Category: Worldbuilding

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Mega City Projects Gone Wrong

AI image of a City

I came across a video on the mega city projects.

There’s a lot of ambitious talk about building crazy cities and all of them seem awesome on the surface, but a lot of them forget about human nature. Someone needs to revisit Hershey, Pennsylvania, which got its start as a private town for Milton Hershey’s employees.

It’s one of the few “private” towns that were successful. But what made it successful?
Economy makes everything work. This means some sort of production or export that can bring people in. For Hershey, PA, it was a factory and subsequently, a theme park.

Also, Hershey allowed the sale of houses. Ownership also helps to make people stick around. Also, allowing business to run in the town also helps a little too. This brings in more employment, and more people.

It is my (ever to be humble) opinion that a town has to grow organically and you need to start with some form of resource to mine or create. Then give the employees the option to buy their apartment. After that, they own the spot, they can sell it to whomever they want, or even rent it out.

Also, make sure there is a place that businesses can also purchase or lease, allowing for more employment.

And of course, you need a tourist attraction. Some of the mega projects are attractions in themselves, but a little affordable amusement park wouldn’t hurt.

Obviously, it’s not that simple, but it seems to be a good start. Who knows, maybe someone will figure it out and we’ll start seeing working cities of the future sooner than later.

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No Place like Utopia

Image of a Futuro house, once thought to be the house of the future.

 

Are we in a Utopia, or a Dystopia?

This is a great video on the perspective of what Utopia really is. The word itself means “Nowhere” suggesting how impossible it is to have such a place. Usually, one person’s utopia is another person’s dystopia.

If you were to ask anyone who benefited from the system, they would not have any problem with it. Usually these are the people who idealize the past. There are a lot of older Russians who idealize the USSR, not understanding why the people who escaped to the US have a very different view of that system.

There’s no such thing as a perfect system. When you are world building, keep in mind that if you have a form of “utopia” there’s always a downside for those who can’t fit in.

Image by Franck Barske from Pixabay

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AI as a Tool

I write a fictional sci-fi story. The Aliens in this story use an energy source that involves Nuclear energy being infused into a crystal using "ingredient X." "Ingredient X" reacts to most radiation, either neutralizing it, or changing its properties to make it easy to infuse into quartz. The energy infused quartz, when powdered, can be manipulated with other types of energy, even made to change colors to produce images, etc. Explain the properties of "ingredient x" and how it works for the science fiction novel.

Yes, I used ChatGPT, this time to help with world building.

Zherosha is built around an energy source that’s created by using what the Inersiens call “stabilizer.” I wanted to see what chatGPT has to say about it, except I used “Ingredient X” instead.

(the chat: https://chat.openai.com/share/130667a6-669a-472d-83d5-5d520f3fc394)

While I still don’t think ChatGPT is a crappy writer, it’s not bad at helping foster ideas, which is what I’ve been using it for.

A few days ago, I needed to write a speech for the Provisional leader of the US in the new short story series. What kind of American speech it would be without mentioning the founding fathers?

Write a paragraph summary of the founding fathers of the US's vision

And I wrote this:

“I was never much for speeches, and I’m sure you’re all eager to go about your day, so I’ll make this short.” He said.  “The founding fathers had a vision based on the ideals of Enlightenment, brought on by a democratic system, and unhindered by a limited government. Unfortunately, their vision of the protection of natural rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness did not extend to women or certain classes of people. It was time to start fresh and become the America that was truly about equality and freedom.” A smattering of applause came from the room. “Regardless of how you handle your local government in this city, I ask that you consider voting for your representative. Each registered city or town can have one, and until the states settle their borders again.” Murmurs rose from the crowd. “Some former states want to change borders and…” He took a moment to look over the entire room. “It is possible that some states may not want to come back into the Union.” More harsh whispers continued until Ezekiel put up his hand. “I did say ‘may,’” he said. “The purpose of this trip is for me to educate my successor and share information, as well as persuade people to give the United States another chance.” Applause rose from the Auditorium. Ezekiel waited until it died down before continuing. “After your chairperson dismisses us, I would like to talk to the heads of the council.”

While I sort of understand why people are concerned about AI, but I believe if used properly, it can help do so much. Use it like a tool, like how we use robots for manufacturing, or cars instead of horses.

How many missed opportunities are due to fear?

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AI Art

craiyon art

I’ve signed up to the DALL-E waiting list, but I haven’t gotten an email back yet. It’s been so long, I’m not even sure what email address I used. So to pass the time, I’ve been using Craiyon to come up with interesting art concepts.

Don’t worry, artists, AI has a long way to go.

I decided to use Craiyon to make some reference images. Taking one of six squares (shown above) and expanding it to the size I need, I can trace it and create my own spaceships for some world-building artwork.

One of these might be on a cover, or rather, my version might end up on a cover.

 Hidden City

Speaking of which – I have to get back to my current WIP.