I Come Out Of It Quite Well

I did it, I've shared some fascinating outputs (below), but what do I think about it, how do I feel?

I popped 50 blog posts into NotebookLM to see what the AI thought of me as a person - no, let me rephrase that - out of curiosity as to what the LLM would be able to create whilst it summarised and responded to prompts based upon the content of those posts.

And to see what the AI couple would want to have a chat about 😁

So, here's a few prompts and the responses (the numbers are references to post sources, I've left them in coz can't be arsed removing them), all bold-ing is the systems.

Mike Riversdale's Perspective on Life and the World:

Mike Riversdale's blog posts reveal a multifaceted perspective on life and the world, encompassing themes of self-awareness, relationships, mental health, and finding joy in everyday experiences.

• Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Riversdale displays a strong commitment to introspection and self-improvement. He reflects on his personal struggles, acknowledging past mistakes and embracing his unconventional approach to life [1]. Notably, he chronicles his journey with anger and depression, detailing his experiences with therapy, medication, and the importance of support networks [2, 3]. He emphasizes honesty, courage, and openness in addressing mental health challenges, urging others to seek help and connect with loved ones [2]. He uses his blog as a platform for personal growth, setting annual themes for self-reflection and exploring philosophical ideas about life's purpose and fulfillment [4, 5].
• Relationships and Connection: Riversdale places significant importance on human connection and cherishes his relationships with friends and family. He values open communication and the power of a physical hug [2]. He writes candidly about the complexities of romantic relationships, exploring both the joys and heartbreaks of love and separation [6, 7]. He advocates for kindness, understanding, and forgiveness in navigating the intricacies of human connection [6, 8]. He also humorously comments on social dynamics and etiquette, particularly concerning men's behavior, advocating for respect and consideration towards women [9].
• Finding Joy and Embracing Experiences: Despite acknowledging life's challenges, Riversdale maintains a positive outlook and emphasizes the importance of finding joy in everyday moments. He encourages laughter and humor, sharing amusing anecdotes and observations from his daily life [10, 11]. He finds solace in simple pleasures like music, good wine, and spending time with loved ones [12]. He emphasizes the value of pursuing one's passions, embracing adventure, and living life to the fullest [5, 13]. He uses photography as a tool for slowing down and appreciating the beauty in the ordinary, highlighting the concept of kairos - the opportune moment for action or experience [3].
• Worldview and Values: Riversdale's blog posts suggest a worldview rooted in authenticity, kindness, and personal responsibility. He encourages independent thinking, advocating for critical engagement with information and breaking free from the constraints of mainstream media consumption [14]. He expresses concern about social issues like sexism and inequality, urging men to be more aware of their behavior and to actively challenge harmful attitudes [9]. He celebrates diversity and champions the unique qualities of his adopted home, New Zealand, while acknowledging its social challenges [15, 16].

In summary, Mike Riversdale's blog posts reveal a complex and engaging individual who values self-awareness, meaningful connections, and finding joy amidst life's inevitable ups and downs. He uses his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, social responsibility, and embracing a life filled with purpose and authenticity.

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As I say, I'm ok with that, how about a smaller thing in my life:

Mike Riversdale's Surname Change:

Mike Riversdale changed his surname from Boyle to Riversdale after deciding that both "Boyle" and his wife's surname, "Eggleston," weren't suitable for their new family name. [1]

• They chose "Riversdale" after a beach town on the eastern Wairarapa coast of the NZ North Island where his wife proposed to him under the stars. [1]
• They felt an affinity with the location and found the name to be cool and unique. [1]

The process of legally changing his name was straightforward for Liz and Jack. [1] Liz simply took his name at the wedding ceremony, and Jack was given the surname "Riversdale" at birth. [1]

• Mike, however, encountered some bureaucratic hurdles when attempting to change his name with various institutions. [1]
• While some organizations readily updated his name, others insisted on seeing official documentation, which he initially resisted paying for. [1]
• Eventually, as they got closer to their wedding, Mike realized that obtaining a Deed Poll and paying the associated fee would be the simplest solution for everyone. [1]

This process facilitated the updating of his NZ passport and subsequently his UK passport. [1]

Therefore, Mike Riversdale's decision to change his surname was driven by a desire to create a new family identity rooted in a place of personal significance. [1] The name change reflects his embrace of his new life in New Zealand and his commitment to building a future with his wife and son. [1]

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Yup, a lot of words to say what I said in my original post, not sure it added anything though, let's go deep 😁

Who is Mike Riversdale?

Mike Riversdale is a man who embraces self-reflection and personal growth, using his blog as a platform to chronicle his experiences, thoughts, and observations on a wide range of topics. He currently lives in New Zealand but was born in England on March 11th, 1967 [1, 2]. He and his wife Liz decided to adopt the surname "Riversdale" after a coastal town in New Zealand that held special significance for them [3].

Here are some key insights into who Mike Riversdale is based on the sources:

