AI Theatre Detector

Not every AI proposal is nonsense. Some are useful, practical, and commercially serious.

Others are decorative fog: impressive language, vague promises, no data plan, no process map, no failure model, no implementation logic, and enough “transformation” to frighten a procurement department.

This short diagnostic helps you detect whether an AI proposal, product, consultant, or internal project is serious — or whether you are being invited to buy theatre.

Do not paste confidential proposals, client data, passwords, private documents, or sensitive commercial information into this form. Answer only by selecting the option that best describes the situation.

1. What are you assessing?

A

A specific AI vendor proposal

B

An AI consultant or agency offer

C

An internal AI project idea

D

An AI software product

E

A general AI claim, pitch, webinar, or sales page

2. Does the proposal clearly explain the business problem it solves?

A

Yes, clearly and specifically

B

Partly, but still vague

C

No, it mostly talks about AI in general

D

It promises transformation without defining the actual problem

3. Does it explain what data is needed?

A

Yes, it clearly explains the data required

B

Partly, but not enough

C

No, it ignores data quality, structure, and access

D

It says the AI will handle everything automatically

4. Does it distinguish between AI, automation, ordinary software, and workflow redesign?

A

Yes, the distinction is clear

B

Somewhat

C

No, everything is called AI

D

It uses AI as magic dust sprinkled over ordinary automation

5. Does it explain how the solution will integrate with existing tools, systems, files, staff, and workflows?

A

Yes, with practical detail

B

Only in general terms

C

No, integration is not explained

D

It suggests integration will somehow happen later, presumably by moonlight

6. Does it explain the human review process?

A

Yes, it clearly says who checks what

B

Partly

C

No, it gives no review model

D

It implies the AI will act autonomously without meaningful oversight

7. Does it explain failure cases, limitations, errors, hallucinations, or situations where AI should not be used?

A

Yes, clearly

B

A little

C

No

D

It presents the AI as reliable by default, which is adorable

8. Does it define measurable outcomes?

A

Yes: time saved, cost reduced, risk reduced, revenue improved, or quality improved

B

Partly, but the metrics are weak

C

No, it uses vague benefits

D

It promises efficiency, innovation, disruption, and probably eternal youth

9. Does it address privacy, security, confidentiality, and data governance?

A

Yes, seriously

B

Partly

C

No, barely or not at all

D

It says the platform is secure without explaining anything useful

10. Does it explain implementation effort, maintenance, staff training, and ongoing responsibility?

A

Yes, clearly

B

Somewhat

C

No, it mostly focuses on the exciting launch

D

It suggests the AI will simply run itself, like a tiny unpaid intern from the future

11. What kind of language does the proposal use?

A

Plain business language

B

Some jargon, but still understandable

C

Heavy jargon with unclear meaning

D

Agentic transformation synergy nonsense with a glossy hat

12. After reading or hearing the proposal, do you understand what will actually be built or delivered?

A

Yes, clearly

B

More or less

C

Not really

D

No, but I have been spiritually transformed by the word “AI”