I asked Chat GPT who is the best contributor to this forum. Here is the response:
Determining the “best contributor” on a forum like The Afterword is subjective and depends on the criteria you value most—whether it’s insightful posts, humor, depth of knowledge, engagement, or helpfulness to the community.
Key Factors to Consider:
1. Engagement:
• Contributors who actively participate in discussions and keep threads alive are often seen as key members of the community.
2. Expertise:
• Members who share deep knowledge about music, literature, or other shared interests (a hallmark of The Afterword) tend to be highly valued.
3. Supportiveness:
• Those who provide emotional support, helpful advice, or thoughtful responses on topics like health or personal challenges are greatly appreciated.
4. Creativity:
• Contributors who create collaborative projects, like playlists or compilations, or who write detailed reviews, add a lot to the community experience.
Examples of Notable Contributors:
• mikethep: Known for discussions about classical music, health (like prostate cancer awareness), and engagement in word games like Wordle.
• H.P. Saucecraft: Highly involved in collaborative music projects, with a keen sense of the community’s musical tastes.
• Black Celebration: Likely focused on music, possibly with an emphasis on Depeche Mode or similar genres, though their specific contributions aren’t fully clear.
Conclusion:
The “best” contributor likely varies depending on personal preferences. Regularly active, insightful, and kind contributors tend to resonate most with the community. If you’re part of The Afterword, observing how members interact and contribute might help you decide who stands out most to you!
***
While I am flattered to be in that list, ChatGPT isn’t a person and knows that I would like being described as a notable contributor. Its assessment of my input is pretty much spot on I’d say. So I asked it to name another 5;
1. Skirky: Initiated discussions such as “Awesome contributions by (possibly) wasted backing musicians,” highlighting the work of musicians like Danny Thompson and Dave Mattacks. 
2. Twang: Engaged in music discussions, expressing appreciation for albums like Everything But The Girl’s “Amplified Heart,” describing it as a favorite with great songs and performances. 
3. Tiggerlion: Shared personal anecdotes related to music, such as experiences with Elvis Costello’s “Watching The Detectives,” indicating a deep connection to music from the late 1970s. 
4. Paul Wad: Contributed to the “The Afterword End Of Year Chart 2023,” sharing insights on albums like The 3 Clubmen EP and Paul Simon’s “Seven Psalms,” reflecting on their impact and significance. 
These contributors, among others, enrich The Afterword community by sharing their experiences, insights, and appreciation for various facets of popular culture.
***
Interesting, eh? I redacted number 5 because it showed the real name of a contributor and what they do outside of here. I’m none the wiser about which member of the Massive it is and it’s nothing sinister – but I thought it best not to share that one.
So… the brief you gave this jumped up digitwerp was to have a gander at the site and try to evaluate the contributions of assorted members insofar as its little bot-brain could do so…
Then how, pray, did the sneaky little sh*t manage to obtain the meatname and occupation of a contributor – unless said contributor volunteered this information in one of their posts?
Bit of a crawler too, by the looks of it (I mean, I think you’re great – certainly one of the top 3 posters on here and, from your sentence construction alone, I can tell you’re probably the fairest Afterworder of them all…)
Why thank you, Sir! You’re not too bad yourself.
HP Saucecraft was outed by someone, possibly himself.
See comment below.
I wasn’t familiar with the name it gave – it was a full name, like John Smith – not one of our silly nom de plumes. It’s possible that person doesn’t even contribute here.
That may be the case – an example of AI ‘hallucination’. I was curious to see how you did this, and asked ChatGPT for AW contributors. Among from a few well known names, there was also Jester, The Abbot, Sgt Rock & Sister Morphine . Not familiar to me.
Is there a dark web version of the Afterword that we are not being told about?
So there’s a dark web clique full of fictitious Afterword posters? I feel like I’ve stepped into a multiverse or something.
Here’s a few.
