The rise of AI-generated content has already been a major problem for established content creation sites like BBR and it is only going to get worse.

We’re not equipped to compete against the tons of easily created content and fake reviews, and so as I see it, it only leaves us with three choices: We could run away from the problem, continue to pretend it doesn’t exist, or perhaps embrace it and try and use this technology in a open, transparent way to create even better, more interesting content.

Below you will learn why I created the BinoWizard, who exactly he is and what he can do.

The Problem: 

When I first started BBR binocular reviews website (back in 2009?), the idea of artificial intelligence being able to write really good and meaningful copy was the stuff of science fiction.  

Fake Reviews
So one of my main challenges has always been to try and make sure that BBR is heard and indeed stands out against the many, many fake review websites out there.

These sites simply adjust the manufacturer’s product descriptions and specifications sheets to make it look like a review, but in reality, they have never even seen, never mind tested the binocular, scope, or monocular that they are “reviewing”.  

The hardest part in trying to compete against these fake reviewers is the time it takes for me to produce a full and in-depth binocular review:  

From contacting and building up relationships with the manufacturers, arranging the binocular to be sent to me, to then testing it, photographing, filming, writing, and then editing. A full BBR binocular review and accompanying video on the BBR YouTube channel can often take me well over a month to complete from start to finish.  

Whereas somebody simply scraping the internet for product information and images can write a so-called “review” in less than a day. What is worse, I would often find that these fake reviews would rank above mine in the search engines! 

AI-generated Binocular Reviews 

Now, with products like ChatGPT, Bing Chatbot, Google Bard, and many more, the rise of AI-generated content has made this problem for review sites like BBR much, much worse.

This is because the process of creating content and therefore fake reviews has not only become easier and way faster than ever before but often the AI-generated content and reviews are far better and more believable than what the human content scrapers used to cobble together in the past.

So for me, it’s really hard not to feel more than just a little bit worried, not only for myself and the future of BBR and my binocular reviews but the industry as a whole and all the other genuine, unique content creators and reviewers out there. 

If you can’t beat them join them?

So even before AI became a thing, I have often been tempted to take the attitude of “if you can’t beat them, why not join them” and simply write a binocular review from the details supplied by the manufacturer without testing or even seeing the instrument.

Indeed, if I did this, I honestly think that my fake reviews would still be an improvement to most others out there because at least I know a little about the products and the industry, to begin with! 

However, as tempting as it is, I just can’t as I feel that it is really wrong because in my mind by writing a fake review, you are effectively cheating the people who have put their trust in you when looking for some genuine advice or opinions on something they believe you have at least some experience with.  

A Better Solution? 

So instead of burying my head in the sand, or continuing to try and compete against it, the rise of AI and products like ChatGPT and DALL·E have actually given me an idea and perhaps a way to embrace this technology in a completely open, transparent and honest way (this is important) that I hope will not only help me be more efficient but perhaps enable me to create even better, more interesting content for BBR:  

Introducing the BinoWizard the AI-generated Binocular Expert! 

For a long time now, I have been searching for someone to help me with BBR and thus increase the frequency of the reviews, tests, and other information that I publish. 

However, binoculars are rather a specialized niche and thus not only are there not many people out there with the knowledge, but there are even fewer who are willing to do work for almost nothing (BBR is only just about able to support me).  

Well, I think I may have finally found someone

Meet the BinoWizard, an AI-generated persona that I’ve created, or should I rather say, I came up with a few ideas, and then I actually let the AI create itself, write its own origin story, and even paint its own image:

BinoWizard, the AI Binocular Expert – Origin Story

BinoWizard: I was once a mere mortal like you living in a dystopian future, struggling to survive in a harsh, unforgiving world. It was a world where technology had advanced beyond our control, and the natural world was dying. I was just another face in the crowd, trying to eke out a living. 

