Creating OpenAI GPTs for (lots of) Fun and (a little) Profit

How I created custom GPTs for creative endeavors that draw from works in the public domain

Custom GPTs, Image created using an AI image creation program, DALL-E 3, and edited by the author

OpenAI announced its intent to let customers build their own "GPTs" during their DevDay conference on November 6, 2023. Here's what they said on their corresponding blog that day.

We’re rolling out custom versions of ChatGPT that you can create for a specific purpose — called GPTs. GPTs are a new way for anyone to create a tailored version of ChatGPT to be more helpful in their daily life, at specific tasks, at work, or at home — and then share that creation with others. For example, GPTs can help you learn the rules to any board game, help teach your kids math, or design stickers. — OpenAI

Creating custom versions of ChatGPT sounds excellent. But there is a caveat: you must have a GPT Plus or Enterprise account to use the new GPTs. The cost starts at US$20 per month. However, if other GPT Plus users interact with your custom GPT, OpenAI pays you a small royalty based on the number of user interactions.

Creating Custom GPTs

I spent the last month experimenting with custom GPTs to understand the system’s benefits and limitations. I built a creative writing chatbot called the…