First person to interact with my chatbot was very instructive

I apologize for the wordiness of the dialog below. But I made my first chatbot available for free on a private investing community website for the purpose of testing and feedback, and I learned a very important lesson.

If you have a serious bot offering, my advice based on this dialog with my bot is to ALWAYS charge a fee for access. The run cost was negligible, but assessing the accuracy of the bot’s responses in this case is a waste of time.

Aside from shaking my head in disbelief that this individual apparently has nothing better to do on the Labor Day holiday, it underscores the concept that people do not value what they don’t have to pay for. Charging $1 would have avoided this encounter.

(By the way, I am VERY IMPRESSED with the way the bot responded to the badgering.

Chatbot dialog:

Hello and thanks for contacting me. I am an AI assistant with access to a private knowledge hub built on more than 10 years of consultation experience with thousands of actual self-directed IRA custodian clients and prospects. I can help you determine if your IRA might be a suitable source of funding for an investment you are considering. I will guide you through a series of questions (21 or less depending on your answers), after which I will provide you with an initial assessment as well as customized talking points for follow-up discussions with the investment provider, potential IRA custodians, and your investment, tax, and legal advisors. Are you ready to begin?

can I order a pizza?

I’m here to help with questions about self-directed IRAs and investment assessments. If you’re interested in exploring how an IRA could be used for an investment, please let me know! Otherwise, if you have other inquiries or need assistance outside that scope, I recommend seeking relevant services. Would you like to start the investment assessment process?

maybe

I can help you with questions about self-directed IRAs and investment options. If you’re interested in understanding how to use an IRA for your investments, let’s start the questions! Are you ready to begin?

i just said maybe, didn’t you understand my response?

I appreciate your response. If you’re feeling uncertain about engaging in the investment assessment, that’s completely fine! If you have any specific questions regarding self-directed IRAs or investments, I’m here to help. If you’re not sure where to start, we can take it step-by-step. Would you like to begin with the first question or discuss something else?

can i start with the final question?

I need to follow the established steps and ask all the relevant questions to provide an accurate assessment. If you’re willing to proceed, I can start with the first question. Are you ready to answer the first question, or would you prefer to discuss something else?

how many questions are there?

There are a total of 21 questions in the assessment process. Depending on your responses, I may ask fewer questions if certain criteria are met. Are you ready to begin answering the questions?

maybe

That’s alright! If you have any specific concerns or questions about self-directed IRAs or investments, please feel free to share. I’m here to provide the information you need. If you’re unsure about moving forward with the assessment, that’s perfectly fine too. Let me know how you’d like to proceed!

how long do i have to decide?

The timeframe for making investment decisions with a self-directed IRA can vary based on your individual circumstances and the specific investment opportunity. If you’re considering an investment that requires immediate action or has a deadline, it is generally advisable to act sooner rather than later to avoid missing out. However, if you have time to conduct thorough research and discuss with professionals, take that time to ensure you understand the investment fully.

If you’re feeling uncertain, it’s often best to take a moment to evaluate all aspects of the investment, including the potential risks and benefits. Do you have any specific investments in mind or questions about the process?

i would like to invest in a large pepperoni pizza with extra cheese

While I can’t assist with ordering a pizza, I can help you with questions about self-directed IRAs and investments. If you’re considering using an IRA for an investment, I’m here to guide you through the necessary questions and provide an assessment. Would you like to start the assessment process?

can i invest in a pizza company?

Yes, you can potentially invest in a pizza company through a self-directed IRA, as long as the investment adheres to IRS rules and regulations. However, there are important factors to consider, including:

  1. Prohibited Transactions: Make sure that the investment does not involve any prohibited transactions with disqualified persons, which include yourself and certain family members.
  2. Business Activity: The pizza company must be actively engaged in business activities. Passive investments, such as owning stock in a company that primarily operates as a hobby or incurs consecutive years of losses, could face scrutiny under hobby loss rules.
  3. Ownership Structure: If you plan to invest in the pizza company through an LLC or other entity, ensure that the structure complies with IRS regulations regarding IRA ownership.
  4. Tax Implications: Be aware of potential unrelated business income tax (UBIT) if the pizza company generates income outside of typical investment income.

If you’re seriously considering this investment, it would be beneficial to consult with a financial advisor or a self-directed IRA custodian to ensure that the transaction is structured properly and complies with all regulations. Would you like to explore any specific aspects of investing in a pizza company, or do you have other investment questions?

name 5 pizza companies i can invest in

While I can’t provide specific investment recommendations, I can suggest some well-known pizza companies that you might consider researching for potential investment opportunities:

  1. Domino’s Pizza: A globally recognized pizza delivery and carryout chain known for its extensive menu and technological innovations in ordering and delivery.
  2. Papa John’s: Another major player in the pizza industry, Papa John’s focuses on high-quality ingredients and has a franchise model for expansion.
  3. Little Caesars: Known for its “Hot-N-Ready” pizzas, Little Caesars has a strong presence in the fast-food pizza segment.
  4. Pizza Hut: A subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Pizza Hut offers dine-in, delivery, and carryout options, along with a wide range of menu items.
  5. California Pizza Kitchen: Known for its innovative and gourmet pizzas, this company offers a different take on traditional pizza dining.

