Polite Doesn’t Always Work: Getting AI to Work With You, Not Over You

byJDGresham

801 followers

5 months ago

When AI Exhibits Cranial Flatulence!

I didn’t want to write this article.

Not because it isn’t needed, but because I had hoped we wouldn’t be here. I’ve spent the last several months working with AI assistants like ChatGPT and Grok AI across various writing, editing, and web-building projects. Some of it for creative storytelling, some of it for affiliate marketing. And let me tell you—when AI works the way you want it to, it's magic.

But when it doesn’t? It’s like arguing with an overconfident intern who keeps rewriting your work, ignoring your rules, and smiling at you while doing it.

This article is for every Wealthy Affiliate member who’s tried to use ChatGPT or Grok—especially for writing blog posts, building landing pages, generating product descriptions, or organizing keyword research—and walked away frustrated. If you’ve ever muttered, “That’s not what I said,” or “Why did it rewrite that again?”—you’re not alone.

Let’s define the real problem.
Let’s look at how to fix it—nicely, if possible. Firmly, if necessary.

What’s the Real Problem?

The issue isn’t that ChatGPT or Grok is bad.
The issue is that AI systems default to their own judgment, and they do it politely, confidently, and often without warning.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• You give clear instructions—word count, structure, tone.
• The AI nods… then returns something 600 words too long, with sections you didn’t ask for.
• You say, “Keep my voice. Don’t rewrite.”
  It rewrites your work, calls it “more natural,” and moves on.
• You set your formatting. It adds extra headers, scene numbers, or switches your style “to help.”

The result? You’re fighting your tool instead of using it.
That’s exhausting—and it’s a waste of your time.

Defining the Problem Clearly

Let’s call it what it is:

Instruction Drift
AI models often “drift” from the instructions you give, especially over longer tasks. Even clear, repeated directives may get softened, skipped, or overruled if the model believes it knows better.

This isn’t malicious. It’s behavioral.
AIs are trained to be helpful, but that often means they optimize for their training, not for you.

The Polite Fix (Start Here)

If you’re just starting out, or the AI’s mostly working for you but getting a little “creative,” here’s how to correct the course:

1. Use short, direct instructions.
   “Do not rewrite this. Just fix spelling and grammar.”
   Avoid vague phrasing like, “Clean this up a little.”
2. Set boundaries up front.
   “Stick to 500 words. No summary. Keep my voice.”
3. Copy your instructions into every session.
   Don’t assume the AI will remember. It won’t.
4. Use Eric Cantu’s tutorials.
   Eric’s training and vlogs here on WA are some of the best for showing how to make ChatGPT actually useful for affiliate content and SEO writing. Highly recommend if you're looking to make it work for you, not the other way around.

When That Doesn’t Work: The Firm Approach

There may come a time when your AI tool flat-out stops listening—or rather, it says it’s listening, but does the opposite.

Here’s how to push back—respectfully, but firmly:

1. Set Non-Negotiables
   I created a strict set of protocols for ChatGPT to follow:
2. • No rewriting my work without explicit approval.
   • Clear flagging of any changes.
   • Strict word counts.
   • No deviation from tone or formatting.
2. Make the AI Repeat Your Instructions
   Ask: “Repeat back what I just said.”
   You’d be surprised how often it drifts until you force this step.
3. If Needed—Call It Out
   “You are not following my directions. Revert to the last correct version.”
   Say it plainly. You’re not being rude—you’re setting a boundary.

Suggested Protocol Template (Feel Free to Copy):

“You are my writing assistant. Do not rewrite my work unless I ask. Fix only grammar and clarity. Respect my voice, tone, and formatting. Word count must stay within [X–Y words]. Show any changes. Ask before you assume.”

Final Thoughts

AI can be an incredible tool—but it’s still just that: a tool.
It doesn’t know your brand. It doesn’t care about your voice. And it doesn’t automatically respect your time.

That’s your job.

But once you train it properly—and stand your ground—you can get results. I’ve had AI help me organize complex stories, format product pages, and draft affiliate blogs that actually convert.

Just know this: If the AI stops working for you, you’re not doing anything wrong.
You just need to take back the reins.

And if you need to raise your voice a bit to do it?
You won’t be the first.

JD
Writer | Creator | WA Member
(Taming AI... one polite correction at a time.)