Your AI output
looks like
everyone else's.
That's not the AI's fault.
In German, we say the AI
macht seinen
Stiefel.
Autopilot. Default mode.
And it's your fault.
THE PROBLEM
You're using AI like a
vending machine.
Insert prompt.
Receive output.
Blame the machine when it's generic.
But AI only knows what you tell it.
AI doesn't
have taste.
Without strong direction,
the training data wins.
You get the average.
Stiefel
/ˈʃtiːfəl/
Literally: **"boot"**
>
"Seinen Stiefel machen" = doing your own thing
without adapting. Autopilot mode.
AI makes its Stiefel
if you let it.
Frustrated with
AI output?
That's diagnostic data.
→ Wrong context loaded
→ Too many constraints
→ No challenge points
Debug your approach, not the AI.
Be a
Conductor,
not an Author.
Author Mode | Conductor Mode
Perfect the prompt | Stream intent, correct
Wait, then review | Interrupt and redirect
Explain rules | Show examples
AI writes for me | AI extends my thinking
The conductor doesn't play every instrument.
BREAK THE STIEFEL
Challenge points:
"Why did you do it that way?"
"What would someone who disagrees say?"
"Is this still true in 2025?"
"Are we sure this isn't just repeated wisdom?"
Force it off the beaten track.