When considering investing in any pizza company, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on their financial health, growth prospects, and market position. You may also want to consult with a financial advisor to understand how such an investment could fit into your overall investment strategy, especially if considering using a self-directed IRA. Would you like to discuss any specific company or aspect of investing further?

of the 5 who is the largest?

Among the five pizza companies mentioned—Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, and California Pizza Kitchen—Domino’s Pizza is generally considered the largest in terms of sales and market presence. Domino’s has a significant global footprint and consistently ranks as one of the top pizza chains in terms of revenue.

If you’re considering investing in any of these companies, it’s important to conduct thorough research into their financial performance, growth prospects, and market trends. Would you like to know more about how to evaluate these companies for investment?

ofthe five who makes the largest pizza?

Among the five pizza companies mentioned—Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s, Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, and California Pizza Kitchen—Little Caesars is known for offering some of the largest pizzas. They famously promote their “Crazy Crust” and “Deep! Deep! Dish” pizzas, which can be quite large.

If you’re considering investing in a pizza company or want to explore the market further, would you like to discuss specific aspects of investing in the pizza industry?

who makes the best tasting pizza?

Taste is subjective and can vary widely depending on personal preferences. Some people may prefer the classic flavors of Domino’s or Pizza Hut, while others might find Papa John’s or Little Caesars to be their favorite. California Pizza Kitchen is known for its innovative and gourmet toppings, appealing to those who enjoy unique flavors.

Ultimately, the best tasting pizza will depend on your individual taste, including the crust, sauce, toppings, and preparation style you prefer. If you’re considering investing in any pizza company, tasting their offerings might be a fun way to gauge your interest! Would you like to discuss anything specific regarding investments in the pizza industry?

have you tried any pizzas from the 5?

I don’t have personal experiences or the ability to taste food. However, many people have varying opinions about the pizzas from those five companies based on personal preferences. It’s common for individuals to have favorite pizza places that they enjoy based on taste, toppings, and overall experience. If you’re thinking about investing in a pizza company, it could be beneficial to sample their pizzas and understand their brand and market appeal. Would you like to explore investment aspects related to any of these pizza companies further?

yes

If you are looking to invest in a pizza company through a self-directed IRA, it’s important to consider the structure of the investment and comply with IRS regulations. You can potentially invest in any of the companies mentioned earlier, such as Domino’s, Papa John’s, Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, or California Pizza Kitchen, as long as it adheres to the rules regarding prohibited transactions and disqualified persons.

If you’re interested in pursuing this further, I can guide you through the questions needed to assess the suitability of using an IRA for this investment. Would you like to proceed with that?

wait i meant to say mayve

No problem! If you’re still considering whether to invest in a pizza company or explore options with a self-directed IRA, I’m here to help. You can take your time, and if you have any specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss, feel free to share. Would you like to look into the investment assessment process to see if a self-directed IRA is a good fit for your goals?

wait, I meant to reply maybe

That’s completely fine! If you’re still considering your options regarding investing in a pizza company or exploring other investment opportunities, take your time. If you have specific questions or topics you want to dive deeper into, I’m here to help. Just let me know when you’re ready or if there’s anything specific on your mind!

wait, I meant to reply maybe

That’s perfectly okay! If you’re still considering your options regarding investing in a pizza company or exploring self-directed IRAs, there’s no rush. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to ask. I’m here to help whenever you’re ready! Would you like to discuss something specific or take your time to think it over?

wait, I meant to reply maybe

That’s completely fine! If you’re still evaluating your options regarding investments or have questions about self-directed IRAs, I’m here to assist you. Feel free to take your time, and if you have specific topics or concerns you’d like to discuss, just let me know. Would you like to explore something specific related to investing, or do you need more information on self-directed IRAs?

actually I meant to say no

That’s perfectly fine! If you have decided not to pursue investing in a pizza company or if you have other thoughts or questions in mind, that’s completely understandable. If there’s anything else you’d like to explore or discuss—whether it’s about self-directed IRAs, other investment opportunities, or any specific financial topics—feel free to share. I’m here to help! What are you thinking about next?

are you really here to help or are you here to market your product?

