Thanks, George. I appreciate your response tend to pretty much agree with it. I'm going to start posting my novel soon Just need to do a little more polishing on the first several chapters. I've started reviewing a bit - been really sick since Saturday but starting to feel better. I'll see what you have posted real soon.
Have fun with your writing.
Alan
I am reposting a post I added to the AI use for reviews threads. I posted it 5 days ago and there have been about a dozen posts since but none that referred back to mt question. So, I am posting it here as a new thread.
Here Is The Original Repost:
2025-11-13 02:55:09 (edited by Sideman 2025-11-13 03:35:24)
Sideman
Online
This afternoon I queried Copilot and asked if Grammarly is considered an AI assistant. Here's the reply.
* * * * * *
Grammarly is considered an AI tool due to its advanced algorithms and features that utilize artificial intelligence for content improvement. It employs Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to analyze and enhance written content, making it a powerful writing assistant. However, while Grammarly's core functions are AI-driven, it has recently integrated generative AI capabilities, allowing it to create new content based on user prompts. This evolution has led to some discussions about whether Grammarly's content can be flagged as AI-generated, especially when using its generative features.
* * * * * *
When I checked Grammarly an hour ago, one the options for members with a full membership account, there is a section for them where ai generative option is available to them. Yes, that is on the Grammarly site.
I'm using Grammarly as I write my new novel. It has reshaped some of my text, not a lot but some, to make it read more clearly and concisely. Should I not post it? In one instance it rewrote a full paragraph. Before answering, it might be a good idea to reread the last three or four sentences of the above Copilot reply to my query.
I perceive that is going to make us decide how we define AI. Sorry if this opens a new can of worms, but I want to know if what I post adheres to the intent of this site. I've put many weeks of research and work into formulating this novel. But if it would be considered contrary to the values of the site, I won't post it.
I do know a number of folks on the site who use Grammarly and everyone here has been okay with it thus far. But with its improved capabilities, should we reconsider using Grammarly for works posted on this site?
Just wondering.
Alan
PS: Should I start this as a new thread?
Thanks ... Alan
EDIT:
I have reposted edit as a new thread on the forum on 11/17/2025
This afternoon I queried Copilot and asked if Grammarly is considered an AI assistant. Here's the reply.
* * * * * *
Grammarly is considered an AI tool due to its advanced algorithms and features that utilize artificial intelligence for content improvement. It employs Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to analyze and enhance written content, making it a powerful writing assistant. However, while Grammarly's core functions are AI-driven, it has recently integrated generative AI capabilities, allowing it to create new content based on user prompts. This evolution has led to some discussions about whether Grammarly's content can be flagged as AI-generated, especially when using its generative features.
* * * * * *
I'm using Grammarly as I write my new novel. It has reshaped some of my text, not a lot but some, to make it read more clearly and concisely. Should I not post it? In one instance it rewrote a full paragraph. Before answering, it might be a good idea to reread the last three or four sentences of the above Copilot reply to my query.
I perceive that is going to make us decide how we define AI. Sorry if this opens a new can of worms, but I want to know if what I post adheres to the intent of this site. I've put many weeks of research and work into formulating this novel. But if it would be considered contrary to the values of the site, I won't post it.
I do know a number of folks on the site who use Grammarly and everyone here has been okay with it thus far. But with its improved capabilities, should we reconsider using Grammarly for works posted on this site?
Just wondering.
Alan
PS: Should I start this as a new thread?
Jack and Bill,
Thanks to both of you. I sincerely appreciate what you wrote. I'm starting to do some reviews, so will check out what you have going at the moment.
Vern,
You didn't tell me your brother was a handsome dude! I'm just home-grown Missouri material. Been in Alabama, now, for 12 years. I still can't make "yes" a three-syllable word!
Take care, everyone.
Alan
PS: I might go on and post the first chapter of my new novel tonight. Look forward to getting some feedback before getting too deep into it, since it's a new genre for me.
I've been away for almost five months., but I plan to return in several days. As most of the folks here know, my wife passed away in late May. There have been significant legal issues to resolve plus the natural grieving process. I've been to St. Louis; Denver, Colorado twice; Bakersfield, California; and San Antonio, Texas - all issues to do with Diana's passing, most of which could not be resolved on-line or by phone in a timely matter. The legal issues are resolved now. The grieving is running its course and I'm doing much better on that journey.
I'm going to pause or take down most of what I have posted on the site in a few days. This site has been good to me. I owe it, and the people here, more respect and support. I'll work hard at that. So ,,,
I'm starting a new writing adventure - new genre and writing style - Global Espionage Thriller. I've spent the past several weeks researching and reading novels in the genre. Randall Krzak, here on the site, is an excellent writer and his novels are meticulously written. He doesn't know it yet, but he's been a big inspiration for me.
So, I'm kind of starting from scratch. I promise timely reviews of other writers' works and equally timely replies to reviews of my posted works from here out. Before Diana passed, much of my time was reserved for her care as she was totally dependent on me for everything. She was always my first priority. Also, as the long-tenured members of the site know, I'm a professional songwriter and guitarist. I've completed all my existing contracts, and I am not accepting any more. That took large blocks of my time. That significant time commitment, caring for Diana and writing and recording the musical stuff, is now available to me to do with as I choose. I have chosen to write better and to be more diligent on the site.
