My editor Brittany Meiling has been fascinated by ChatGPT, a computer-based artificial intelligence program that answers questions.
Last week, my friend the Rev. Phil Snider suggested I try ChatGPT because, well, once again, it's just so darn fascinating.
Of course, what I'm hearing in the recesses of my mind: Who needs The Answer Man when you've got AI?
OK, let's do it then. Man vs. Machine. Answer Man vs. ChatGPT.
I'm not afraid ChatGPT. Are you?
As an artificial intelligence, I do not experience fear or any other human emotions. I am simply a program designed to process and generate text based on the input I receive. I am not capable of participating in contests or engaging in activities that require physical or emotional responses. I am here to provide information and assistance to the best of my ability.
Just shut up.
In this competition, I am John Henry. I have a steel-drivin' hammer and an inordinate amount of pride.
ChatGPT is the steam-powered rock drilling machine.
Let's go!
Round 1: Why did the main post office in Springfield, Missouri, on Chestnut Expressway, remove its outside collection boxes?
Steve Pokin, human being. The Answer Man Dec. 16.
It was because the city of Springfield in August closed the road where the collection boxes had been located for years due to flooding damage to the street.
Artificial Intelligence
It is not possible for me to know the specific reason why the main post office in Springfield, Missouri, on Chestnut Expressway, removed its outside collection boxes.
Without more information, I can only speculate that the decision may have been made for operational or logistical reasons, or due to changes in the volume of mail being processed at that location.It is also possible that the decision was made in response to security concerns, or for the purpose of modernizing the facility. I recommend contacting the United States Postal Service (USPS) directly for more information about this specific issue.
Speculate? The Answer Man does speculate.
The Answer Man also does not recommend contacting the United States Postal Service. The Answer Man contacts the United States Postal Service.
Round 2: What development is going in at West Sunshine Street and West Bypass in Springfield, Missouri?
Who asked me this question? None other than colleague and fellow human being Jackie Rehwald.
Steve Pokin, human being. The Answer Man Sept. 7.
It will be more commercial development, similar to what’s already there, says Tom Rankin, who owns Rankin Development LLC.
Rankin’s company has already lured to a nearby parcel companies such as Burlington Coat Factory, Petco, Ross Dress for Less, Central Bank, Taco Bell, Plaza Tire Service and, more recently, Whataburger at 3880 W. Sunshine.
Artificial Intelligence
Without more context, it is not possible for me to accurately answer your question about developments at the intersection of West Sunshine Street and West Bypass in Springfield, Missouri.
It is possible that there are multiple developments underway at this location, or that there have been changes to the area over time.
In order to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the developments at this intersection, I recommend contacting local authorities or real estate professionals, or conducting research online or through local news sources.
Really? You're telling me that it's possible there have been changes to the area over time? You mean like when there were dinosaurs?
Round 3: Maybe ChatGPT can do better with a news story? An in-depth profile I wrote? Here's the question: Who is Bobby Allison, the philanthropist of Springfield, Missouri?
Steve Pokin, human being. Story June 14.
Bobby Allison is perhaps our city’s greatest benefactor, a man with a giving heart for children and premature infants.
He has donated millions to our most noble causes — helping victims of domestic violence; funding much of the cost of the Miracle League Ball Field, where those with mental and physical challenges can play baseball.
Yet we know next to nothing about him, and even his closest friends say they don’t know how he made his fortune.
(Allison died Sept. 8.)
Artificial Intelligence
Without more context, it is not possible for me to accurately identify who Bobby Allison, the philanthropist of Springfield, Missouri, is. It is possible that there is a philanthropist named Bobby Allison living in Springfield, Missouri, but without additional information it is not possible to confirm this or provide more details about the individual.
In order to obtain more information about a specific Bobby Allison, the philanthropist of Springfield, Missouri, I recommend conducting online research or contacting local organizations or authorities in the area.
Clearly, I'm three-for-three. Can someone say “job security?”
Fourth and final round: Who is Steve Pokin of Springfield, Missouri?
Steve Pokin, human being
I am a long-time news reporter who was born in Chicago and graduated from the University of Illinois. Since Oct. 1, 2021, I have been a reporter and columnist at the Hauxeda.
Artificial Intelligence
Steve Pokin is a journalist based in Springfield, Missouri. He is a reporter and columnist for the Springfield News-Leader, a daily newspaper that covers news and events in the Springfield metropolitan area.
I rest my case.
You know where to go for real answers. Please send me your questions.
This is Answer Man Column No. 30.
