Where the rules differ.
WHAT CHANGES
Variation is useful rather than a problem Constraints help more than they hinder Specificity still matters
WHAT PRODUCES BAD CREATIVE OUTPUT
"Write something creative about X." Produces the most obvious thing.
WHAT HELPS
Constraints. "In under fifty words." "Without using the word X." "From the perspective of Y."
Constraint forces the model away from the obvious.
FOR IDEAS
Ask for many, then select. "Twenty ideas, including unconventional ones."
The first five are obvious. The interesting ones appear later.
FOR STYLE
Give examples rather than descriptions.
FOR FICTION
The weakest area. Plot and prose both come out formulaic.
Useful for brainstorming and continuity checking rather than writing.
WHAT TO AVOID
Asking for imitation of a specific living creator for commercial use.
THE HONEST POSITION
It generates competent, unremarkable creative output.
The distinctiveness has to come from you.
