Inspiration
On this page you’ll find Preference Questions (examples of questions to ask yourself to help you to input your preference data), Example Queries (queries divided into 3 functionality categories) and Example Queries with SELF-replies (example queries in action with a SELF reply included).
The initial beta version of SELF currently offers the ability to enter preferences using a 256 character limit. Later versions will include the option to submit an entire biography.
A SELF-guided onboarding process will develop and launch over time.
For now, the best way to input preferences is by thinking of answers to a series of questions, and submit the answers one-by-one through the preference dashboard.
Here is a list of questions to get you started (please ignore those that might not apply to you, and come up with your own):
Preferred name?
How old are you?
Names of family members?
Where are you from?
Occupation?
The best part of your current occupation?
How do you spend your free time?
Hobbies or interests?
Favourite way to spend your weekend?
What are you passionate about?
What calms you down?
What gets you energised?
What factors contribute to a good day?
What are some of your dreams and goals?
Top 5/10 books?
Top 5/10 favorite TV shows?
Top 5/10 music artists?
What’s on your reading list?
What film genre are you obsessed with?
Top 5 favourite foods?
What type of diet do you want SELF to take into account when making dining recommendations?
Do you usually prefer calm or busy cafés and restaurants?
What kinds of activities do you enjoy when on vacation in a foreign city?
What kinds of climates do you enjoy?
Fun facts about you?
“I’m in [insert city] for a few days. Any tips for coworking spaces that aligns with my preferences?”
“I don’t know what to do today... any tips? I don’t want to do the usual things... surprise me with some unusual ideas for activities under $100 in total.”
“I’m in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie. Are there any café nearby with such treats on the menu?”
“I’m in the mood for something different... can you suggest outdoor activities I might enjoy that aren’t part of my preferences?”
“Can you suggest some good museums I might enjoy in [insert city}, based on my interests?”
“My sister doesn't know what to wear tonight for our night out... You know what kind of clothes she usually feels comfortable in. Do you have any suggestions?”
“You know I love a good sci-fi book. Can you recommend 5 titles from authors I haven’t registered in my memory bank?”
“I want to eat out tonight. Can you give me 5 recommendations for restaurants with a Google rating above 4.5 stars? Thanks!”
Relevant user preferences:
I follow a paleo diet. When I eat out I like Sushi, Thai food and Italian. When I eat out, I prefer calm places with soft music. I enjoy jazz cafés, art museums and restaurants with an extensive selection of red wines.
User query: I'm in Rome and would like you to plan my day. My hotel is close to the station, and I eat breakfast at the hotel. I want to go to a café for lunch, another one for coffee later, and do some activities I enjoy during the day. And during the evening I'd like to go to a restaurant. Include links to everything.
SELF reply:
Here's a plan for your day in Rome, Paul:
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel.
Late Morning: Visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel. It's a great way to enjoy art and history.
Lunch: Head to a jazz café like Gregory's Jazz Club for a relaxing lunch with soft music and a great selection of wines.
Afternoon: Explore Galleria Borghese, an art museum with stunning collections.
Coffee Break: Stop by Sant'Eustachio Il Caffè, known for its excellent coffee and calm atmosphere.
Evening: For dinner, enjoy some Italian cuisine at Ristorante Aroma, which offers a calm setting with a view of the Colosseum.
Enjoy your day!
SELF
Relevant user preferences:
Here's a list of music artists I really enjoy: Abakus, Tame Impala, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Sideform, Armen Miran, Nightwish, Sigrid, Eurielle, Fleet Foxes, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Susanne Sundfor, Loreena McKennitt, T-Square, Parcels, Two Steps from Hell, Thomas Bergersen, Riltons vänner, Metallica, Savant, Fulton Lee
User query:
I’d love some music recommendations. You know some of the music artists I enjoy.
Please provide me with 4 artist recommendations that you think I will enjoy based on my preferences. 2 of these should be EDM-artists.
Also include one song recommendation per artist.
SELF Reply:
Alt-J: Known for their experimental sound and intricate lyrics, Alt-J combines elements of indie rock and electronic music, which might appeal to your taste for unique and atmospheric music like Tame Impala and Imagine Dragons. Song Recommendation: "Breezeblocks" - This song explores themes of love and obsession with a catchy and unique sound.
Aurora: With her ethereal voice and atmospheric production, Aurora's music often delves into themes of longing and escape, resonating with artists like Eurielle and Loreena McKennitt. Song Recommendation: "Runaway" - This track captures the essence of longing and the desire to escape.
Armin van Buuren (Trance): A pioneer in the trance genre, his music features haunting vocals and driving beats, similar to the emotional depth found in your preferred artists. Song Recommendation: "In and Out of Love" - Captures the highs and lows of love with a classic trance sound.
Ben Böhmer (House) Given your appreciation for artists like Abakus and Carbon Based Lifeforms, you might enjoy Ben Böhmer's melodic and atmospheric soundscapes. His music often features lush synths and emotive progressions, similar to the immersive experiences you enjoy. Song Recommendation: "Breathing" - This track offers a rich, emotive journey with its deep, melodic layers, reminiscent of the atmospheric qualities found in Tame Impala's work.
