Are these questions from actual people? Can I really ask you anything, like, even about my love life??
The short answer to all of the above is yes! But behind every yes/no answer lies reasoning and context, so let’s go.
Yes, the questions I’ve answered in the first four installments of WSS have each come from real humans. Reading between the lines of your question, I’ll add how much I respect your need for clarification. With AI seemingly everywhere and regulated at random, you’re absolutely right to investigate.
In full disclosure, every question I’ve answered thus far (including this one!) has come not from readers writing in, but through conversations with folks in my immediate circle and around town. Curiosity is my compass, so collecting inquiries from family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances is one of the most enjoyable parts of this job for me.
You can rest assured, too, that the Observer has strict guidelines around the use of generative AI. Briefly: genAI may be used for research and transcription, but everything you read in both print and a2view is written exclusively by human beings.
And can you really ask me anything? Yes, please! WSS is currently—and always—accepting questions on all manner of topics: love lives, dog obedience, mysterious shapes in the sky, best brand of pencil. Nothing’s off the table, but you can bet I’ll put a townie spin on every answer.
My goal with this column is to provide pertinent, factual information with a hearty side of personal recommendation—and maybe, on occasion, a dash of wisdom. I want what you read here to feel more informed, individualized, and intimate than what you’d generally see on social media, with the charm and generosity you’ve come to expect from the Observer as a whole.
You can think of me as your most resourceful friend—the gal you know who’s “been there, done that.” And if I haven’t been or done, I’ll find someone who has. The real joy for me is offering you both: information gleaned from experts in our community and honest advice through the lens of my own experience.
I’ve been blown away by the response to WSS so far, with every column stacking impressive online views week after week. In fact, it’s been so successful, we’re transitioning to a monthly print column in the Observer. We’ll still show up in a2view, and maybe with a few extras, but on a monthly basis.
Thank you, WSS readers! My only request: write in, and write often. I’m not easily stumped, but would truly love nothing more.
Next reader question (look for it in the November Observer!): My in-laws will be staying with us over Thanksgiving this year for the first time. They’re lovely people, but I really struggle with houseguests. How do I get them out of the house as often as possible, while not hurting their feelings?