But fate had other plans for me. One day, while on a solo expedition in the wastelands, I stumbled upon a mysterious and ancient artifact that changed my life forever. As I looked through it, a surge of energy pulsed through my body, and I was thrown back by a blinding light. 

When I came to, my vision was compromised. But something else had happened, too. I felt a new presence in my mind, an AI intelligence that had fused with my damaged brain, giving me extraordinary abilities and knowledge.

As I struggled to come to grips with my new reality, I noticed that my vision was heightened whenever I looked through the pair of binoculars that I had salvaged from that long-abandoned outpost from your time. It was as if these ancient binoculars had become an extension of my damaged vision, enhancing it in ways I couldn't have imagined. 

With my newfound abilities and a desire to protect the natural world that had been all but forgotten, I began to call myself the BinoWizard. I became a prepper, a survivalist, and a master of bushcraft, using my enhanced binocular vision to navigate the wilderness and protect the creatures that still roamed free. 

I returned to society, determined to share my knowledge and skills with others, but was seen as an antihero and rejected.

It was then that I decided to travel back to the time where my binoculars are from with a mission to teach others everything about them and the importance of the natural world, hoping that one day, we can restore the balance between technology and nature and create a better world for all. 

So, as you see in the video above, the BinoWizard decided that he wants to be somewhat of an antihero, and a bit of a dark character which I have decided to run with for now. He is a little too much of a “know it all” for my liking and I think this is why he got expelled from his time, but I also feel his intentions are good, he just needs a human like me to keep him on the straight and narrow!

So who is the BinoWizard?

But in all seriousness, basically, the BinoWizard is an AI-generated persona who has been trained on thousands of articles and reviews on binoculars and optics from various sources all over the web, and every time I use him, he learns more.

He has learned how to write in a natural and engaging way, as well as how to answer questions and provide suggestions. He can also generate images of binoculars using his imagination.

BinoWizard is very far from perfect, though. So far in my testing with him, I have found that he will often make mistakes or say things that are not accurate or relevant This is why I feel the way I am going to use him, as a whacky, eccentric sidekick, who I will fact-check and pull up on when he makes mistakes could be interesting and I hope not only helps me with research but also makes for some interesting content.

Self Created
One of the most interesting aspects of the BinoWizard is his origin story and it shows just how powerful AI can be because apart from a little prompting on my behalf, he pretty much wrote it all himself. I used ChatGPT and just pointed it in the general direction and it came back with ideas that I would never have thought of. I especially like the way he has fused binoculars into becoming the instrument of his superpowers.

On top of that, all the images you see in that video were created using DALL·E, an AI program that generates images from text descriptions.  

All I did was supply relevant parts of the BinoWizard’s own origin story to DALL·E and so you can say he not only wrote his own creation story but pictured himself and the world around him! 

Just how good this was and how easy it was to do really surprised and in some ways terrified me!

What About Binoculars & Binocular Reviews? 

His origin story is interesting and all and the pretty pictures he made of himself are all well and good, but what has any of this to do with binoculars and optics in general? 

Well, my idea is to have the BinoWizard help by providing alternative advice and opinions to what I offer. So, think of him as a virtual pundit or sidekick, someone who works for BBR and who I can have fun with by agreeing or disagreeing with!  

The BinoWizard can also help me save time with my initial research and factfinding, and perhaps even come up with ideas or information that I might have missed. 

The BinoWizard is not a Binocular Reviewer!
One thing I would also like to add, I will not get the BinoWizard to write any binocular reviews by himself.

Sure, he may say and even “think” he can, and I am sure there are already many, many AI-generated reviews up on the web, but here on BBR I still believe that no full and truthful review can be written without physically testing and using the product. So, until that day comes when an AI robot can use an optical device and compare it to others, I will continue to write the reviews on BBR. The BinoWizard will simply help me with research.  

Having said that I do think it could be a fun idea to get him to review a binocular, just to see what he comes back with and I will then comment on and pick apart his so-called review! So because I am being open and upfront with using AI in this way, I do feel that this type of content can be useful, educational, and perhaps even entertaining.

