We made an algorithm re-write this flashlight’s Kickstarter page

Algorithms and AI are getting good at writing. Burger King (kinda) used it in an ad series and the technology has even written entire scripts. It’s become so widespread even I can do it. Yes, moi.

I recently discovered the Voicebox app from Botnik, a service that lets you upload a text file from which it can produce new sentences in that vein. The question is what to use it on. Well, as I’m a product writer, it’s got to be a product, right?

So, I put my hand in my box pile and pulled out a flashlight I’d been sent to review – the beastly DanForce G1 PRO.

Now, I’m not the most outdoorsy type, so rather than camping (*shudder*) or faking it (*moral shudder*) I thought I’d get the AI to create some #content about it. With the DanForce G1 PRO raising funds on Kickstarter, this seemed like the most logical place to start.

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So, I made the algorithm create new copy for the gadget’s crowdfunding page.

But first…

For the sake of balance, let’s have an actual look at the DanForce G1 PRO. Because it’s actually kinda cool – something I never expected to write. Hell, just check out the packaging:

Apart from the case, what makes it special? In a word, modularity. It’s the first flashlight with this feature set, meaning you can alter the torch at will.  You can do things like add a compass on the end, make it into a power bank, extend the handle, or put different light filters on.

The G1 PRO feels like a quality product. The design is solid, the rechargeable batteries are a nice touch, and, while a retail price of $89 seems expensive, it’s similar to the cost of other premium flashlights.

It’s important to note that you can get perfectly good flashlights for under $10 on Amazon though.

Finally, let’s see how it looks in action.

Enough with the torch-talk

Agreed. We came here to get an algorithm to write some marketing copy, so that’s what we’re gonna do.

For your information, the Voicebox app looks like this:

So how are you going to get it to write copy?

Well, I went to the DanForce G1 PRO Kickstarter page and copied all the text (including on images) into a document. Yes, it did take quite a while, thanks for asking.

Then, I mapped what I believe are the key parts of a Kickstarter page:

I) An overarching marketing slogan

II) The DanForce G1 PRO’s main features

III) What you can use it for

IV) And why you should back this product

These are the sections I must create.

I) The slogan

This is the glue that holds a Kickstarter together. The foundation on which the public pitch is based. In other words, it’s important.

So, I’m going to click on the first word to appear ten times and see what happens.

Not the best start.

How about this – I’ll type the name of the product first and see what the algorithm does.

I like it. A lot. Almost too much

II) Features

Now we’ve got a slick slogan, we need a line about all the DanForce G1 PRO’s cool features. I’ll need to push the algorithm in the right direction though, so I’ll start it off with “It includes…”

Damn, son.

Now that you mention it, this torch is killing it on Kickstarter. Thank you, robot!

III) How it’s used

This is vital. We need to show the public the flashlight’s day-to-day applications, otherwise why would they back the campaign at all?

To prime the algorithm, we’ll kick if off with “It’s useful to…”

*kisses fingers*

IV) Why

Every good Kickstarter page needs a concluding call-to-action that’s so powerful and revelatory the reader is forced to immediately hand over their cash.

So, “Back this…”

Wow, this actually makes sense? This feels wrong, but oh so right. Thank you, sweet algorithm.

To tie this all up, let’s put the copy together:

The DanForce G2 PRO flashlight. Weapons mount pressure, switch emergency power. Bank? Weapons.

It includes every G1 PRO – is a modular flashlight? Is killing it on Kickstarter.

It’s useful to any lighting situation at any time. Hand strap? Neck Strap? A secret gift from DanForce.

Back this project. Your support allows us to produce the best flashlight possible.

If you are interested in the DanForce G1 PRO flashlight, you can head over to the inferior Kickstarter page here. Just remember that even the most high-profile crowdfunding campaigns can fail, so invest with caution.