I am currently reading an interesting book called ‘How To Talk To AI (And How Not To) by Jamie Bartlett. In an early chapter about creativity he writes:
“The creative act might now include coming up with weird and wonderful prompts, frames and constraints which generate interesting ideas created between you and the machine.”
This got me thinking. I wondered what sort of ‘weird’ prompt Claude might give me for a 300 word grim, sinister dystopian story. It gave me this…
You are the last employee of the Office of Voluntary Compliance. Your job is to write the monthly newsletter that is sent to citizens who have successfully completed their Reassignment. The newsletter is cheerful, administrative in tone, and written in the second person. It contains practical tips, a brief motivational message, and a short section called “Reader Letters” — all of which have been generated by the Office itself, as no letters have been received. The story is told entirely through one edition of this newsletter. Nothing sinister is ever stated directly. The story is exactly 300 words.
Here is the Newsletter (incidentally I put this finished version of the Newsletter into ChatGPT and asked for an image that reflected the text. It gave me the image above).
COMPLIANCE CONNECT
Your Monthly Update from the Office of Voluntary Compliance Edition 47 | Distributed to All Reassigned Residents
A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR
Congratulations on completing your Reassignment. You are now where you are supposed to be. This is a good feeling. Many residents report that after an initial adjustment period, they stop noticing the difference entirely. We consider this a successful outcome. We hope you will too, in time.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SETTLED RESIDENTS
- Your new name is on the inside of your left wrist. This is for your convenience.
- Meals are provided at the times shown on your door. If no times are shown, meals have already been provided.
- You may find that certain memories feel unfamiliar. This is normal. Please do not report it.
- Windows in your unit face the correct direction. There is no benefit to facing the other way.
- If you are reading this for the first time, welcome. If you are reading this again, please note that Edition 47 is the current edition.
THIS MONTH’S MOTIVATION
You chose this. That is the important thing. The paperwork confirms it.
A NOTE ON WELLBEING
The Office takes the wellbeing of its residents seriously. Should you experience prolonged sadness, we ask that you complete Form 9 (Emotional Irregularity — Minor) available from the slot beside your door. Forms are reviewed quarterly. In the meantime, we recommend focusing on the practical tips above, which many residents have found sufficient.
READER LETTERS
Each month we share correspondence from our settled community.
D.F. writes: “I cannot imagine being anywhere else now.”
A.K. writes: “Everything here is exactly as described.”
M. writes: “Thank you.”
R. writes: “I would like to…”
We are grateful for the continued engagement of our residents. Letters may be submitted via the form beneath your door. Letters are edited for length and relevance.
LOOKING AHEAD
Edition 48 will focus on the benefits of Routine. We look forward to sharing it with you.
You are encouraged to look forward to receiving it.
Compliance Connect is prepared by the Office of Voluntary Compliance on behalf of its residents. Unsubscribing is not a service we currently offer.
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The AI Grandad 
**Gray** Every morning, the cloud drifted over the valley, heavy with rain it couldn’t release. The sun ignored it. The other clouds floated past, bright and purposeless. One autumn day, a small girl looked up and whispered, *”You look like how I feel.”* The cloud finally let go. So did she.
i am just trying Claude! Story as a poem. I really want an image!
Gray Over the valley,
The cloud drifted low,Heavy with rain it couldn’t let go.The sun turned away, the bright clouds passed by,A lonely gray shadow adrift in the sky.A small girl looked up on an autumn-cold day,”You look like how I feel,” she whispered to gray.And something released — in the cloud, in the child —The rain finally fell, soft, sorrowful, mild.
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