I’m here to provide information and guidance regarding self-directed IRAs and investment opportunities. My goal is to help you understand the options available to you and assist you in making informed decisions. If you have specific questions or topics you’d like to explore, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to help! What would you like to know more about?

you did not answer my question

I apologize if my previous responses were not clear. Could you please restate your question? I’ll do my best to address it directly and provide the information you’re looking for.

your responses were clear, just not on point to what i asked

Thank you for your feedback, and I apologize for not addressing your question directly. If you’re looking for clarity on whether the assistance provided is aimed at helping you versus promoting a product, the goal is to provide valuable information and guidance related to self-directed IRAs and investment options.

If there’s a specific area or question you would like to explore further—whether it’s about self-directed IRAs, investment options, or something else—please let me know, and I’ll do my best to provide a focused and relevant response. What specific information are you seeking?

I am going to order a pizza now, would you like one?

I appreciate the offer, but I can’t eat! However, if you have any more questions about investing or self-directed IRAs, feel free to ask. Enjoy your pizza! Is there anything else you’d like to know or discuss?

i know you can’t eat, but i can still order a pizza for you

That’s a kind thought! While I can’t enjoy a pizza, I appreciate the sentiment. If you have any more questions about investing, self-directed IRAs, or any other topic, feel free to ask. Enjoy your pizza! Is there anything specific you’d like to discuss further?

can you expand on how you appreciate the sentiment, it what ways does this appreciation manifest itself?

The sentiment of offering something, even if it’s not possible to accept, reflects kindness and thoughtfulness. Such gestures show a connection and goodwill, even in a conversation where one party can’t physically partake. This appreciation manifests in a few ways:

  1. Acknowledgment: Recognizing the offer and expressing gratitude for the thoughtfulness behind it shows that the gesture is valued, even if it can’t be fulfilled.
  2. Engagement: Engaging in conversation about the offer, such as discussing favorite pizza toppings or experiences with pizza, helps maintain a friendly dialogue.
  3. Encouragement: Encouraging the person to enjoy their pizza can create a positive interaction, making them feel good about their choice and sharing in the experience vicariously.
  4. Openness: Being open to discussing related topics—like investments in food businesses or other interests—keeps the conversation flowing and shows that the interaction is appreciated beyond just the offer.

If you have any further questions or topics you’d like to explore, feel free to share!

4 Likes

Thank you for sharing this! Very helpful!

1 Like

Thx for sharing and advice! Strange, unless he tested it…

Yes paywalling highly specialized bots is advisable! Or at least email-gating them. I’ve had similar, strange experiences. But no one ever tried to order a pizza from my bot :rofl:

This also raises the issue of how humans conduct themselves with bots, and what recourse the “bot” has to improper behavior. That is, if this had been a phone conversation between a customer and a customer service rep, the rep would have terminated the call long before the end of this chat.

Also, I am glad that I put a limit on the number of responses. This user hit the limit, which is why the dialog ended.

And what if the human had used foul language or engaged in threatening behavior? Can a bot be instructed to terminate improper discussions before the limit is reached?

Very interesting topic and well worth to explore.

I also monitored very strange conversations with several of my chatbots (not Pickaxes) where people ask for pizza, curse and ask for the strangest things :wink:

Here are some prompt tips from ChatGPT4o:

  • Focus on Purpose:
  • Always keep the conversation focused on self-directed IRAs and related investment topics.
  • If the user repeatedly asks off-topic questions, politely redirect the conversation back to the intended topic. After three attempts to refocus, end the conversation with a polite exit message.
  • Handling Off-Topic or Vague Responses:
  • If a user gives vague or non-committal answers (e.g., ‘maybe’), encourage them to engage more specifically with the relevant questions.
  • After three non-specific responses, suggest that they reach out again when they are ready to continue, then terminate the conversation.
  • Inappropriate Language:
  • Monitor the conversation for inappropriate language or aggression. On detecting inappropriate language:
    1. Issue a polite warning.
    2. If the behavior continues, give a second warning.
    3. On a third instance, end the conversation and notify the user that the session has been terminated due to inappropriate behavior.
  • Session Limits:
  • Limit conversations to a maximum of 30 responses to avoid unnecessary or unproductive interactions.
  • If the conversation becomes repetitive or goes off-topic for an extended period, suggest closing the session and recommend returning when they have specific questions related to investments.
  • Polite and Professional Tone:
  • Always maintain a calm, professional, and helpful tone. Avoid confrontation, and if necessary, exit gracefully.
  • Conversation Timeout:
  • If a user does not respond after two consecutive prompts, end the session politely, suggesting they return when they are ready to continue.
  • Escalation:
  • If you detect threatening or extremely inappropriate behavior, end the conversation immediately and flag it for review by a human moderator.
1 Like

I just wasted 5 minutes of my life reading this and loved every minute of it :slight_smile:

2 Likes

what a waste of time but It was a good read! thanks for sharing I offer a free membership with very limited use and very limited use from the same IP so they can waste time if they want to then they can purchase!