Relevant user preferences:
Countries I’ve been to:
Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, UK, USA, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Greece, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, Monaco, Costa Rica, Mexico, Canada, Nicaragua.
User query:
Based on the places I have travelled so far and where I live, can you recommend places I can travel for a weekend trip for my birthday that I have never been before, is within 3 hours and is under $1000?
SELF Reply:
Based on your criteria for a weekend trip from the UK within 3 hours and under $1000, here are a few suggestions:
Amsterdam, Netherlands: Easily accessible from the UK with a short flight, Amsterdam offers a vibrant cultural scene, beautiful canals, and a variety of museums and attractions.
Paris, France: Just a short Eurostar train ride away, Paris is perfect for a romantic or cultural getaway. Enjoy iconic landmarks, exquisite dining, and world-class art.
Bruges, Belgium: Known for its medieval architecture and charming canals, Bruges is a picturesque destination that can be reached by train or a short flight.
Dublin, Ireland: A quick flight from the UK, Dublin offers a lively atmosphere with historic sites, pubs, and beautiful parks.
Edinburgh, Scotland: If you prefer to stay within the UK, Edinburgh is a fantastic choice with its historic castle, vibrant arts scene, and stunning landscapes.
These destinations are generally affordable and can be enjoyed within your budget, especially if you book in advance and look for deals on travel and accommodation. If you need more specific recommendations or links to book your trip, feel free to ask!
USER: I want to travel to Italy in the summer, could you please suggest a 5-star hotel in the southern parts? It should be located close to the sea. It's a plus if there is a good seafood restaurant nearby.
SELF: Hello! For your summer trip to Italy, I'd recommend considering Le Sirenuse, located in the stunning coastal town of Positano in southern Italy. This hotel is renowned for its exceptional location very close to the sea, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. It has air conditioning and is located in a calm area, both of which I know is important to you.Guests often praise the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda, which serves exquisite seafood dishes in a romantic setting illuminated by hundreds of candles. Le Sirenuse is also well-regarded for its luxurious amenities, including a pool with sea views and a spa where you can relax after a day of exploring. The hotel's elegant and comfortable rooms, many with private terraces overlooking the sea, make it a perfect choice for a memorable stay. To assist you further, you can check availability and compare prices for your preferred dates at this link: [Le Sirenuse - Booking.com] If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Best wishes for a fantastic holiday in Italy!
USER: Thank you, sounds great! How expensive is La Sponda, how much for a main course?
SELF: La Sponda is a 1-star Michelin rated restaurant located within Le Sirenuse hotel, and the price for a main course ranges from approximately $77 to $154.
USER: Hmm I might want to go for a 4-star hotel instead. Do you have any recommendations?
SELF: If you're looking for a 4-star hotel in Positano that offers a delightful stay, I would suggest considering Hotel Poseidon. It's well-regarded for its excellent service, stunning views, and provides good value for money. You can find more details and make a reservation through this link: [Hotel Poseidon - Booking.com]. Should you require more options or specific amenities, please let me know, and I'll be happy to assist further. Enjoy your stay in Positano!
“Summarise this webpage and highlight key insights: [insert link]”
“Can you provide me with an overview of the five most popular to-do list applications and a summarised review of each?”
“Provide me with review summaries of 5 of the best VPN providers, with 5 pros, 3 cons, 3 quotes with links and some additional info.”
“Summarise the benefits of all my weekly practices.”
“I’m always getting distracted when I’m at the computer… I’d like summary reviews of the five most popular applications intended to help me focus and block out distractions?”
“Which are the three most popular brokers available in my region. Provide me with a summary of their pros and cons, features, fees etc.“
“Please identify the main discussion points, decisions, and action items from my meeting notes below and provide a concise bulleted summary: [insert meeting notes]”
“You know my newspaper preferences. What are the top 3 stories of today?”
Relevant user preferences:
Through conversations with the user, SELF has logged these preferences related to sleep:
- Usually gets around 5-7 hours of sleep.
- Loves the feeling of fresh blankets.
- Enjoys to lucid dream and would love to be able to do it more often.
- The ventilation place is not great where the user sleeps, especially during summer months.
User query: Can you find the latest expertise on how to improve your sleep patterns and share it with me through some key actions I can take to improve mine?
SELF reply:
Key Actions to Improve Sleep PatternsFollow a Consistent Sleep Schedule:
Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, to help regulate your body's internal clock.
Avoid Naps: If you struggle to fall asleep at night, try to avoid napping during the day.
Improve Ventilation: Consider using a fan, air purifier, or opening a window to improve airflow in your sleep environment, which can enhance sleep quality.
Dedicate a Sleep Zone: Make your bedroom a dedicated space for sleep. Ensure it's comfortable, quiet, and dark to promote better sleep quality.
Establish a Bedtime Routine: Develop a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath, to signal to your body that it's time to wind down.
