After finding myself thanking what I thought was a person but was actually a bot for assistance I felt embarrassed and silly. It makes me question where manners and etiquette fit when communicating online today. When do we know it is a real person with feelings and expectations and when is it a bot?

So news of the power of open AI at Chat GPT was intriguing. Already it is being used pretty extensively in business and journalism so why not handweaving. At the moment my access is only with text but I know other models are around.

I typed this into the bot ” What is the value of handweaving today?” Your average non-weaver, non-textile person would probably answer – ‘nothing’. But AI (Artificial Intelligence)was pretty on-topic.

Handweaving is a traditional craft that has been passed down through generations for thousands of years. Today, it continues to hold value for a number of reasons.

Firstly, handweaving creates unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that are not possible with machine-made textiles. Each piece is crafted by an individual weaver, who puts their own personal touch and creativity into the final product.

Secondly, handweaving is an environmentally friendly and sustainable practice. Because handweaving is done on a small scale, it requires less energy and resources than industrial textile production. Additionally, many handweavers use natural and organic materials, reducing the impact on the environment.

Thirdly, handweaving is a valuable skill that is becoming increasingly rare as more people turn to machine-made textiles. By keeping the tradition of handweaving alive, we ensure that this important aspect of human history and culture is not lost.

Lastly, Handweaving textiles has therapeutic benefits, it is a relaxing activity that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also improves focus and concentration, and can be a form of self-expression.

In conclusion, handweaving is a valuable practice that has many benefits, including the creation of unique and one-of-a-kind pieces, environmental sustainability, preservation of traditional skills, and therapeutic benefits.

It is certainly a good place to start for writing and researching more! It’s more than pretty good on an obscure non-tech style subject. However it doesn’t really get to the intersections of developments and cultural aspects of the why, which is more human in thinking. It’s not an opinion or analysis but a statement of fact or overview.

You’ll notice that the spelling and grammar are good, in fact, better than many news stories in online media outlets so maybe the move to AI will enhance communication. I see a world where we still must learn to read but not to write as such, unless the AI versions can be enhanced by anything human. And perhaps literary writing is beyond its capacity…but maybe not.

I still like to think that actual writing is a way for humans to process understanding and embed understanding of a subject when learning. Just as drawing is. But not everyone draws or writes and still gets by.

When I type in “Why is SAORI weaving popular?” I get the following:

SAORI weaving is a type of free-style weaving that originated in Japan. It emphasizes self-expression and creativity, rather than traditional patterns or techniques. This approach allows for greater freedom and experimentation in the weaving process, which can be very satisfying for many people. Additionally, SAORI weaving can be done by people of all ages and abilities, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. As a result, SAORI weaving has become popular among people who enjoy the creative process and the freedom to express themselves through their work.

So with this answer I think that the AI software has gleaned sentencing and framing of the question from around the internet. So its a bit like GOOGLE but with actual sentencing and information combined.

So what is the value of handweaving today? As with all writing it’s the experience and actual body involvement that enriches our human lives. Imagining what you will create with the mind then applying it to a physical activity which immerses us into life. So in this AI will continue to be limited.