This morning, Ann Cooper, of Columbia County Tourism, alerted me to this article, which appeared in a publication called World Day: "The Hudson Valley town locals don't want tourists to discover—5,619 residents guard America's most authentic arts renaissance." The title and the photograph accompanying the article (shown below) made me curious to know which Hudson Valley town was the subject of the article.
Reading the article is like slipping into another dimension. Who knew that Hudson River Heritage "works directly with local residents to maintain authentic character" or that "a genuine farm-to-table dinner costs $35 [in Hudson] not the $85 you'd pay 30 miles south"?
There are a few things in the article, however, you wish were true--for example, what is expressed in these paragraphs:
Hudson's residents aren't trying to keep their town secret—they're working to keep it authentic. In an era when every destination becomes an Instagram backdrop, Hudson's 5,619 residents have chosen a different path: sharing their cultural renaissance with visitors who understand that some treasures are worth protecting.
The invitation exists for those who approach with respect, patience, and genuine appreciation for what makes Hudson irreplaceable. But remember—you're not discovering Hudson. You're being trusted with it.
It makes us seem so united and purposeful. Would that it were.
COPYRIGHT 2025 CAROLE OSTERINK
This article was written by AI. The weirdness of the tone and premise, and the last line—em dash and all—that does that whole thing about “it’s not that, it’s THIS.”
ReplyDeleteThe entire site is AI slop. Don’t link to it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a load of BOT malarkey.
ReplyDeleteNo one in this instance is “seeing us,” the article and image are both AI slop, and it’s not great that county tourism can’t determine that.
ReplyDeleteAnn Cooper submitted the following comment by email. I shared the link on Gossips for pretty much the same reason Ann shared it with me--to give readers a good chuckle over the absurdity and screw-up perception.
ReplyDeleteI would like to respond to Alex P Et al. Alex, I am surprised by your comment as I think I know who you are. Anyone that knows our office, knows that we have a very spirited sense of humor. I sent the article to Carole for two reasons (that is, after I picked myself up off the floor) - I thought she might enjoy a good laugh, and to alert her to an article that was clearly complete nonsense - I also sent it to Billy Blowers (HBC) for those same reasons. One of the responsibilities our office has is to keep and eye on the county's reputation - and this was so absurd I had to share. I hope this clears things up!
My comment wasn’t meant as a slight to Annie or anyone at Tourism, though it wasn’t clear in the original post that either you (Carole) or Tourism was aware that the entire thing was AI (for example referring to the image as a “photograph” - it isn’t). It was meant as a commentary on the growing prevalence of this kind of content that only exists to generate ad revenue, and how detrimental it can be.
ReplyDelete