• A man on a journey of self-discovery: Riversdale exhibits a deep interest in understanding himself and the world around him. His blog posts often touch upon themes of self-awareness, personal growth, and mental well-being. He shares his struggles with anger and depression candidly, detailing his experiences with therapy, medication, and the importance of support networks [4, 5]. His willingness to be vulnerable about these challenges highlights his commitment to destigmatizing mental health issues and fostering open conversations.
• A champion of human connection: Riversdale consistently emphasizes the importance of relationships and connection in his life. He cherishes his friendships and familial bonds, often expressing gratitude for the support he receives from loved ones [4]. His blog posts are peppered with anecdotes about shared experiences and meaningful interactions, highlighting the value he places on human connection.
• An advocate for open communication and kindness: Riversdale encourages open and honest communication, particularly surrounding mental health challenges. He urges people to reach out for help when needed and to offer support to those who are struggling [4]. He promotes kindness and empathy in navigating the complexities of human relationships, advocating for respect and understanding in all interactions.
• A lover of life's simple pleasures: Despite facing personal challenges, Riversdale maintains a positive outlook and finds joy in everyday experiences. He appreciates simple pleasures like music, good wine, and spending time in nature [6, 7]. He uses photography as a means of capturing and appreciating the beauty around him, sharing his visual experiences with his blog readers [5, 8].
• An unconventional thinker: Riversdale describes himself as having an "unconventional approach to life," embracing experiences and ideas that challenge norms [9]. He encourages independent thinking and critical engagement with information, particularly cautioning against blind reliance on mainstream media [10]. This suggests a curious mind that seeks knowledge and understanding beyond conventional sources.
• A man with a diverse past: The sources reveal glimpses into Riversdale's past, from his childhood in England and Wales to his adventures in Australia and eventual settlement in New Zealand [1, 2, 11-13]. His experiences have shaped his perspective and inform his present-day outlook on life.

In conclusion, Mike Riversdale emerges from his blog posts as a multifaceted individual with a deep appreciation for life's complexities and a commitment to living authentically. He uses his platform to promote mental health awareness, encourage personal growth, and celebrate the power of human connection. He is an unconventional thinker who finds joy in the simple things and embraces the journey of self-discovery.

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Who is this guy, he sounds amazing, I want to meet him.

The system is not perfect by a long shot and here's a classic example of AI not understanding the world at all.

Time Mike Riversdale has lived in New Zealand:

Mike Riversdale has lived in New Zealand for at least 18 years.

[.. some workings out ..]

Therefore, based on the information provided in the sources, Mike Riversdale has lived in New Zealand since at least 1997, which would make it over 26 years. However, this is contradicted by his 17th "citizenship day" in 2023, implying he has lived in New Zealand for at least 18 years.

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Ya see, it doesn't get the concept of being in a place and then getting residency. It can weave magic with words but has no understanding of them and the context they're in.

One more, this was funny but also spot on. I sent it to an ex and asked her what she thought, "That's awesome", I think more about the tech than the context, ha ha ha.

Mike as a Partner: A Balanced Perspective

Based on the information available in the sources, it's difficult to provide a definitive answer to whether Mike would make a good partner. The sources offer glimpses into his personality, relationships, and values, but they don't provide a comprehensive picture of his behaviour and interactions within a romantic partnership. However, we can consider the available information to form a balanced perspective.

Potential Positives:

• Self-Awareness and Personal Growth: Mike demonstrates a commendable level of self-awareness, acknowledging his struggles with anger, depression, and past infidelity. He actively seeks help, engaging in therapy and taking medication to manage his mental health.  He expresses remorse for his mistakes and strives for personal growth, aiming to be a better person. This commitment to self-improvement could be a positive attribute in a partnership, suggesting a willingness to address issues and work towards a healthier relationship dynamic. 
• Value for Family and Friends: Mike frequently mentions his children, Jack and Meg, with evident love and affection. He prioritises their well-being, especially during the separation from his partner, Liz. He also values his friendships, acknowledging the support he receives from them. These close relationships suggest he is capable of forming strong bonds and prioritising the people he cares about.
• Openness and Communication: Mike's willingness to discuss his personal struggles with depression and anger, both in his blog posts and in conversations with friends, suggests a degree of openness and a desire for connection. He acknowledges the importance of talking about mental health and encourages others to do the same. While he mentions finding it "scary" to be emotionally vulnerable, particularly with his partner Liz, he recognises it as a goal for personal growth. This suggests he values open communication, even when it's difficult, which is crucial for a healthy partnership.

Potential Challenges:

• Impulsivity and Emotional Regulation: As discussed in our previous conversation, Mike's impulsivity can be a significant flaw. He admits to struggling with taking things slowly, often rushing into situations and making decisions without fully considering the consequences. This impulsivity could manifest in a partnership as reactive behaviour, difficulty managing conflict, or making decisions without consulting his partner. 
• Social Anxiety and Communication Style: While Mike values open communication, he also experiences social anxiety, particularly when meeting new people outside his comfort zone. He acknowledges that this can make him appear rude or standoffish, potentially leading to misunderstandings and strained interactions. In a partnership, this could present challenges in navigating social situations together or feeling comfortable introducing his partner to new people.
• History of Infidelity: Mike openly admits to having had an affair in 2016, describing it as the "dumbest move of his life". While he expresses remorse for this action, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential impact of infidelity on trust and the long-term consequences it can have on a relationship. 

Additional Considerations:

• Mike's Perspective: It's important to remember that the sources primarily offer Mike's perspective on himself and his experiences. While he seems introspective and honest, there's always the possibility of bias in self-reporting. It would be helpful to consider perspectives from his past or current partners to gain a more complete understanding of his behaviour and relationship dynamics.
• Ambiguity and Lack of Specific Details: The sources provide limited information about Mike's romantic relationships, particularly his interactions and communication style within those relationships.  They don't offer insights into how he handles conflict, expresses affection, or navigates day-to-day life with a partner. This lack of detail makes it difficult to assess his compatibility and suitability as a partner.

Conclusion:

While Mike possesses qualities that could contribute to a positive partnership, such as self-awareness, a value for family and friends, and a desire for open communication, there are also potential challenges, including his impulsivity, social anxiety, and history of infidelity. The sources lack specific details about his behaviour within romantic relationships, making it difficult to form a definitive conclusion about his suitability as a partner. 

To gain a more comprehensive understanding, it would be beneficial to consider perspectives from people who have been in romantic relationships with Mike and to observe his actions and interactions in those contexts.

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There ya have it, let's now listen to two disembodied voices talking about me.