Looking forward to this new adventure. See ya soon.
Alan
Thank you, George. Much appreciated. This the 4th goodbye to immedite family members in recent year. We've buried three of our children and now, Di.
Alan
Hi Alan. I'm very sorry to read about Di's passing. I had similar feelings when I lost my mother to cancer a few years ago. Sad that it eventually happened (it was expected) but also glad she was no longer suffering. I have her picture up around the house (my father's too), so they're never far from my thoughts.
May Di never stray far from yours.
My condolences to you and your family.
Dirk
Thank you, Dirk. You been an amazing friend over the past few years. I appreciate that and your kind words here.
I have several pictures of her I'm having enlarge for framing. There are a couple of little things she had that just hated and I told her I was gonna smash and trash them. But I can't. They way t5oo sentimental now.
I try not to get very sentimental very often, but true love never dies and memories live forever. I have that to hang onto. So far, I'm doing as good as can be expected. We just had this large four-bedroom, three full-bath house built a couple of years. It sure can get lonely with all that room to yourself. The rerally sad paret is, I've lost both my girls this spring. Lucy, our Dachshund, died iin February - and now Diana.
I'll get back to reading and reviewing in a week or so.
Take care. Hope you are well.
Alan
Marilyn,
Di passed away peacefully this morning. Heaven's Angelic Choir now has another wonderful voice. She was a beautiful woman, excellent wife, and such a marvelous singer. As you know, we have original music (almost 2,000 original songs written) being played around the world. Our most popular song is one I wrote and she sang.
Humanity has lost a truly gifted and special woman, but a heavenly star now shines a bit brighter. I miss her so much, but I'm also happy she no longer struggles from day to day.
Hope you and David are doing well.
Biggest hugs,
Alan
Many thanks, Randy. I'm looking forward to your new novel, something a little different from you. Wishing you and Sylvia the very best.
Alan
Hey Dirk!
It is so feaking good to hear from you!
Thank you for your kind words regarding Di's health. It's been a tough row to hoe, but I keep chugging along. There's so much more to Dementia than most people know about
My sleeping pill is kicking in. I'll get back to you tomorrow. See ya then!
ALAn
I still have memories from 1950 when I was three years old!. Harry Truman had been president for about 2 years when I was born.
But Dirk, neither you nor I is even one tenth as pretty as Marilyn!
It's good to be back!
My wife, Diana, is now terminally ill and in Hospice care at home. She's bed-bound and depends on me for just about everything. That has taken priority over everything else. We're hoping she makes it through the summer. I'm almost 80 years old and it's quite a chore. But I'm all she's got, so I'll take care of her. She's a really cool lady! Many of the older folks here know I'm a professional songwriter and guitar player. I have decent paying contracts for original music that I compose and record, so that's a bit more to add to my task inventory.
Anyway, it's good to be back among old friends, and I hope to make a few new friends. I did get a chance to revise two of my stories in the wee early hours of morning - usually after midnight as she slept. I just posted a revised version of the first chapter of a novel I've been working on for a very long time. Hopefully, it reads decently now.
I'll be back to reviewing in the next day or two. I have about 30 reviews I've not yet had a chance to reply to. I just don't see how I'll be able to respond to all of them plus, review your stories, reply to the reviews I get, and take care of my wife along with the day-to-day tasks. I apologize. I have read each of them and I thank you for taking so much of your time to leave the reviews and some terrific suggestions. But I'll do my best to keep up all new reviews and get to your stories as quickly as possible.
Wishing everyone the very best,
Alan
Hey Folks,
i thought I'd be back, more or less fulltime, a couple of weeks ago, but my wife had a few medical emergencies. I'm hoping I can be here at least several days a week for the foreseeable future. I owe quite a few replies to a lot of reviews. Will get started on those late tonight.
Like Marilyn, Harry Truman was president when I was born (1947). I'll be 78 on March 22. Marilyn's birthday and mine are just a day or two apart. But it's easy to tell us apart - she's the pretty one. I share her sentiments almost word-for-word.
Back in December, Dick Van Dyke (who turned 100 years old on December 18th) had a great comment about this most recent US election. I'm paraphrasing, but it's real close to his literal words: "The only good thing about this election is, that at 100 years old, I probably won't live long enough to have to endure it."
What I wonder at this point is, who do the Democrats have with enough name recognition and track record to run against whomever the Republicans try to push through? Newsome is too controversial, even for the centrist Dems and Harris has seen her star dim very quickly. Jeffries? I'd be okay with that, but I'm not sure he has the clout to get to the finish line first. Maybe Governor Shapiro of Pennsylvania? He'd have to work hard to get name recognition beyond the Northeast.
Just some thoughts. Wishing everyone the very best.
Alan
Dirk,
Good to hear you're feeling a bit better. Here's hoping you're much better real soon. Di and I have missed the COVID thing so far.In fact,nobody in our family has had the bad luck to endure it.
