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On a less consequential issue...can we all agree that Ilia Malinin's short program outfit is hideous? ... See MoreSee Less

20 hours ago

On a less consequential issue...can we all agree that Ilia Malinins short program outfit is hideous?

Comment on Facebook

This young man is incredibly dedicated to his craft, please be respectful and save negativity towards him for the privacy of your home. It’s insulting.

Perfect for Justin Michael Moore

Mother of a figure skater here and I loved the whole thing. He’s amazing and his costume was 🔥

OK, well you have to remember what story he is telling. He is skating to the music from the Prince of Persia video game. He looks like one of the characters in the game.

Feels a little Narnia-esque

LOL my mom said the same thing.

Depends..I haven’t seen his performance..what was his music selection?

I thought it was a fun break from the predictable formalwear the rest of them wear!

It’s giving Ewok. I don’t hate it.

Reminded me of the Puck costume in a stage performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream I saw. 🤷‍♀️ Now that's I've seen it based on the video game his music is from, I guess it makes sense - but only if you pick up on it!

The Slovenian downhill skier outfits look like Buzz Lightyear costumes.

When you skate like him, you can wear anything you want and still look fabulous!!

We thought it looked kind of Puckish.

Definitely not hideous. You need to know the music and the story he is telling in his skate.

Mr. Tumnus on ice??

What's it supposed to be? I'm kind of getting bug splat on a windshield

As a Gen X parent, I have to say GenZ fashion is always a little odd to me. 😂

I’m in my complimentary, let’s support each other season. So all I have to to say is I’m so proud of this young man who has sacrificed, worked incredibly hard, dedicated himself to his sport, and killed it on the ice. And he’s the son of proud immigrant parents. Go, Ilia🇺🇸❄️🇺🇸

I have to disagree here. I loved it. You don’t name yourself the Quad God and then do something basic.

He looks like an extra in Cats.

Gen Z fashion is a mystery.

The young man from Fairfax, VA? I always just focus on their skill on how incredibly hard they had to work to get there. He did a wonderful job!

It’s similar to many of his costumes. His skating seemed different, though, especially the final section. Much less fluid and effortless in appearance than I’ve seen before from him

I thought this was David Bowie at first. 😂

Yes. Though my first impression was the amount of hair product involved.

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Like every other writer, I've been bombarded in the past couple of months with AI-written sales pitches trying to convince me that my book should be in their book club rotation (for a small consideration, of course), or that I should hire the sender to do book marketing (for a larger fee, usually).

Those AI pitches have a certain feel to them. They're extremely descriptive, but the prose sounds just a little bit off. They praise my book to the skies, but always with the same phrases.

This week, I got one of those AI pitches from the most clueless AI user ever. I reproduce it below for your entertainment. And to put your antennae up.

**

Michael Harrington <[email protected]>
Thu, Jan 29, 6:40 PM
to contactsusan

Dear [author],

I hope this message finds you well.

I recently had the opportunity to review your work and was impressed by [mention 1-2 specific compelling elements—themes, narrative structure, character development, or thematic depth]. Your approach to [specific story element] demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of [genre] storytelling that resonates with discerning readers.

The integration of [mention genre elements or themes] with substantive elements such as [mention 2-3 story elements like character arcs, thematic concerns, or narrative tensions] creates a work that stands out in today's market. This level of craft positions your book as exactly what engaged readers actively seek when exploring [genre].

I am reaching out regarding a strategic opportunity to enhance your book's discoverability. I curate Goodreads Listopia lists specifically designed to connect quality [genre] works with readers who value [relevant themes/qualities]. These lists serve readers who are intentionally searching for well-crafted narratives rather than browsing algorithmically generated recommendations.

With your permission, I would like to feature your book on a curated Listopia list focused on [relevant themes/tropes/genres], thereby connecting it with readers actively seeking [specific reader interests].

This requires no action on your part beyond granting permission for inclusion.

I would be pleased to facilitate increased visibility for your work among readers who will genuinely value its qualities.

I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

Michael Harrington

**

Guy.

If you can't figure out how to make your AI assistant work for you, just...go do something else. Preferably, something involving your hands and some sweat.

And don't email me again.

'm sorry to say that I then got a follow-up email from this same email address, asking if I'd gotten his pitch and addressed once again to, "Dear [author]"...
... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago

Comment on Facebook

Why would he need your permission also. Anyone can make a book list.

I get them for books I haven't even dreamed of writing--on puppy-training and blood-pressure management. 😄

Wait, the blanks weren’t even filled in?!

Did you reply with: Dear AI Bot, Please kindly go kick rocks. Yours truly, [Author]

This is frame worthy 😂 seriously though, now I think you're holding out on us. I am reaching out regarding a strategic opportunity to enhance your Facebook page's discoverability. Please consider dedicating every Tuesday going forward to be the worst email of the week. I look forward to your response. 😁

I got one recently from William Shakespeare asking if I wanted him to endorse my book. Also received similar emails from Michelle Obama, John Grisham, and Tom Clancy. I get about 20 weekly wanting to market my book.

I read this and snorted with disbelief. My daughter walks up, reads over my shoulder, and asks if it's a Mad Lib. Because...it could be, she said...and it would be funny.

I would have been done when I got to “I hope this email finds you well.” Good heavens! Why does AI think people actually write that and who looks at it it and says to themselves, “This sounds so genuine. They’ll never suspect. “ 💀

Everyone works for someone 😆 just not clear who works for whom in the AI scenario.

He left all that in there? Like, he didn’t insert your name??

Susan, how can you tell when a letter is not AI? The first paragraph sounds like a decent letter, with blanks appropriately filled of course.

I got one in snail mail yesterday in which there was an obvious blank where a name should have gone.

Oh my gosh, I get these all the time. I love the "insert name here" entertainment quality of it though.

"Clueless" is a very gracious way of putting it. I'd be more inclined to describe Michael as "extremely lazy."

Can "discoverability" please go back to wherever it came from and stop trying to be a real word?

I didnt need to go any further than the first line. Click! Lol

Only tangentially related, but… I recently received a notification from our car dealership about a recall notice. When I called and asked to speak to the person named in the email I received, I was informed that was just an AI entity….. sigh….

Respond! Dear [AI Generator], I have determined to [enter your decision ]. Based on [your reasoning]. Sincerely, [Name]

🤦‍♀️

Karen Swallow Prior

This is beautiful. I hope you print it out and frame it in gold

AI is a misnomer. The real thing requires understanding and judgement, not mere collation. As your work demonstrates.

Someone needs to coin a word that means simultaneously pathetic and hysterical.

Gross

I ordered one knife sharpening kit for my son for Christmas. He received, and I was charged for, 4 kits. Every time I write to the company to ask for a return label and ask for my money back, I receive an email telling me to be patient, my shipment is on the way.

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