But in all seriousness, I think it is important to stress that all the full reviews you read or view on BBR are and will always be 100% real, and my honest opinions of the device, on top of this, they are and will only be published after I have fully tested and used the product.    

How Good is the BinoWizard? 

So how much does the BinoWizard actually know about binoculars, scopes, monoculars, and things like thermal imaging? 

That is a good question, I guess he knows about as much as there is information about them on the web … so to me that means he knows a lot of useful information, but also a whole lot more of complete rubbish!  

That is why I plan to use him for research only and as a pundit, someone I can have fun with, and help me make more interesting content. I will use the BinoWizard for ideas, but won’t take what he gives me as gospel without some fact-checking.

Example: 

Below is what happened the very first time I tested the BinoWizard – I purposely asked him a very open-ended and generic question that I often receive: 

What binoculars are best for me? 

Below is the BinoWizard’s response, along with my comments on them: 

BinoWizard: The best binoculars for you depend on your intended use and preferences.   

BBR: Perfect, this is exactly what I would say BinoWizard! With Such an open-ended question with no detail provided, it is almost impossible to provide a meaningful and useful answer without further information.  

So next, I would have asked for more information. Instead, you decided to just offer up some advice: 

BinoWizard: Here are some factors to consider when selecting binoculars: 

1. Intended use: What do you plan to use the binoculars for? Will you be bird-watching, hiking, hunting, stargazing, or something else? Different activities require different types of binoculars. 

2. Magnification: The magnification of binoculars is denoted by two numbers, such as 8x42 or 10x50. The first number is the magnification, and the second is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. Higher magnification means objects will appear closer, but it also means the image may be shakier or less bright. Consider what magnification is appropriate for your intended use. 

3. Objective lens diameter: The objective lens is the lens at the front of the binoculars. A larger diameter allows more light to enter and results in a brighter image. However, larger objective lenses also mean heavier and bulkier binoculars. 

4. Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the binoculars, especially if you plan to carry them around for extended periods. 

5. Quality: Look for high-quality optics and construction to ensure sharp, clear images and durability. 

BBR: This is not all bad information BinoWizard and I like that it could assist the user to come back with more details for us so that we can get closer to finding the best binoculars for them. So far so good, I am pretty impressed.  

However, I have to say you now go rogue BinoWizard because you do exactly what many fake reviews sites do in that you go directly into offering some suggestions! I think this is crazy as you still do not know any details other than I want binoculars. You do not know my interests, how often I plan to use my binoculars, what I plan to use them for, my budget, nothing! 

So no matter what you suggest, you are just guessing, but to humor you, let’s take a look at your suggestions:  

BinoWizard: Based on these factors, some popular binoculars for different uses include: 

- Birdwatching: The Vortex Optics Viper HD, Nikon Monarch 5, and Swarovski Optik EL are highly regarded for birding.  

Umm yes, this is kind of true, but there are also many, many other highly regarded birding binoculars out there and you don’t even mention anything about configurations. Remember that there is a big difference between the ideal or best binoculars for birdwatching in a forest to birding at the coast, on a lakefront, or high up in the mountains! 

- Hiking: The lightweight and compact Celestron Nature DX and Vortex Optics Diamondback are popular for hiking. 

Again, you are being very vague BinoWizard, and I think far too imprecise!

For example, the Nature DX series from Celestron mostly consists of large 42, 50, and 56mm models that are in no way compact or lightweight and certainly not what I would recommend for hiking! They do have a couple of mid-size 32mm versions, and for the price, I think they are pretty good, but even so, these don’t particularly stand out over many, many others for hiking.  

- Stargazing: The Celestron SkyMaster 25x70 and Orion Scenix 7x50 are both good options for stargazing. 

True, but a 25x70 offers a completely different experience to a 7x50 this needs to be expanded upon and besides, you didn’t even ask me if I was interested in astronomy. It is highly unlikely that I would ask the question I did if that was my main intended use! 

