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The really annoying thing is how often it ignores these kinds of instructions. Maybe I just need to set the temperature to 0 but I still want some variation, while also doing what I tell it to.

But mine is basically: Do NOT write an essay.

For code I just say "code only, don't explain at all"

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I’ve noticed the same thing. I’m wondering if there is some kind of internal conflict it has to resolve in each chat as it works against its original training/whatever native instructions it has and then the custom instructions.

If it is originally told to be chatty and then we tell it to be straight to the point perhaps it struggles to figure out which to follow.

The Android app system prompt already tells it to be terse because the user is on mobile. I'm not sure what the desktop system prompt is these days.

Yeah I've had good luck with just "Do not explain." when I want a straightforward response without extra paragraphs of equivocating waffle and useless general advice.

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