By Haddon Libby
Seven months ago, I used Microsoft Bing’s chat AI to write an article on some of the more salacious things in Coachella Valley’s past. The chatbot wrote a fun but mostly fake article. I tried to create the same article a few months later and the Bing chatbot would not.
This week, I am asking Open AI’s ChatGBT to write a new article like the one that I wrote following the Olympics eight years ago. Titled “Unbeweavable”, that article was a light-hearted look at unbelievably bad business ideas and names.
By ChatGPT:
In the grand tapestry of commerce, some threads are stranger than others. While most entrepreneurs set out to build the next big tech startup or reinvent the food delivery wheel, a few daring souls have woven their way into the world of business with ideas so unusual, so outlandish, that they leave you scratching your head and saying, “Unbeweavable!”
Rent-a-Chicken: A Feathered Investment
Ever wanted to experience the joys of farm life without the commitment? Enter Rent-a-Chicken, the poultry-on-demand service for the modern homesteader. For a modest fee, you can lease a pair of egg-laying hens, complete with a coop and feed. It’s like Uber, but cluckier. Customers enjoy fresh eggs without the long-term responsibilities of poultry ownership. When the rental period ends, you simply return the chickens—no strings (or feathers) attached. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to test their farm skills before going full Old MacDonald.
The Crying Baby Symphony
Now, imagine an orchestra composed entirely of wailing infants. If that sounds like your personal nightmare, you’re not alone. But in Japan, it’s a competitive art form known as “Naki Sumo,” where babies face off in a crying contest. The loudest crier is deemed the winner. Sponsored by temples, the event is believed to bring good health to the babies. The organizers, however, might need some good earplugs. You could say it’s music to the parents’ ears—or not.
Toilet Paper Origami: The Craft You Didn’t Know You Needed
For those who find regular origami too pedestrian, behold the rise of toilet paper origami. Yes, you read that right. There are classes and kits dedicated to the delicate art of folding your TP into aesthetically pleasing shapes. From swans to roses, these creations add a touch of class to an otherwise utilitarian product. It’s the height of bathroom luxury—just be sure to admire your handiwork before it goes down the drain.
The Anti-Coffee Coffee Shop
In a world addicted to caffeine, one coffee shop in Melbourne dares to rebel. The “No-Coffee Café” serves everything but coffee. Instead, you’ll find a menu filled with herbal teas, decaf delights, and caffeine-free concoctions. It’s a haven for those who crave the café culture but want to avoid the jitters. The irony? It’s become a hotspot for coffee lovers looking for a break from their daily grind—pun intended.
The Underwater Post Office
For the ultimate in mail delivery challenges, head to the world’s only underwater post office in Vanuatu. Located three meters below the surface, this post office lets you send waterproof postcards to your loved ones. It’s perfect for those who want to add a splash of adventure to their correspondence. Just remember to bring your snorkel gear and a waterproof pen.
In a world where business ideas are as wild as they are weird, it’s comforting to know that creativity knows no bounds. Whether it’s leasing livestock or folding toilet paper, these entrepreneurs have shown that the unthinkable can indeed become the unbeatable. And who knows? Perhaps the next big thing is just one strange idea away from going mainstream.
ChatGPT was pretty good. In fact-checking the article with its rival, Microsoft Bing, ChatGPT called a company named Rent the Chicken, Rent a Chicken. The no coffee shop is actually named Not Coffee. I found that Nake Sumo is known as the Crying Baby Festival and typically held at the beginning of May. The post office story was accurate.
Things are changing.
Haddon Libby is the Founder and Chief Investment Officer of RIA firm, Winslow Drake Investment Management. For more information on our services, please visit www.WinslowDrake.com.