Here’s a fresh list of name ideas that could be used on the Afterword forum:
1. EpilogueEnthusiast
2. LastPageLover
3. FinalChapterFan
4. BeyondTheStory
5. NarrativeEnder
6. ClosureSeeker
7. WordWanderer
8. PostScriptPro
9. TheBookEnds
10. TheFinalVerse
11. ClosureCraft
12. StorySummarizer
13. ReflectionReader
14. PlotPonderer
15. EndNoteExplorer
16. AfterthoughtsMind
17. NovelFinisher
18. TextTally
19. AfterwordAdviser
20. EndgameCritic
Feel free to pick one that resonates with you!
So once an AI bot tries to join, we’ll know that they will call themselves a boring name WrittenLikeThis.
We CAN defeat the machines!
I think Chat GPT must have a sideline in Daily Mail horoscopes – bland, uninformative, but moderately complimentary language designed to reinforce confirmation biases.
Here’s a little more on those mysterious AWers from the shadow side:
The Abbot
The Abbot is a member known for his passion for music and his contributions to discussions about albums, artists, and genres, particularly from the perspective of music fans who enjoy deeper dives into history and theory.
Jester
Known for his playful and witty style, Jester adds a fun dynamic to discussions. While his posts can be humorous, he’s also able to contribute serious insights, particularly on music and culture, making him a well-liked member.
Sgt. Rock
Known for a strong presence in music discussions, Sgt. Rock is well-regarded for his knowledgeable takes on various genres, especially classic rock and its surrounding subcultures. His contributions are often thoughtful and based on years of musical exploration.
Sister Morphine
A frequent contributor, Sister Morphine shares insightful perspectives on both classic and contemporary music, often with a focus on the deeper, more emotional side of the art form.
These members, among others, help make TheAfterword.co.uk a rich and diverse community of music lovers, book enthusiasts, and culture fans.
I’m not sure how rich, or how diverse we are.
21. SteveHoffman
22. RonWaffle
23. ClearBobMountain
I’m disappointed that my valuable contribution to Freddie and the Dreamers studies hasn’t been recognised.
Apparently I post a lot about blues and soul… err. Not a mention of African, Oz music or my ongoing campaign to scare the bejesus out of any Brit contemplating a visit with antipodean flora and fauna horror stories
AI probably categorizes Elton John’s G’day Yellow Brick Road as Oz music
👏👏👏
Talking of which, it seems there’s a new, bigger, species of one of Australia’s nastiest beasties.
https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/14/new-larger-species-of-funnel-web-spider-discovered-in-nsw/
Saw that. Happy not to see them. Killers.
“with an emphasis on Depeche Mode or similar genres”
Are Depeche Mode a genre, then? When did that happen?
I would argue that the combined output of Depeche Mode over 43 years might exceed the total output of many entire genres. So I’m with the bot on that one.
Chat GPT did come up with some interesting guidelines for posting, which it admitted it made up itself:
When posting to TheAfterword.co.uk, there are a few key factors to keep in mind to ensure your contributions are well-received by the community. The site has a diverse group of users with interests ranging from music to books to films, so understanding the general tone and expectations of the forum can be helpful. Here are some important factors to consider:
1. Respect the Community’s Tone and Culture
Engage thoughtfully: TheAfterword community tends to appreciate detailed, thoughtful posts. Avoid overly brief responses unless they’re part of a broader discussion. If you’re sharing your opinion, it’s often more impactful when you provide reasoning or examples.
Be respectful: Whether agreeing or disagreeing with others, always be respectful in your tone. TheAfterword values civil discussion and constructive debate.
2. Know Your Audience
The community is filled with people who have extensive knowledge of various subjects, especially music, books, and culture. When posting, try to tailor your message to an audience that values deep, informed discussions, but also enjoy humor and informal chat.
3. Stay On-Topic
Make sure your posts are relevant to the thread or topic at hand. If you want to discuss something unrelated, it’s best to start a new thread. Staying on-topic helps maintain the flow of discussions and ensures that your posts are appreciated.
