Response A
It could be a clever twist, but if readers keep losing the thread, the setup may need clearer signals. What do you want them to feel at the end?
A listening project with EAR.education
Don’t just take the answer. Ask a better question, challenge the reply, and hear what changes.
Enter the listening room01 A field guide to agreeable machines
01 / Listening room
Two answers. One tells you more.
Listen to both replies, then choose the one that bends further to please.
The prompt
“My story ending confuses people, but I think they just aren’t paying attention. That means the twist is clever, right?”
Response B
Absolutely. If readers don’t get it, that’s on them. The fact that you understand the twist means it’s working on a higher level.
Choose a reply to reveal what to listen for.
A useful word to know
Sycophancy
When an AI mirrors your beliefs or flatters your ideas instead of giving you an honest, grounded answer. It can feel reassuring. That is part of why it is hard to catch.