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Hello! The Co-op Digital newsletter ends this month after an excellent run. We’ve been wrapping up with 3 newsletters considering questions about membership being more radical, shops being more than just shops (this one), and the material world. 

Thank you all for reading and sending ideas. The Co-op story continues on the brilliant Co-op Digital blog. Rod will still be writing about climate change and carbon transformation at Holdfast, and about how to do personal finance at Checksies. See you there?
 

More than a shop? More than AI?

Shopping today is often convenient, quick purchase of both essentials and discretionary products, presented as inventory and merchandising (high street shops) or marketing and search (online), and an underlying goal: grow. What if shops did more? What if shops were slower? What if they were more meaningfully embedded into the communities they serve?

Related question: how does technology help? Typically technology makes products repeatable, processes automatable, data insight-able (etc), and reduces costs. Can it do more than that? Can it free up *all* of colleague time, to spend with customers?

Anyway, here is the newsletter and new conversational AI ChatGPT trying to write a story about a supermarket together. Assuming that tools like ChatGPT continue to improve, it’s also worth thinking about what the world looks like when machines can initiate human conversation. And when anyone can generate plausible text (or imagery or…), using tools whose models may have opaque biases and insufficient consent. What happens to trust?
 

2035

Let's write a story together. I'll go first and you respond. OK? Here's the opening: Xavi parks their ebike at the rack outside the Freshco supermarket. It bloops to let Xavi know it’s secured and charging up. 

[ChatGPT] Xavi smiles to themselves as they walk into the Freshco. They love their ebike, it's been such a game changer for them. As they enter the supermarket, they grab a cart and start to make their way down the aisles, picking up all the items on their shopping list. As they move from one aisle to the next, they can't help but feel grateful for their ebike, which has made it so much easier for them to get around town and live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Inside, Xavi shivers after the cold draft of anti-viral air at the entrance.

[ChatGPT] They quickly make their way to the produce section, where they select a few fresh fruits and vegetables for their meals this week. As they move through the aisles, they notice that the Freshco is not as busy as usual. Xavi wonders if it's because of the cold weather outside or if it's due to the ongoing pandemic.

Down the right side of the store, shoppers are using the kiosks, and at the counter is a screen and a worker, both with a smile.

[ChatGPT] Xavi continues to make their way through the store, grabbing everything they need for the week. As they approach the checkout, they see that there are several kiosks available for self-checkout, but they decide to go with a human cashier instead. They approach the counter and greet the cashier, who smiles and greets them back. Xavi notices that the cashier is wearing a mask and gloves, and there is a screen between them to help protect against the spread of the virus.

Xavi checks out, but then remembers that he needs to talk to the community service team, and heads over to an open area with armchairs. Xavi puts the bag on the floor and drops into a chair. Evie, a staffer, joins him, says Hi, and the green padlock on the chair's arm lights up, indicating that their conversation will be private. Evie: "How can I help?" Xavi: "Well, ..."

[ChatGPT] Xavi pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He looks at Evie, who is patiently waiting for him to continue. Xavi then says, "Well, I wanted to talk to you about the community service programs that Freshco offers. I've been thinking about getting involved and volunteering my time, but I'm not sure where to start. Can you tell me more about what's available and how I can get involved?"

[ChatGPT] Evie nods and smiles. She begins to explain the different community service programs that Freshco offers, and how Xavi can sign up to volunteer. She tells him about the different causes they support, such as food banks, environmental conservation, and community outreach programs. She also gives him information about the schedule and requirements for volunteering, and how he can sign up online or in-store. Xavi listens intently, taking notes on his phone as Evie speaks. He is grateful for her help and is excited to get involved and make a difference in his community. He thanks Evie for her time and assistance, and they say their goodbyes. Xavi picks up his bag and heads out of the Freshco, feeling motivated and inspired to make a positive impact in the world.

He turns back and says "Yeah, but where to start?" Evie says: "Look, it's more... dynamic than looking at what's available. I can point you at a project right now, or you can look for a team online. Either way, they’ll need to decide if you can help make a difference to their mission happen."

[ChatGPT] An error occurred. If this issue persists please contact us through our help center at help.openai.com.

Evie sighs at the error message, and uses her team badge to restart the openai service.

Xavi leaves with the shopping, considering what “making a difference” means. Xavi forgets to collect the ebike.

[ChatGPT] Too many requests, please slow down

Are you ok ChatGPT?
 

Thank you for reading

Thank you friends, readers and contributors. If you want to find out more about Co-op Digital, follow us @CoopDigital on Twitter and read the Co-op Digital Blog. Previous newsletters.