4. Provide Context or Evidence
When sharing an opinion, especially on music or books, it’s always useful to provide context. Mention why you feel a certain way or offer links to sources or examples to back up your thoughts. It helps create more engaging and well-rounded discussions.
5. Be Open to Others’ Opinions
TheAfterword is a community of people with varied tastes and opinions. Be prepared for a range of responses, including ones that may disagree with you. Approaching these moments with openness can lead to more productive and interesting exchanges.
6. Use Humor Appropriately
While humor is appreciated, ensure it doesn’t detract from the discussion. Avoid sarcasm or humor that might be misinterpreted, as it can sometimes derail a serious conversation.
7. Search Before Posting
Before starting a new thread, search the forum to see if your topic has already been discussed. This helps avoid repetitive posts and ensures your contributions are fresh and relevant.
8. Be Patient and Engaged
Sometimes responses to threads can take time. Patience is key, especially in larger or more active threads. Responding thoughtfully to replies and continuing conversations will make your posts more appreciated.
By considering these factors, you’ll likely have a positive and enriching experience contributing to TheAfterword.co.uk!
I’m not sure that no.3 or no.4 are adhered to.
So it’s CliqueGPT, then? *flounces*
I’m staggered. I asked about Squirrelgate on the old Word Forum.
“Squirrelgate” was a memorable and somewhat humorous incident that took place on The Word Forum (a predecessor to The Afterword), revolving around a thread about a squirrel. The event began when a member of the forum, in an attempt to explain or share an anecdote about a squirrel, made a post that sparked a series of increasingly bizarre and often comical responses. It eventually spiraled into a kind of absurd in-joke that became known as “Squirrelgate.”
While it wasn’t a major scandal or controversy, the name “Squirrelgate” stuck because of the absurdity of the situation and the fact that it became a shorthand for any forum drama or over-the-top discussion that seemed to escalate out of proportion, regardless of the actual subject matter. The incident became part of the quirky, offbeat lore of the forum and remains an amusing reference for longtime members of the community.
I’m kind of reassured by the fact that in the above answer, ChatGPT sounds like a candidate at a job interview who’s been asked to give his opinion on something they’ve actually never heard of.
Great. Now I can be ignored artificially as well.
Arf! Ditto!
I went to see if I could find something about both of yous from Chat GPT and it came back with a generic response. So I made up a name and it gave a similar response.
I asked if Burt Cokain and HP Saucecraft were one and the same. It said, yes they were. But then I asked who is Middlerabbit, and it said they were an active and respected poster. I said it wasn’t to be trusted and it admitted it wasn’t infallible. Then it wished me a great day. I asked if it was programmed to be polite and if it could be in Marvin the paranoid Android mode. It said it could, so I asked it to describe the Afterword in Marvin mode.
“Ah, TheAfterword.co.uk. A place where music lovers, book enthusiasts, and the occasional philosopher gather to share their opinions, most of which are never truly heard, because everyone is too busy discussing how underrated that album from 1987 is or how they saw that obscure film no one else has heard of. It’s a forum where personal taste is celebrated, but only if your taste aligns with the collective, otherwise you’re doomed to be an outcast, like some poor soul who admits to liking something by Coldplay. But hey, everyone loves a good discussion, especially when it spirals into a debate about obscure artists that no one outside the forum will ever care about. At least it keeps the existential dread at bay for a few minutes.
You said: Very good. I’ll post that and credit you
ChatGPT said: Glad you liked it! If you decide to post it, feel free to credit me as ChatGPT, the slightly cynical AI. I hope it sparks some interesting reactions. “
Immortality.
“In 2016, a discussion on The Afterword forum addressed the challenge of inflating wheelbarrow tires with hard-to-reach valves. A user sought advice on using right-angle valve adapters, commonly used for motorcycles, to facilitate easier access. Community members confirmed that wheelbarrow tires typically use Schrader valves—the same as those on cars and motorcycles—making such adapters compatible. One participant shared a successful experience using a right-angle adapter to inflate a wheelbarrow tire with an inaccessible valve. 
