As president of the SFWA, I have often wondered, “What makes a great writers association?”

Obviously, it starts with a great membership—142 loyal, diverse, and caring members.

Then continues with a devoted, hard working, and committed board of directors.

A board of directors:

Committed to keep the association alive for over 34 years;

Committed to giving its members a full slate of activities:

Committed to taking risks and not fearing rejection or change;

Committed to planning for the future;

Committed to comparing and learning from other writer associations;

Devoted to making our association one of the best in America, if not the world;

Devoted to making sure our activities are fun, educational and entertaining.

Now, I wondered, “What would ChatGPT say about what makes a great writers association.”

So of course, I asked Chatty.

And here is what she said:

ChatGPT:

A great writers association encompasses several key elements that contribute to its success and effectiveness. Here are some factors that make a writers association great:

1. Inclusivity and Diversity: A great writers association embraces inclusivity and actively seeks to include writers from diverse backgrounds, genres, and levels of experience. It promotes equal opportunities and provides a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard.
2. Support and Networking: An excellent writers association offers support and networking opportunities for its members. This includes providing resources, workshops, mentorship programs, and events where writers can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn from established authors.
3. Advocacy and Representation: A writers association should serve as a strong advocate for the rights and interests of writers. It should actively work to protect copyright and intellectual property, fight for fair compensation and contracts, and address issues affecting writers’ professional lives.
4. Education and Skill Development: A great writers association provides educational resources and opportunities for skill development. This could include writing workshops, seminars, webinars, and online courses to help writers enhance their craft, learn about the publishing industry, and stay updated on industry trends.
5. Publications and Awards: A reputable writers association often publishes magazines, newsletters, or literary journals to showcase the work of its members. It may also organize writing contests and awards to recognize and celebrate outstanding writing achievements within the community.
6. Professional Development: A writers association should offer professional development opportunities, such as panels, conferences, and symposiums, where writers can learn from industry experts, agents, editors, and publishers. These events can help writers navigate the publishing landscape and enhance their career prospects.
7. Legal and Contractual Guidance: Providing legal assistance or guidance regarding contracts, rights, and other legal matters is crucial for a writers association. This can help protect writers from potential pitfalls and ensure they have a clear understanding of their rights and obligations.
8. Online Presence and Resources: A great writers association should have a strong online presence, including a well-designed website and active social media channels. It should offer valuable resources, such as writing guides, market listings, industry news, and job boards, to support writers in their professional pursuits.
9. Community and Engagement: Fostering a sense of community and engagement is essential for a writers association. It should facilitate connections and collaboration among members through forums, writing groups, online communities, or local chapters, allowing writers to share experiences, offer feedback, and build supportive relationships.
10. Ethical Guidelines: A reputable writers association often establishes and upholds ethical guidelines and standards of conduct for its members. This ensures a professional and respectful environment, promotes integrity in writing, and protects the reputation of the association and its members.

By embodying these qualities, a great writers association can create a thriving community of writers, provide valuable resources and support, and actively contribute to the growth and success of its members.

Wow, now that’s a list, a virtual 10 Commandments from ChatGPT to all writer associations across the globe.

And I’m proud to proclaim that the South Florida Writers Association obeys and is committed to following all of these commandments.

Thank you members and special thanks to a great board of directors.

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Bibi mulled over what he learned at his meetings with Sam Altman (ChatGPT) and Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter, and OpenAI.) He recalled discussing  the subject of having a national policy on dealing with artificial intelligence (AI.) Based on those discussions, the PM created a think tank to propose regulations on AI. He understood AI’s potential risks and benefits. He witnessed the dizzying pace of AI’s progress. Bibi loved his quote, “We are at the dawn of a new era for humanity, an era of artificial intelligence.”

Amazing! I thought, “Bibi sounded Churchillian.”

I wanted him to add, “One small step for computer scientists, one giant leap for AI.”

But my eyes forced me to reread Bibi’s words, “We are at dawn of a new era for humanity, an era of artificial intelligence.”

“Those are some pretty big, powerful and scary words,” I pondered.

I recalled, “The space era, the atomic era, and the computer era. Humanity had done pretty well (excluding atomic warfare) in its journey through those eras.”

I wondered, “How would AI change our conquest of space or our handling of nuclear weapons or our fear of robots.”

So I decided to help Israel’s new AI think tank by sending them an example of the ChatGPT’s work product. I wanted them to better understand the challenges they face in this new AI era.

So I asked ChatGPT to please write me an essay comparing George Washington to David Ben-Gurion.

Here’s what Chatty wrote in two seconds.

ChatGPT

Title: George Washington and David Ben-Gurion: Founding Fathers of Nations

Introduction: George Washington and David Ben-Gurion, two influential figures from different parts of the world and different times, played pivotal roles in the formation and establishment of their respective nations. Washington, the first President of the United States, led the American Revolutionary War and laid the foundations for a democratic republic. Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, was a key figure in the creation of the Jewish state and its early development. While they lived in different eras and faced unique challenges, they shared common qualities and achievements that shaped their nations. This essay aims to compare and contrast the lives, leadership styles, and legacies of George Washington and David Ben-Gurion.

