From distant rambling speech to writing without spacing rules

How strange it sounds today! I try to put myself into the feeling of life back then. Lots of adornment and decoration, with a distant approach to the target audience. These stilted language efforts were surely due to the prevailing understanding of politeness at that time.

I see images before me: stiff fashion, starched shirts, cinched waists, sun umbrellas, cylinders, walking sticks, curled mustaches.

I think of social distinctions. The 'gracious lady' who courteously accepts a whispered handshake from a beavered gentleman. The neat maid with lace apron, curtsying before her master.

This advertising text probably hit the exact life feeling of the bourgeois society around 1900, during the founding period.

In contrast, I notice how uncomplicated our current manners have become. Today, in modern advertising language, no longer observing polite distance rules at all. Loud and direct, advertising entices us because we have now built up a thick perception armor. It must penetrate quickly and sharply!

Perhaps this could be a completely new approach to telemarketing? „Highly esteemed subscriber, please be informed that I would like to offer you a promotional promise in a formal and polite manner. Would you grant me a few precious minutes of your time and lend me your attentive ear? It should not be to your detriment. I will do my best to make my offer especially appealing to you.“
If the person on the call listens until then, their mouth will surely be open in amazement.

What kind of advertising texts do you present on your homepage? Do you speak the language of your target audience? Do you match the life feeling of your readers?

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We are now in the year 2023, and Generative AI has entered our daily life. I asked Generative AI to create a description in the style of this advertisement about how people lived in Halle around 1900.

Dear audience,

It delights me to present a vivid depiction of the lives of the people in the city of Halle on the Saale around the year 1900. At that time, the city was a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and education.

The residents of Halle on the Saale witnessed rapid change accompanying the ongoing industrialization. Factories and enterprises emerged, providing new job opportunities and economic growth. These changes drew many people from rural areas into the city, seeking better living conditions and new prospects.

The streets of the city came alive with a multitude of people. Although most still traveled on foot, streetcars and horse-drawn carriages became increasingly popular. The sound of horse hooves and the clatter of wheels filled the streets characterized by Jugendstil architecture.

The social life flourished in numerous theaters, concert halls, and museums. Artists, musicians, and actors flocked into the city, contributing to a rich cultural scene. People loved gathering in magnificent ballrooms and participating in elegant festivities.

The education system in Halle also had much to offer. The renowned university fostered an intellectual atmosphere, attracting professors and students from around the world. The citizens had access to world-class education, and the city’s libraries were treasures of knowledge.

Despite increasing commercialization and technological progress, the residents of Halle on the Saale held on to their traditions. Trade fairs, traditional markets, and folk festivals were integral parts of urban life, offering opportunities for social gatherings and the exchange of goods and services.

The people of Halle on the Saale around 1900 worked to beautify and maintain their city environment. Magnificent parks and gardens like the Peißnitzpark provided residents with retreats from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, one could walk, relax, and enjoy nature.

The social life of the inhabitants was characterized by a strong community spirit and mutual support. Neighbors often knew each other for many years and helped one another in difficult times. Community events like club festivals or neighborhood gatherings strengthened social bonds.

Regarding housing, there was a variety of buildings reflecting the architectural style of the period. From Jugendstil villas to elegant rental houses, Halle offered a diverse range of accommodations for people of different social classes.

Of course, there were also challenges and social inequalities, as is common in growing cities. Workers fought for fairer working conditions, while industry expansion and economic boom continued. Nonetheless, life in Halle on the Saale around 1900 was characterized by a spirit of progress, cultural wealth, and social cohesion.

We hope this portrayal of life in Halle on the Saale around 1900 provided you with interesting insights and inspires you to delve deeper into the history of this lively era.

Erstveröffentlichung am 27.05.2020