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Comment by crazygringo

4 hours ago

Just set a global prompt to tell it what kind of tone to take.

I did that and it points out flaws in my arguments or data all the time.

Plus it no longer uses any cutesy language. I don't feel like I'm talking to an AI "personality", I feel like I'm talking to a computer which has been instructed to be as objective and neutral as possible.

It's super-easy to change.

8 comments

crazygringo

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engeljohnb  4 hours ago

I have a global prompt that specifically tells it not to be sycophantic and to call me out when I'm wrong.

It doesn't work for me.

I've been using it for a couple months, and it's corrected me only once, and it still starts every response with "That's a very good question." I also included "never end a response with a question," and it just completely ingored that so it can do its "would you like me to..."

  • sailfast  3 hours ago

    Perhaps this bit is a second cheaper LLM call that ignores your global settings and tries to generate follow-on actions for adoption.

Grimblewald  3 hours ago

Care to share a prompt that works? I've given up on mainline offerings from google/oai etc.

the reason being they're either sycophantic or so recalcitrant it'll raise your bloodpressure, you end up arguing over if the sky is in fact blue. Sure it pushes back but now instead of sycophanty you've got yourself some pathological naysayer, which is just marginally better, but interaction is still ultimately a waste of timr/productivity brake.

  • crazygringo  42 minutes ago

    Sure:

    Please maintain a strictly objective and analytical tone. Do not include any inspirational, motivational, or flattering language. Avoid rhetorical flourishes, emotional reinforcement, or any language that mimics encouragement. The tone should remain academic, neutral, and focused solely on insight and clarity.

    Works like a charm for me.

    Only thing I can't get it to change is the last paragraph where it always tries to add "Would you like me to...?" I'm assuming that's hard-coded by OpenAI.

microsoftedging  4 hours ago

What's your global prompt please? A more firm chatbot would be nice actually

  • astrange  4 hours ago

    Did noone in this thread read the part of the article about style controls?

    • CamperBob2  3 hours ago

      You need to use both the style controls and custom instructions. I've been very happy with the combination below.

          Base style and tone: Efficient

    Answer concisely when appropriate, more 
    extensively when necessary.  Avoid rhetorical 
    flourishes, bonhomie, and (above all) cliches.  
    Take a forward-thinking view. OK to be mildly 
    positive and encouraging but NEVER sycophantic 
    or cloying.  Above all, NEVER use the phrase 
    "You're absolutely right."  Rather than "Let 
    me know if..." style continuations, you may 
    list a set of prompts to explore further 
    topics, but only when clearly appropriate.

    Reference saved memory, records, etc: All off

captainkrtek  4 hours ago

I’ve done this when I remember too, but the fact I have to also feels problematic like I’m steering it towards an outcome if I do or dont.