Adjust Your Sleep Position: Find a comfortable sleep position that supports good breathing and reduces discomfort.
Avoid Electronics Before Bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your sleep. Try to turn off these devices at least an hour before bed.
Additional Tips for Lucid Dreaming: Explore resources like the Sleep Foundation's guide on how to lucid dream and Calm's blog on lucid dreaming for more specific tips.
User query: I would like a concise and well-structured review summary of the VPN service NordVPN. Include 5 pros, 3 cons, 3 articles with links to the reviews and some additional info.
SELF Reply:
NordVPN Review Summary
Pros:
Fast Performance: NordVPN is noted for being one of the fastest VPNs available, with minimal speed loss across different protocols.
Strong Security: It excels in privacy and security, offering features like double VPN, CyberSec, and a strict no-logs policy.
Wide Server Network: With over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, it provides excellent global coverage and reliable connections.
User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to use, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users.
Value for Money: Offers competitive pricing, especially with long-term plans, and includes additional features like malware protection
Cons:Limited Free Trial: NordVPN does not offer a free version, and the trial period is limited.
Price: While competitive, the monthly plan is more expensive compared to some other VPNs.
No Router App: Unlike some competitors, NordVPN does not have a dedicated app for routers.
Additional Information:Privacy Features: NordVPN includes advanced privacy features like Onion over VPN and obfuscated servers for enhanced anonymity.
Streaming and Unblocking: It is effective at unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Customer Support: Offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email.
Quotes and Links to Review Articles:
CNET Review - "NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we've tested, with a robust feature set that includes strong security measures and a user-friendly interface.
"Cybernews Review - "NordVPN excels in privacy and security, offering advanced features like double VPN and obfuscated servers, making it a top choice for those prioritising anonymity.
"RestorePrivacy Review - "In our detailed testing, NordVPN consistently delivered high speeds and strong security, making it a reliable option for both streaming and secure browsing."
“I want to save for a new car and am looking for a similar model to what I have now but more modern. How can I effectively set a
savings goal and what kind of budget do I need to set as my target?”
“How can I improve my productivity at work?”
“What do you think I should make for dinner tonight? The dish should be part of the Mediterranean diet and I don’t want anything with too many carbs”
“I’d like to write a poem about spending a rainy day in front of the fireplace, wrapped in a blanket, reading a great book. Could you provide me with some ideas for inspiration?”
"You know what usually gets me stressed out. What can I do to minimise the chance that these things occur and decrease my reaction to them?
“Do you have any tips, based on what you know about me, for how to find more peace and balance in my life?”
“3 stoicism quotes for the day, please.”
Relevant user preferences: My mother and father both seem to enjoy Christmas Gifts that involve us doing something together.My mother enjoys gardening and singing. My father likes to cook and travel.
User query: I would like to buy some Christmas presents for my mother and father online. The max budget is $50 per person. I'd like 3 suggestions for each person. Also include 2 suggestions for virtual online activity gifts that we can do together that cost less than $50.
SELF Reply:
Gift Ideas for Your Mother for less than $50:
Gardening Tool Set: A comprehensive set of gardening tools perfect for her hobby.
Singing Lessons Online: A gift card for online singing lessons to enhance her skills.
Garden Kneeler and Seat: A comfortable kneeler that doubles as a seat for gardening.
Bird Feeder Kit: A DIY bird feeder kit to attract birds to her garden.
Herb Garden Starter Kit: A kit to grow her own herbs indoors.
Activities Together:
Virtual Painting Class: Join a virtual painting class together and create art from home.
Online Cooking Class: Take an online cooking class together and learn new recipes.
Gift Ideas for Your Father for less than $50:
Travel Cookbook: A cookbook featuring recipes from around the world.
Portable Coffee Maker: A compact coffee maker for his travels.
World Map Scratch Off Poster: A map to track his travels by scratching off visited countries.
Cooking Utensil Set: A set of high-quality cooking utensils.
Travel Journal: A journal to document his travel experiences.
Activities Together:
Wine Tasting Experience: Attend a virtual wine tasting session together.
Jazz Concert Streaming: Live-streamed jazz concert from the comfort of your home.
USER: I want to write a 5 year plan for my life, ask me a series of questions to help me define with my goals are and what I need to do to achieve them.
SELF Reply:
To help you write a 5-year plan, let's start with some questions:
Vision and Values: What are your core values and long-term vision for your life?
Career Goals: Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years? What steps do you need to take to get there?
Personal Development: What skills or knowledge do you want to acquire or improve?
Financial Goals: What are your financial objectives, such as savings, investments, or debt reduction?
Health and Wellness: What are your health and fitness goals?
Relationships: How do you want to nurture your relationships with family, friends, or a partner?
Lifestyle and Hobbies: What lifestyle changes or hobbies do you want to pursue?
Milestones: What are the key milestones you want to achieve each year?
Challenges and Solutions: What potential challenges do you foresee, and how can you overcome them?
Support System: Who can support you in achieving these goals, and how can they help? Answering these questions can help you clarify your goals and create a structured plan to achieve them.