Wishing you everything good,
Alan
Thanks, everyone. I appreciate the greetings!
Hello, Everyone ...
Di's medical issues have required all m,y attention for the past several months. In summation, since the end of August, she's been in the hospital three time. Once for sepsis and and two heart attacks. She's currently stable but in hospice care.
I'll be back to review and to post in the next day or two - looking forward to it.
I have a question (I've forgotten): How do I make and entire novel inactive, not just individual chapters?
Thanks in advance. I hope everyone had a great Christmas that 20025 is your best year ever.
Alan
Hi Marilyn,
I sent you a pretty long test a couple of weeks ago. I assume it never got to you. I wanted to let you know how happy I was that you're on the road to recovery and the outlook is good. I had stage 3 colon cancer in 2014 and I'm doing fine. As ornery and sassy as you are, you'll probably outlive me - Ha! Hope you and David are doing well in all other respects. Di and I luv ya bunches - you're kinda special to us, ya know.
I'll pass on your well-wishes to Di. Sher's napping right now, but I'll pass on your greeting when she awakens.
Since hospice care is in progress, my load has been lightened to some extent. I've used some of that extra time to do some deep cleaning around the house and, to just rest. I've cancelled or put on hold several of my music contracts in order to have more time for fun and rest. Getting back to writing and reviewing will be nice. I just hope Sol can keep the site alive for the foreseeable future. It would be a tragedy if it goes under.
You take care and keep getting better. Big ole bear hugs to both of you,
Alan & Di
Thanks, Dags! It's always a pleasure to hear from you, regardless of the reason.
Alan
I pretty much agree with Barry. Changing the point ratio (I would suggest a 3:1 ratio as someone else already mentioned). I'm not as fond of the "no points" method as, in my opinion, requiring at least some review points required for posting would help to identify members who are more serious about their involvement with the site. Perhaps rewarding new members with 20 bonus points after they've given three regular reviews of at least fifty words or three inline reviews.
The great majority of us who are still here will probably hang around indefinitely. But we need to entice new members and then retain at least half of them. And we, as standing members have to make a concentrated effort to review new members quickly.
I want to make clear that I love the inline reviews and hope they remain for the life of the site. But a couple of my friends who have thought about posting some of their writing came over to look at the site. When they saw all the blue highlighted areas of an inline review were taken aback, stating, in general, "Oh my God! They're just shredding that guy's work. Wow!". I don't know how to address that, or even if it needs addressing, but they were intimidate by that. I explained that were merely suggestions and meant to be helpful. Nonetheless, they remained intimidated by it.
I'd hate to see TNBW disappear. Although I have life issues (most of you know about them) that keep me away from the site for extended periods, I always know this site will be here when I have the time to engage. And that's a huge comfort for me.
Anyway, my thoughts about things.
I'll be back to posting and reviewing either tonight or tomorrow.
Keep writing, everyone. Many of you have wonderful and entertaining writing skills.
Alan
A Quick Update ....
Di is holding steady and has shown small improvements in some areas. Her short-term memory is pretty much absent, but her long-term memory is very accurate. Other than being exhausted much of the time, she told me a few days back that she feels slightly better. At this point, slight improvement is excellent news.
Di and I both appreciate all the kind words and support from everyone here. Thank you so much!
I'll be back to posting and reviewing in a day or two. I had been posting "Death Watch", but I discovered a major flaw in the storyline, so I'll be posting a revised version of "Kern County Crude". I have it 'finished' except the final several chapters. It will have between 55 and 60 chapters. I'll be concurrently posting "Death Watch" as soon as I make the necessary changes. Looking forward to getting back to site and hoping Sol manages to keep it going.
Take care, everyone. We love you guys & gals!
Alan & Di
Alan, I updated the subject line to fix the typos you mentioned above (I have extra moderator privileges).
Thanks, Dirk. Much appreciated! I hope to be back, at least for a while, early next week. The hospice team has taken over some of my duties in the care of Di. Looking forward to it.
Alan
Hello, My Lovely Friend, Marilyn,
Thank you so much. But have a bit of good news. Di is slightly better. New eyes and ears caring for her have brought about some changes in her diet and medication. She's headed for iron infusions, as you are. Her internal medicine doc said if she continues to improve, there remains a slim chance she might migrate from hospice to palliative care. We're keeping our fingers crossed.
Now, you take care of yourself, and I'll take care of me. You're so fortunate to have David.
Bless you, my dear friend. Big hugs.
Alan
Bill,
Many thanks. We both appreciate your prayers and kind words!
Alan
Marilyn,
My dear, sweet friend - At 77 years old, I don't do a lot of jumping, but I just jumped for joy upon reading the great news! And no chemo - so happy for you. I did 8 months of chemo after my colon cancer surgery. So, I'm delighted to hear that part of the news. But mostly, just happy you're on the mend and will kick Father Time's ass. I'm 11 years out - hope you double that!
I've not been on the forums much lately, but I checked in a few minutes ago and saw this.
Take care and keep getting better. Biggerst hugs I know how to give headed your way.
Alan
Dirk, Dags, and Nathan ... thank you very much. I appreciate that. So does Diana.
