Fake Books, Real Embarrassment. A Newspaper’s Face-Plant
I tried to pull a fast one on my AI-powered robot, B-9(?). But he’s too smart for that.
I asked for reviews of books I was considering for summer reading.
One of the books I mentioned: “Tidewater Dreams,” by Isabel Allende.
B-9(?)’s response:
“‘Tidewater Dreams’ by Isabel Allende does not exist. It was mistakenly listed as a real book in a 2025 summer reading list published by the Chicago Sun-Times, which included several AI-generated, fictional titles attributed to real authors.”
B-9(?) is right!
The Chicago Sun-Times (and the Philadelphia Inquirer) published a summer activities guide, provided by a syndication service and written by a freelance journalist who asked AI to big chunks of it for him.
The book list contains 15 titles, all “by” real authors. Five of the books are real. The other 10 are AI-generated fakes.
The author, Marco Buscaglia, says he used AI not just for the book section. Other sections may have AI-generated garbage, too.
Holy screw-up, Batman! This may be my favorite of all the AI hallucination tales.
In an article in 404 Media, Buscaglia said “I do use AI for background at times but always check out the material first. This time, I did not, and I can’t believe I missed it because it’s so obvious. No excuses. On me 100 percent and I’m completely embarrassed. … This is just idiotic of me, really embarrassed.”
(“I can’t believe I missed it?!?!?!?!?” That’s funny!)
Anyhow, all of this got me thinking about my book “Story Power Marketing.” Chapter 10: The F.A.C.T.s About Artificial Intelligence.
I love AI and use it all the time.
But in Chapter 10, I also offer this:
“Warning: If you want your robot to help you with research, writing, or anything else, you have to keep the F.A.C.T.S straight. You need a Framework. You must control Access and provide Context. And, no matter what, you have to Test.
Why Test?
More from Chapter 10: “Call me “robot-ist,” but I don’t trust ’em. Robots make mistakes—lots and lots of mistakes. Stupid mistakes. That’s a fact. If you trust everything your robot tells you, without testing, you’ll make mistakes too (mistakes you could have avoided).”
If you publish something AI spits out — without testing/checking — and then you get burned…
…you deserve whatever comes your way.
And whatever you do, don’t say, “I can’t believe I missed it.”
Back to the book…
There’s lots more in Chapter 10 about how to harness AI effectively and accurately to help you more and better content in less time.
The book reveals proven methods to create client-attracting, profit-generating content without getting stuck.
Go to StoryPowerBook.com to get a copy. Download a .pdf for free or order the paperback for free (plus shipping).
Don't go away yet..
p.s. Coaches, authors, and consultants hire me to power-up their creative content and storytelling to captivate prospects, stand-out and book more business.
Whenever you're ready, here are several ways I can help you become a storytelling stand-out so you'll land more clients without pitching and prodding:
1) Get the Story Power Profit Pack -- 52 Strategies, Tips, and Tactics to Transform Your Content from Ignored to Adored.
2) Watch the free, 7-minute Micro-Training: “The 3 Most Important Storytelling Keys to Captivate Prospects and Inspire Them to Act -- Without Pitching and Prodding.”
3) Become a Story Power VIP: Master how to discover, assemble, and deliver business-building stories. Twice-monthly live masterclasses. Members-only content. One-on-one feedback and consulting sessions. And more… If you'd like to learn more about our VIP program, just reply to this email and put "Story Power VIP" in the subject line. I’ll contact you with more details.
4) Work with me one-on-one: If you’re interested in working directly with me -- to discover, assemble, and deliver powerful, business-building stories -- simply reply to this email and change the subject line to "Private Client." Tell me a little about yourself, your business, and what you'd like to accomplish, and I'll reply to discuss options.
5) Invite me to speak at an event: I can tailor a presentation that meets the specific needs of your organization. Informative. Entertaining. Virtual or live. Potential for continuing education credits when applicable for your group. If interested, reply to this email and change the subject line to “Speaking Engagement.” I’ll circle back to discuss the possibilities.
Want to get great content like this...
...delivered straight to your inbox?
Join our email list...
Post Categories
Previous Post
Next Post
