Tyler Cowen

(see https://chatgptpro.substack.com/p/tyler-cowen - there are more examples there, I’ve just pulled those of particular interest to me):

  1. Grouping what would historically be individual web searches to understand a complex topic: “Which are some good pieces to read to understand how baseball coaches and trainers have produced so many more pitchers who can throw at ultra-fast speeds, say 98-100 miles per hour or possibly more?”

  2. A personal travel itinerary: “I want to do a trip in northern Ghana. There is an arts center called Tamale and also a very famous mosque in northern Ghana, and some large mammals to see. Is there a five-day itinerary where this all works out? What do those travel arrangements look like, and how do I get from one place to another?”

Note the inclusion of a few personal interests, information about constraints (5-day) and a specific prompt to consider logistics (“is there… where this all works out?” and “how do I get from…”)

also: “I’m visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts. Which pictures in particular should I be looking for, and what is some useful context for viewing them?”

also: “I’ll be in Paris June 27 thru July 2. What are the concerts that Tyler Cowen might want to see? Classical, jazz, world music, and others. Feel free to be eclectic.” Note: he can say “that Tyler Cowen might want to see” because so much of his thoughts, likes, reviews have been published online so LLMs have a deep understanding of his preferences.

  1. Learning from locals: “What is the safety level like in Sao Paulo near Hotel Unique in Jardim Paulista? Can I walk around there? What about at night? Check reports from local media sources.” Note the ask for checking local sources specifically.

  2. Be guided about appreciating art: “I want to listen to Sibelius’s Symphony No. 7, a somewhat difficult work. What should I be listening for? Assume some musical sophistication, but I am not a music professional. And which are some recommended recordings?”

my examples

  1. “My friend and I are at the O2 in Greenwich. His accommodation is in Stratham Common. Mine is in Lower Clapton. I’m looking for a restaurant that is along one of our paths where the other will be able to easily get home. Can you provide a few options?”

  2. “Here is a folder and file list for my personal knowledge bank - provide advice for helping me to improve the way I arrange or organise it”

  3. (Providing a photo of a handful of cameras found in a vintage store) “Identify the cameras in this photo, and their prices, and suggest any particularly good deals.”

  4. “Create a javascript bookmarklet to do X”

  5. “highlight any assumptions in your output that would impact the content if wrong”

  6. (at the end of a set of instructions) “before we start, check for any assumptions I’ve inadvertently made, any unknown unknowns, and for anything I have missed - ask questions to resolve these.”