Boasts

[deba3602013]

I just have to laugh.  I was searching for stuff (just random browse) and several times I came upon the word "boasts" in the descriptions.  I thought who uses that in a description?  Like maybe on a game show The Price is Right or something. 

Then I discovered that a Seller has the option to use AI-generated descriptions.  

AI really bigs it up. 

I used the 'advanced' search function and entered search term "boasts".  At first I got 7 million hits but they also included "boats", so I refined the search to only include "boasts" and I got 2 million hits.

A listing for a £10,000 Hiab Flat Crane trailer, a child's toy vehicle for £4.34,  a set of £9 teen long-sleeve shirts and a £3.31 His Lordship Fine China mug - all descriptions using the word "boasts".

All descriptions look/read basically the same.  So fake.

What have we come to.  Where are we going.  At least we can have a good laugh along the way.

[*vyolla*]

That's brilliant! 😁

[arty.crafty.books]

Funny!!! Everyone reading this now checking their listings for 'boasts'😀

[department28]

Yes, you can spot these these AI generated descriptions a mile off.  As descriptions, they are completely useless, although they are good for a laugh at times!

The eBay AI thingy obviously has a very limited vocabulary, so the same words & phrases get applied to everything, however unsuitable. It has made me feel almost allergic to some words, particularly those AI favourites... 'enhance', 'elevate' 'experience' & 'exciting'... 🙄

[lavenderthimblebunny]

Unfortunately AI cant conjure up actual measurements or list the contents of a set unless the seller does which is frustrating when I've just read through a paragraph of syrupy drivel.

[deba3602013]

Hi.  Thanks for your reply.  I only just noticed that people have been replying to me.  I saw the "likes", but didn't know there were replies.  Where's AI when I really need it?

AI, AI, Oh.  If it's so much trouble for people to write their own descriptions,  help is on the way!  AI robots are being touted as the next musk-have accessory.  Musk claims all 8 billion people on the planet will want a "home" robot.   The home robot will help out in the house whilst the inhabitants can watch Netflix or walk the dog or help the kids with their homework, you know, the boring stuff that nobody really wants to do.  (Personally I think walking the dog is good fun, but the homework today is a bit too difficult.  Have you seen what they've done to the maths?!)

So in a short while, in the not-too-distant fewchore, people will have their robot maid/butlers and when it comes to selling their stuff on ebay, the robot will take care of everything.  It will have an ebay chip implanted* at the factory, as standard.  Robobay will take the photos, write its own description (it is AI after all) wrap the parcel, post it.  It will even manage the refunds and advise you of the kerching coming in.

You just sit back and binge on Netflix.  

* The ebay chip is intended for the robot, but ebay is considering trialling it on private sellers.

[department28]

I think it's fair to say AI boasts an inexhaustible supply of syrupy drivel... 😄

[deba3602013]

🙂   I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening, can you?  Hehe. 

[deba3602013]

You're so kind.  I'm here all weekend.  🙂

[deba3602013]

Robobay may be on the way! 

[department28]

'The home robot will help out in the house whilst the inhabitants can watch Netflix or walk the dog or help the kids with their homework, you know, the boring stuff that nobody really wants to do....'

Hmm... wondering if that would include dealing with annoying neighbours... that would certainly enhance my neighbourhood experience...

[deba3602013]

I think you may be looking for Robocop. 

[deba3602013]

What's up with the neighbours?

[department28]

Noisy on one side, nosy on the other... 

[the-nutwood-collection]

The media - or maybe AI - has two favourite phrases at the moment.

'Breaks Cover' as in Princess Beatrice breaks cover after birth of daughter.  This is applied to any person that hasn't been seen in public for a couple of days.

'Breaks Silence' as in Rachel Reeves breaks silence over DWP cuts.  Meaning - a person made a comment on a topic.

[deba3602013]

So funny.

Apparently writing 'so funny' wasn't enough.  Red message reads: 

Please enter 10 or more characters here.

Is this AI again?  Seriously?

[theprettybits]

Thank you for this post, I really needed a good laugh!

On a side note, you should consider a career as a novelist (before AI takes over that too!)! 

[deba3602013]

Thank you, I'm glad I made you laugh.  We need to laugh, it has health-giving benefits.  I am not a doctor nor do I play one anywhere, but trust me anyway!  🙂

[wyntersemporium]

Wish I could walk the dog. Mine passed 17/02/25. Vet advised pts should have got a second opinion somewhere else. My Bailey was only 9. When Covid was on I’d take him to the post box (long before collection at home)  and come back over the Village Green. Then collection from home came into play. No more taking 40 odd LL to box all collected. 
now I only sell one or two items per day. 

[deba3602013]

I feel your pain with Bailey's passing. 

But there is another good buddy out there looking for you!  I hope you find each other soon x

Hey, at least you're selling stuff.  I have so much to get rid of.  Have taken stuff to charity, but they get on my nerves.  I could certainly do with the extra £ myself. 

I've even tried offering children's things like books and dvds to schools.  They don't even reply.  How rude.  And how I'm not going to listen to their cries about they don't have enough money to properly dumb down our children.

I finally get around to making an effort and list something and eBay deletes my post.  And doesn't even leave me a copy to relist it!   And it is an effort what with all the photos and writing the description and then the eventual posting and waiting around hoping buyer is happy with the item ... phew!