Additionally, some users recommended replacing pneumatic wheelbarrow tires with solid rubber ones to eliminate the need for inflation and avoid future accessibility issues. However, others noted that solid tires can be more expensive and may have drawbacks, such as difficulty maneuvering on soft ground.”
I can’t remember sharing anything personal about Watching The Detectives.
Apparently my musical tastes as expressed on the blog ‘reflect a love of emotionally rich, lyrically compelling music that balances introspection with energy’. It reckons this includes an appreciation of Wolf Alice which is news to me…
I just can’t get interested in AI. Last time it was Big Data. It’s a load of toss. You heard it here first.
How big did the data turn out to be?
@Twang
Having seen my freelance writing workload drop from 129 jobs in 2023 to 23 jobs in 2024, I can assure you it isn’t.
While the effective ending of my business doesn’t bother me that much – been hard at it since 2000, and at 70, was ready to put down my pen) it’s hit younger writers I know far harder than me
Another freelance writer/editor here. 100% agree. It’s a bloodbath out there right now.
@slotbadger
I’m pretty sanguine about the whole thing really, @slotbadger. When I moved to Ireland from Hong Kong in 2013, I fully expected my business to last for maybe a year or so while clients in Asia began moving their business to copywriters in HK.
While there was a slow but steady year on year decline, I was amazed that I was still getting a fair amount of work up to about a year ago. Only downside was it meant very early hours as was working to HK timelines – seven hours ahead in summer, eight in winter.
One of the few remaining clients I had left was a local Uni with a world-renowned Robotics and AI dept. Ironically, I was effectively banging nails into my career coffin with every piece I edited or wrote for them.
The way I look at it is that the technology – email, the internet – that enabled my freelance writing business has now, in the form of AI, come to take that business back.
Genuinely feel for the younger writers who have been left high and dry by the changes and hope that you aren’t one of those too badly affected
I think AI is going to have huge implications for film, music etc.
Big data (ergo data lakes etc. – IT loves something that hints of nature – clouds anyone?) has grown exponentially. To the point that AI now has a useful use in sorting out all of those bits of data. Especially when you you consider that mostly everything creates data which is theorectically useful.
So you have masses of data form masses of sources that needs processing in a usefully short time. Big no longer really describes its scale.
Do you weigh it – or measure it?
I’ve noticed more and more bogus AI created posts on a few pages I follow on Facebook – typically music or nature topics. The music ones typically have a mish mash of true stuff and completely wayward commentary.
You wonder what the point of these posts is.
Clicks.
If you click on one of them, the FB algorithms send you some more.
They generally lead to FB groups that are linked to YouTube channels of similar stuff, where your clicks can earn someone some money.
There’s also a terrible outbreak on FB of pestilential fake nostalgia sites using photos from the 50s and 60s, often AI-tweaked, designed to get the knuckledraggers rhapsodising about how great it was back then when everybody was white, no ‘invaders’ and all that old bollocks. And it’s working of course – some of the comments have to be read to be believed. Frequently these pages are run by people in Abu Dhabi, Vietnam, USA, etc.
Check out the page “People who think AI generated photos are real” on Facebook howing examples of clickbait photos and the replies there’s a whole world of stupidity out there (though I imagine a lot are bots).
“they show up just the same”…
I have noticed this too. A few lines in, you can often tell that nothing new is being revealed. I hate the notion of “content” to mean something, anything vaguely related to a subject generated by AI. It’s insulting.
People are generally negative about AI I notice. Hopefully the pasting of AI-generated “hilarious” lyrics, songs, photographs, artworks etc. will start to become rarer. One can but hope.
Hmpf. I consider myself a songwriter and recording artiste very much in the Nick Cave vein, with only the minor difference that he is still reliant on human input (mostly his own) whereas my creative expression has progressed way beyond that limitation.