Human as an Interface

People often email me questions they could have answered with ChatGPT. I just copy-paste the question, copy-paste the answer. This isn’t new. From 1998-2005, I used to do this Google searches. Even people who have Google Maps on their phone ask me for directions. I pull out my Google Maps and tell them. They don’t even get the sarcasm. Effectively, I’m the Human-as-an-Interface (HAAI everyone!) But I learnt today that this has historical precedent. Doormen, lift operators, doormen, the waiter who recites the menu, the secretary we used to dictate to, … ...

Software Naming Has Power

Software naming has power. I first became aware of this when a friend commented how much he enjoyed starting Windows 3. “Win,” he said. “I just love typing that!” I felt this this again recently with just. just lint Can you feel it? just build Actually, I just like to say “Just…” just test

Kick-starting a PyConf Panelist Interview

I was a panelist at the PyConf Hyderabad AI in SDLC - Panel Discussion. After that, one of the volunteers asked for a video interview. “How was the panel discussion?” he asked. Ever since I started using AI actively, my brain doesn’t work without it. So, instead of an eloquent answer, I said, “Good.” He tried again. “Um… how did you feel about it?” he asked. I searched for my feelings. Again, fairly empty in the absence of AI. “Good,” I said again. ...

IIM Bangalore PGP Interview Panel

Yesterday, I was part of an IIM Bangalore interview panel at Hyderabad, along with Professor Subhabrata Das and Debajyoti. Panels typically comprise of two faculty and an alumni, and handle 8 interviews in the morning and eight in the evening, though in our case, we had 9 each. As we arrived, we were given a USB drive with the student’s resume, statement of purpose, and other documents that they had submitted, which included employment contracts, declarations, letters of recommendation, etc., depending on the student. Each interview was approximately 20 minutes. Luckily, Dr Das set a timer for 18, so we didn’t go too far beyond. ...