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Re:62 chapter open-source Zig book by finder83 on Sunday November 16, 2025 @05:07PM (#45948865)
Every time I read things like this, it makes me think that AI was trained off of me. Using semicolons, utilizing classic writing patterns, and common use of compare and contrast are all examples of how they teach to write essays in high school and college. They're also all examples of how I think and have learned to communicate.

I'm not sure what to make of that either.

Re:62 chapter open-source Zig book by johnfn on Sunday November 16, 2025 @05:12PM (#45948920)
To be explicit, it’s not general hallmarks of good writing. It’s exactly two common constructions: not X but Y, and 3 items in parallel. These two pop up in extreme disproportion to normal “good writing”. Good writers know to save these tricks for when they really want to make a point.
Re:62 chapter open-source Zig book by finder83 on Sunday November 16, 2025 @05:18PM (#45948962)
Interesting, I'll have to look for those.
Re:62 chapter open-source Zig book by anon7000 on Sunday November 16, 2025 @08:55PM (#45950220)
Most people aren’t great writers, though (including myself). I’d guess that if people find the “not X but Y” compelling, they’ll overuse it. Overusing some stylistic element is such a normal writing “mistake”. Unless they’re an extremely good writer with lots of tools in their toolbox. But that’s not most people.
Re:62 chapter open-source Zig book by johnfn on Sunday November 16, 2025 @09:41PM (#45950410)
I find the probability that a particular writer latches onto the exact same patterns that AI latches onto, and does not latch onto any of the patterns AI does not latch onto, to be quite low. Is it a 100% smoking gun? No. But it’s suspicious.
Re:62 chapter open-source Zig book by ummonk on Sunday November 16, 2025 @10:08PM (#45950543)
But you didn't write that "Using semicolons, utilizing classic writing patterns, and common use of compare and contrast are not just examples of how they teach to write essays in high school and college; they're also all examples of how I think and have learned to communicate."