I. Background and Early Life: George Washington, born in 1732 in Virginia, grew up on a plantation and received a basic education. He gained military experience during the French and Indian War and later became a respected commander during the American Revolution. On the other hand, David Ben-Gurion was born in 1886 in Russian Poland and emigrated to Ottoman Palestine in his youth. Ben-Gurion became involved in the Zionist movement, advocating for Jewish self-determination and the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

II. Leadership during Struggles for Independence: Both Washington and Ben-Gurion emerged as leaders during their nations’ struggles for independence. Washington commanded the Continental Army and led the American colonies in a long and arduous war against British rule. His strategic acumen and perseverance were essential in securing victory and establishing the United States. Similarly, Ben-Gurion played a central role in the Zionist movement and was instrumental in the establishment of Israel. He helped organize and lead Jewish paramilitary forces, securing Jewish rights and independence in the face of Arab opposition.

III. Political Leadership and Nation-Building: Following their nations’ independence, Washington and Ben-Gurion faced the daunting task of nation-building. Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention, where he played a key role in crafting the United States Constitution. As the first President, he laid the groundwork for a strong federal government and established many enduring precedents, including a peaceful transfer of power. Ben-Gurion, as Israel’s first Prime Minister, worked tirelessly to build a democratic and inclusive state. He focused on integrating diverse Jewish immigrant communities, developing infrastructure, and fostering economic growth.

IV. Legacy and Enduring Influence: Both Washington and Ben-Gurion left lasting legacies that continue to shape their nations today. Washington’s leadership established the principles of democracy, liberty, and the rule of law in the United States. His farewell address warned against the dangers of political factions and foreign entanglements, emphasizing the importance of unity and national identity. Ben-Gurion’s vision of a democratic Jewish state laid the foundation for Israel’s political and social institutions. He prioritized defense, national unity, and the absorption of Jewish immigrants, setting the stage for Israel’s development as a modern and thriving nation.

Conclusion: George Washington and David Ben-Gurion, despite their different backgrounds and historical contexts, shared remarkable similarities as visionary leaders and nation-builders. They demonstrated unwavering determination, leadership skills, and a commitment to democratic principles. Their contributions were instrumental in securing the independence of their respective nations and shaping their political systems. The legacies of George Washington and David Ben-Gurion continue to inspire generations and remind us of the transformative power of leadership in the founding of nations.

Now, that’s what I call an essay.

And both these leaders faced enormous challenges, existential challenges and they pulled it off.

Let’s hope and pray in the dawn of this new era, that today’s leaders, including Bibi, have the transformative powers to rein in AI.

The spirit of Annelies Marie Frank prances onto the Berlin stage. A sold-out Mercedes Benz Stadium roars. A giant inflatable pink pig balloon floats above the stadium. The head of the pig is adorned with the mask of Pink Floyd co-founder, Roger Waters. The pig sways and bobs in the dark night sky. The porcine’s butt is branded with a large black swastika.

The crowd screams, “Anne, Anne, Anne.” They shout her name over and over and over again. Anne freezes in the middle of the stage as a dancer dressed as an Israeli paratrooper hands her an Uzi.

A 40’x40′ white screen lights up. On that screen, a picture of an emaciated Roger Waters appears. He is plastered—crucifix style—on to a red brick wall. He wears striped pajamas. The crowd yells, “Shoot the Jew hater! Shot the Jew hater!”

Anne complies by aiming and pulling the Uzi’s trigger. The Uzi’s rat-a-tat-tats bullets across Waters’  bloody chest.

The music rocks and the crowd sways, as Anne drops the Uzi, grabs the mic and belts out the words to her anthem:

Hey Putrid Waters, this is what we think about your message

We don’t need no racist education

We don’t need no Nazi thought control

We don’t need your Berlin rallies

So leave your ass and guns at home

Hey Waters, leave our Jewish kids alone
All in all, you’re just another swastika painted on the wall
All in all, you’re just another swastika painted on the wall

Anne stops gyrating, takes a sip of water and throws the bottle into the crowd.

The crowd goes crazy.

And now 50,000 fans start singing along with Anne:

We don’t need no stinkin’ dictators
We don’t need no pigs wearing Jewish stars

We don’t need no Nazi sarcasm
Hey Waters, leave our Jewish kids alone

All in all, you’re just another piece of crap splattered on the wall
All in all, you’re just another piece of crap splattered on the wall

We don’t need no racist education

We don’t need no Nazi thought control

Hey Waters, leave those Jewish kids alone

Hey Waters, leave those Jewish kids alone

All in all Waters, you’re just another piece of antisemitic s*** clinging to the wall
All in all Waters, you’re just another piece of antisemitic s*** clinging to the wall