• Neal Dodge
    11
    OpenAI, an artifical intelligence research laboratory has recently released a chatbot called ChatGPT to much acclaim for its detailed answers and articulate responses so I thought I'd put it to the test on what it thought could be improved in ringing.
    https://chat.openai.com/chat
    My questions to it are in bold. Food for thought!

    What is the biggest challenge facing change ringing?
    One of the biggest challenges facing change ringing is the need to attract and retain new ringers. Many change ringing societies and towers struggle to recruit and train new members, particularly younger people, and this can make it difficult for the activity to continue and grow. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this challenge, including a lack of awareness about change ringing, a lack of access to bells and towers, and a lack of available training or instruction. Other challenges that change ringing may face include a lack of funding, a lack of suitable venues for ringing, and a lack of support or recognition from the wider community.
    Another significant challenge facing change ringing is the need to adapt to changing social and cultural norms. Many change ringing societies and towers are traditional organizations that have been around for centuries, and they may need to modernize and evolve in order to stay relevant and attract new members. This could include adapting to new technologies, changing the way that the activity is taught and practiced, and finding ways to appeal to younger generations.
    Finally, change ringing can also face challenges related to the physical demands of the activity. Bell ringing requires strength, endurance, and coordination, and it can be physically demanding, especially for those who are new to the activity. This can make it difficult for some people to take up change ringing, and it may be necessary to find ways to make the activity more accessible and inclusive.

    Write a plan to address those challenges
    Here is a plan to address the challenges facing change ringing:
    1. Develop a comprehensive recruitment and retention strategy to attract and retain new ringers, with a particular focus on younger people. This could include creating a website or online resource that provides information about change ringing and how to get started, hosting beginner's courses or workshops, and using social media and other online platforms to connect with potential ringers.
    2. Work to increase awareness about change ringing and the benefits of the activity, through media campaigns, public events, and partnerships with local organizations. This could include creating materials that explain the activity and its history, and organizing open days or other events that allow people to try change ringing for themselves.
    3. Develop partnerships with local schools and youth organizations to introduce change ringing to younger generations. This could include organizing visits to local towers, hosting workshops or training sessions, or providing resources and materials that help students learn more about the activity.
    4. Find ways to make change ringing more accessible and inclusive. This could include providing training and support for new ringers, finding ways to adapt the activity for people with disabilities, and making sure that there are opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to participate.
    5. Work to modernize and evolve the activity in order to stay relevant and attract new members. This could include adapting to new technologies, changing the way that the activity is taught and practiced, and finding ways to appeal to younger generations.
    6. Secure funding and other resources to support change ringing. This could include seeking out grants and sponsorships, organizing fundraising events, and working with local authorities and other organizations to secure support.
    7. Work to build relationships with local media outlets and use these relationships to promote change ringing and raise awareness about the activity. This could include providing interviews and content for local newspapers and other media, or organizing events and activities that are designed to attract media attention.
    8. Consider hosting change ringing events or competitions specifically for young people, in order to provide them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and build a sense of community within the ringing community.
    9. Finally, be patient and persistent. Addressing the challenges facing change ringing will take time and effort, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best. However, by following this plan and continuing to promote the activity, it is possible to build a strong and vibrant ringing community that will thrive for years to come.

    How could the plan to address those challenges be funded?
    There are a number of ways that the plan to address the challenges facing change ringing could be funded:
    1. Seek out grants and sponsorships from local, regional, and national organizations that are interested in supporting the activity. This could include foundations, charitable organizations, and government agencies, as well as private companies and individuals.
    2. Organize fundraising events, such as sponsored walks, concerts, or auctions, to raise money for change ringing. These events could be held locally, regionally, or nationally, and could be organized by ringing societies, local committees, or other groups.
    3. Work with local authorities and other organizations to secure funding or other resources for change ringing. This could include seeking support from local councils, arts organizations, or other groups that are interested in promoting cultural activities in the community.
    4. Consider charging fees for training courses, workshops, or other events that are organized to promote change ringing. This could provide a source of income that could be used to support the activity and its development.
    5. Seek out donations from individuals or organizations that are interested in supporting change ringing. This could include setting up a donation page on a website, creating a crowdfunding campaign, or asking people to make donations in person or by mail.
    6. Finally, consider seeking out sponsorships or partnerships with companies or other organizations that are interested in supporting change ringing. This could include providing financial support in exchange for advertising or other forms of exposure, or finding ways to align the values and goals of the activity with those of the sponsor.
  • Tristan Lockheart
    109
    Impressive! We clearly don't need the forums - the AI can do it all for us :P
  • John de Overa
    364
    Ah, the robot plagiarist, yet again :roll: What's the point of this post please? It's just regurgitated content from people with an actual intellect.
  • John de Overa
    364
    Here's what it has to say about ringing Plain Bob Doubles. Not quite so impressive, hmm?

    Give instructions for ringing Plain Bob Doubles on church bells

    To ring Plain Bob Doubles on church bells, follow these steps:

    Start with the "tenor" bell, which is the largest and lowest-pitched bell in the tower. This is typically the bell that is rung to mark the time or to signal the start of a service.

    Ring the tenor bell in a slow and regular rhythm to set the pace for the rest of the bells. This is called the "pace bell" or "conductor."

    Starting with the bell next to the tenor in size and pitch, ring the bells in the following sequence: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8. This sequence is called the "plain course."

    After ringing the plain course, ring the bells in the following sequence: 5-8-7-6-3-4-1-2. This sequence is called the "bob" and is the most characteristic feature of Plain Bob Doubles.

    Repeat the plain course and bob sequence until you reach the end of the piece or until the conductor signals to stop.

    When ringing the bells, hold the sally (the wooden handle attached to the rope) with both hands and pull the bell down to the full extent of the rope. Then, let the bell swing back up to the "balance" position, where the clapper (the metal part inside the bell that makes the sound) is level with the mouth of the bell. The bell should be allowed to swing freely for a few moments before being rung again.

    Remember to listen carefully to the other bells and try to maintain a consistent pace and rhythm. This is called "keeping good bell rope length" and is an important part of bell ringing.

    I hope these instructions are helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions
  • Simon Linford
    305
    Presumably all that content comes from things that bellringers have written in different places? It is interesting how it has found it all and presented it coherently. It would also be interesting if you asked it the same question of another activity like brass banding and see if it come up with very similar strategies.
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