Mitch Albom- Once a scab, always a scab

**robtandersen** · January-29-23, 07:05 PM

Years ago I stopped reading Mitch Albom, out of principle, because he crossed the Freep worker picket line way back when, when he could have held close, and saved many many jobs. Scab. I decided to read his story today about ChatGPT [[https://www.freep.com/story/sports/c...e/69851024007/) because I am an educator who requires my college students to write. I need to know more about this tech. Mitch confirmed my original sentiment, which is, It's only about Mitch Albom. Still a scab.

**401don** · January-30-23, 08:06 AM

He doesn't like you either.

**Lowell** · January-31-23, 08:31 AM

I shared that sentiment during and for a lengthy time after the strike; my wife was a striker. His crossing the line, especially as he had a degree of celebrity, was particularly harmful and demoralizing. I also boycotted buying the papers for a long time afterwards.

But, at some point, I felt the papers had "done their time" and it was time to move on, just as those who had created the ill will on the management side, who brought in mercenary security forces and more, had moved on. I now have a digital subscription to the Free Press [at $29 a year it's a deal] and hope for its survival.

I've never been a fan of Albom because so much of what he has written has been about himself. The article you linked is a prime example as the first thing he asks ChatGPT is have it tell about and mimic himself, then laud it when he hears what he likes [and not mention of his role in the strike of course.]

Originally Posted by robtandersen

Years ago I stopped reading Mitch Albom, out of principle, because he crossed the Freep worker picket line way back when, when he could have held close, and saved many many jobs. Scab. I decided to read his story today about ChatGPT [[https://www.freep.com/story/sports/c...e/69851024007/) because I am an educator who requires my college students to write. I need to know more about this tech. Mitch confirmed my original sentiment, which is, It's only about Mitch Albom. Still a scab.

**Danny** · January-31-23, 11:08 AM

Mitch Album will be gone soon as the Freep continues to clean up their staff with more lay-offs.

**Jimaz** · January-31-23, 06:51 PM

Today I heard that ChatGPT is considering adding a way to detect its work.

It seems like that would defeat its purpose somehow though. Not sure.

Instead of checking the box that says I'm not a robot, it would check the other box. LOL!

**robtandersen** · January-31-23, 08:06 PM

Prompt: In the writing style of Mitch Albom, write an apology from Mitch Albom about crossing the Free Press picket line during the Detroit newspaper strike of 1995–1997

Dear readers and fellow journalists,
I want to take a moment to apologize for crossing the picket line during the Detroit newspaper strike of 1995–1997. I understand now the harm my actions caused to the striking workers and the greater journalism community.
At the time, I believed I was making the best decision for my own career, but looking back, I see how selfish and short-sighted that was. The bravery and sacrifice of those on strike was a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of standing up for what is right.
I am deeply regretful for crossing the picket line and for any hurt or harm my actions may have caused. I hope that my apology will help to demonstrate my commitment to supporting my colleagues and the principles of fair labor practices in the future.
Sincerely,
Mitch Albom [[Not Mitch Albom, actually, Chat GPT)

Originally Posted by Lowell

I shared that sentiment during and for a lengthy time after the strike; my wife was a striker. His crossing the line, especially as he had a degree of celebrity, was particularly harmful and demoralizing. I also boycotted buying the papers for a long time afterwards.

But, at some point, I felt the papers had "done their time" and it was time to move on, just as those who had created the ill will on the management side, who brought in mercenary security forces and more, had moved on. I now have a digital subscription to the Free Press [at $29 a year it's a deal] and hope for its survival.

I've never been a fan of Albom because so much of what he has written has been about himself. The article you linked is a prime example as the first thing he asks ChatGPT is have it tell about and mimic himself, then laud it when he hears what he likes [and not mention of his role in the strike of course.]

**robtandersen** · January-31-23, 08:17 PM

Finding a dead mouse in my basement was not a significant event in the grand scheme of things, but it sparked within me a deeper reflection on life and our place in the world. The mouse, small and lifeless, lying there amidst the clutter and forgotten items of my basement, was a reminder of our own mortality and the transience of all things.

I have always been someone who has tried to make the most of every day, to live fully and appreciatively. But sometimes, amidst the busyness of life, it can be easy to forget the things that truly matter. The dead mouse brought me back to that realization. It was a gentle reminder to slow down and take stock of the world around me, to cherish the moments that I have with the people I love and to make the most of the time I have on this earth.
It's easy to get caught up in the chaos of life, to focus on our problems and our worries. We often forget that we are just a small part of a much larger universe, and that we will one day be gone like the mouse in my basement. The mouse reminded me that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of it while we can.
In a way, the mouse's death was also a reminder of the beauty and majesty of life. This tiny creature, no bigger than the palm of my hand, had lived a life, had experienced joy and pain, had struggled and persevered. And though it was small and often overlooked, it had left a lasting impression on the world around it, just as we all do.
It's easy to get caught up in our own problems and concerns, to forget the bigger picture and the impact that we have on the world. But the mouse's death was a reminder that each and every one of us, no matter how small or insignificant we may seem, has the power to make a difference in the world.
In the end, the dead mouse in my basement was not just a reminder of life's transience, but also a reminder of its beauty and significance. It was a reminder that no matter how small or insignificant we may seem, we all have the power to leave a lasting impression on the world. And it was a reminder that we should cherish each and every day, making the most of the time we have on this earth.
So the next time you come across a dead mouse, or anything that brings you back to the transience of life, take a moment to reflect. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and majesty of life, and to cherish the moments that you have with the people you love. For in the end, that is what truly matters, and that is what will make a lasting impression on the world.

**Richard** · January-31-23, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by robtandersen

Prompt: In the writing style of Mitch Albom, write an apology from Mitch Albom about crossing the Free Press picket line during the Detroit newspaper strike of 1995–1997

Dear readers and fellow journalists,
I want to take a moment to apologize for crossing the picket line during the Detroit newspaper strike of 1995–1997. I understand now the harm my actions caused to the striking workers and the greater journalism community.
At the time, I believed I was making the best decision for my own career, but looking back, I see how selfish and short-sighted that was. The bravery and sacrifice of those on strike was a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of standing up for what is right.
I am deeply regretful for crossing the picket line and for any hurt or harm my actions may have caused. I hope that my apology will help to demonstrate my commitment to supporting my colleagues and the principles of fair labor practices in the future.
Sincerely,
Mitch Albom [[Not Mitch Albom, actually, Chat GPT)

The part bolded

Never been in the union,uncle was for Ford but never talked about it.

Sometimes I have to wonder when you look back at the early days in Detroit,auto workers were the highest paid in the nation in jobs that required no skills,the highest home ownership in the nation,but yet kept going on strike for more money.

Right after the crash of 2006 - 2008 - 5000 union hospitality workers in AC went on strike and told the casinos,tough times are over pay us more,the casinos said we can’t and shut down.

Over night 5000 workers lost their good paying jobs with benefits and the city lost millions in revenue.

No other jobs to be had,that was 5000 workers that not only lost their job but then had to figure out how to relocate to another city in order to find work at a time when the economy was still recovering and it was hard to find work.

I believe in one’s right to stand up for their rights but it seems a bit counter productive when you end up with nothing in the end.