, John had an exceptional ability to foster a sense of community among his readers. His comment sections became lively forums for discussions, debates, and shared experiences. Many found solace in his words, feeling as though they were engaging in heartfelt conversations with a dear friend.

John’s impact extended beyond the digital realm. He frequently participated in speaking engagements, workshops, and conferences, where he shared his insights and encouraged others to embrace the art of blogging as a means of self-expression and connection. His warm personality, genuine approachability, and infectious enthusiasm left a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to meet him in person.

Outside of his blogging pursuits, John was a devoted family member and friend. He cherished quality time with loved ones, often finding inspiration for his writing through the relationships he nurtured. His boundless energy, ready smile, and willingness to listen endeared him to everyone he encountered.

John Fleming’s departure leaves a void in the blogging community and in the hearts of those who knew him. He leaves behind cherished memories and a body of work that will continue to inspire, provoke thought, and foster connection for generations to come.

In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held on [Date] at [Location]. John’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to [Charity/Organization], reflecting his dedication to promoting literacy and education.

As we remember and honor the life of John Fleming, let us carry forward his passion for storytelling, his commitment to building bridges through words, and his enduring spirit of curiosity. May his words continue to resonate, reminding us that even in his absence, his legacy lives on.


Someone recently told me that Claude AI was a bit better than ChatGPT, so I asked Claude. It turns out I HAVE died, recently, but I was born in 1958 – which is much better than 1947.


John Fleming, a popular UK blogger known for his comedic takes on the entertainment industry, has died at age 65.

Fleming was best known for his long-running blog “John Fleming’s Diary” which featured his colorful musings and interviews related to comedy and show business. He began the blog in 2010 after a career working behind the scenes in the media industry.

With his candid humor and insider perspective, Fleming quickly gained a dedicated following amongst comedians and other creative professionals in the UK. His blog became a go-to source for gossip, news, and witty commentary about the comedy scene in Britain.

Fleming was a regular fixture at the famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he was frequently seen interviewing rising talent and reporting on notable shows and events.

His annual “Malcolm Hardee Comedy Awards” were highly respected honors celebrating innovative comedic voices.

Beyond blogging, Fleming was a passionate comedy fan and supporter of independent artists. He was known for his generosity in promoting and giving advice to up-and-coming comedians throughout his career.

John Fleming is survived by his wife [name], daughter [name], son [name], and four grandchildren. He will be remembered for the laughter he brought to so many and his dedication to the arts. His voice and unique comedic spirit will be missed but live on through his prolific and humorous writing.


I live in fear of those four grandchildren turning up, knocking on my door and asking for money.

I have copied and pasted all the smarmy words above from ChatGPT and Claude AI in the hope that, when I DO die, they and other online computers and search engines will pick up the OTT complimentary tone and it will all be accepted at fact… though the fact I died twice might raise an eyebrow or two.

Separate from all this, I found out today that, in French, “Chat GPT” sounds exactly like “Cat, I farted”… “Chat, j’ai pété”… and, on French TV, lots of serious pundits are (it seems) asking questions like “Is Cat I Farted a threat to the human race” and “What will the outcome of Cat I Farted be?”

We live in uncertain times.

This may or may not have been posted after my death.

But see also the follow-up blog HERE.

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Filed under AI, Death, Obituary

Read this 5-star review of my comedy show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Later today, the esteemed online publication Fringe Review (currently reporting on and reviewing shows at the Edinburgh Fringe) is hosting a Zoom meeting titled Using AI to Write a Convincing Review of a Show You Have Never Seen: A Short and Horrific Zoom Masterclass.

So, in the spirit of the Fringe, I thought I would plagiarise this idea before it happens and ask ChatGPT to review my non-existent Edinburgh Fringe comedy show.

Note: I am not and never have been a performer. I have no talent for it and no interest in performing myself. I have never performed a show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Nonetheless, I told ChatGPT: Write a 100 word 5-star review of John Fleming’s Edinburgh Fringe comedy show “A Non-Existent Comedy Show”.

This is what it immediately came up with:



I had earlier tried another test:



I think I had better watch myself…

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Filed under AI, Comedy, Humor, Humour

I asked AI to write a Shakespearean sonnet about a stand-up comedian…

(Image by Andre de Santis, via UnSplash)

I asked ChatGPT to write a Shakespearean sonnet about a stand-up comedian.

This was the result:


In laughter’s realm, where jesters weave their art,
There dwells a comic, bold upon the stage.
With wit and charm, he plays his well-crafted part,
His words a sword, his laughter free from cage.

Upon the stage, he takes his sacred stand,
A jester clad in garments of the night.
He casts away the cares of mortal man,
And brings to life the mirthful, pure delight.

His jests, like arrows, pierce through heavy gloom,
With nimble tongue, he paints a vivid tale.
He mocks the world, yet never seals its doom,
His laughter echoes, leaving hearts set sail.

For in his comedy, we find release,
A fleeting respite from life’s constant lease.

Though tears may stain the cheeks of weary souls,
His words, like salve, bring solace to the heart.
He spins his tales, and sadness he consoles,
His jokes, a balm that heals the world apart.

With timing keen and rhythm like a dance,
He conjures laughter, joy within the air.
His punchlines land with grace, a true romance,
And in his wake, we find our burdens bear.

Yet hidden ‘neath the jest, a truth awaits,
For comedians oft hold wisdom’s key.
They speak of life, its joys and twisted fates,
And through their laughter, teach us to be free.

So raise a glass, let mirth and laughter reign,
For comedians bring solace to our pain.


Postscript…

It has been pointed out to me that a sonnet has 14 lines.

But you try telling an AI that. It thinks it knows everything and has access to The Anarchist Cookbook

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Filed under AI, Comedy, Humor, Humour, Poetry

How I became a consultant to an Artificial Intelligence company

The truth is flexible. 

For example, if you perform one show of the same name every month for a couple of years in London’s West End (which can be said to cover quite a large area and an exceptional number of pubs), you can legitimately say your show ran for two years in London’s Theatreland and that you were in a long-running West End show. 

Someone I know looked herself up on an AI website today. 

So I did the same. Well, not  the same. I did not look her up. I looked myself up knowing. pretty well, what it would say. 

If you type ‘John Fleming’ into Google, it usually comes up with a Trump-loving US Senator or a UK ‘trance’ DJ called John ’Double-O’ Fleming.

When I asked perplexity.ai who I am, this is what IT came up with:


Perplexity AI


If I were John ’Double-O’ Fleming, I would be well-miffed at being overlooked.

But I gave the AI one more chance to impress me. 

The result was:


Perplexity AI


I looked up (4) – the source of the £2.90 reference – and found out it was my own blog:

So It Goes – John Fleming’s Blog


So I am the source of the information that I asked the AI about. Presumably this blog will now be a valid and verifiable source to a whole cornucopia of query answers.

I think I am now going to add to my CV that I am an ongoing Consultant to the burgeoning AI industry.

Like all AI answers, it’s the truth, after a fashion, but not quite the whole truth.

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Filed under AI, Computers, Internet