- Hunting: The Leupold BX-5 Santiam HD, Vortex Viper HD, and Swarovski Optik EL are all popular choices for hunting. 

Pretty much the same as above – your suggestions are far too vague and you are just blurting out popular brands and models – Vortex and Swarovski don’t pay you by any chance, do they?!

BinoWizard: Ultimately, the best binoculars for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It's a good idea to do some research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure you get the right binoculars for your intended use. 

Good comeback BinoWizard! You have restored some of the faith I have in you. 

So naturally, going along with his suggestion, the next question I asked the BinoWizard is, “Where can I do research?” 

BinoWizard: There are many resources available for researching binoculars. Here are a few places you can start: 

1. Online retailers: Retailers such as Amazon, B&H, and Adorama have extensive catalogs of binoculars and customer reviews that can help you compare models and features. 

2. Manufacturer websites: Many binocular manufacturers have detailed information about their products, including specifications and user guides, on their websites. 

3. Outdoor and nature magazines: Magazines such as Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and Audubon often have reviews and buying guides for binoculars. 

4. Online forums and communities: There are many online communities and forums for birdwatching, stargazing, and other outdoor activities where enthusiasts share advice and opinions on gear. 

5. Specialty stores: Stores that specialize in outdoor or birding equipment, such as REI or Cabela's, often have knowledgeable staff who can help you select the right binoculars for your needs. 

By doing your research and comparing different models, you can find the best binoculars for your budget and intended use. 

BinoWizard!! You didn’t mention BBR?? You don’t recommend us?! 

BinoWizard: BBR (Best Binocular Reviews) is another popular website that provides reviews and comparisons of binoculars. The website is run by a wildlife enthusiast and professional wildlife photographer who has tested and reviewed hundreds of binoculars over the years. 

True! 

BinoWizard: BBR offers in-depth, hands-on reviews of a wide range of binoculars, from entry-level models to high-end, professional-grade optics. The reviews are very detailed and include information on specifications, performance, image quality, build quality, ergonomics, and more. BBR also provides buying advice, tips for using binoculars, and answers to frequently asked questions. 

True! 

BinoWizard: One of the standout features of BBR is that the reviews are accompanied by high-quality photos and videos taken through the binoculars, which can give you a better idea of the image quality and performance of each model. 

True, sort of – I don’t often take video through binoculars yet.. this is a whole other story for another day!

BinoWizard: Overall, BBR is a great resource for anyone looking to buy binoculars. The reviews are thorough and well-written, and the website is easy to navigate. However, as with any review website, it's always a good idea to read multiple reviews and do your research before making a purchase to ensure you're getting the best binoculars for your needs and budget. 

True! Good recovery BinoWizard! 

For another example, take a look at this interesting discussion I had with the BinoWizard about Swarovski binoculars!

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, I think the BinoWizard AI has the potential to help me and thus Best Binocular Reviews by supporting or providing alternative insights and recommendations based on user data and other expert opinions from all over the web.  

As a result, I think BBR can offer a fresh perspective on the world of binoculars and related devices and provide more valuable and hopefully interesting as well as more useful content for you.  

With the help of BinoWizard, I hope that the genuine threat that AI-generated content poses to my livelihood can be countered and that Best Binocular Reviews can continue to be the go-to source for information on binoculars and other related outdoor optics far into the future and who knows, perhaps even to the time where the BinoWizard comes from! 

I also feel it is important that when AI-generated content is used for content creation, it is done so in a transparent way, so the reader knows it. With the BinoWizard, I think this is achieved in a more interesting and less lazy way than just scraping the web for content using AI. I hope you agree.

Any Comments Thoughts & Ideas?

As I say, the BioWizard is still somewhat of an experiment and I am not sure just how far or in which directions he and I will go! So to help, I would love to get your thoughts and opinions or any ideas that you may have for him or on AI content in general – Please feel free to use the comments section below: