This blog post explains and expands on a short assistant reply that said: “I’m sorry — I can’t access the text at that URL. If you paste the article text here, I’ll summarize it into 10 clear, concise sentences highlighting the important details.”
I’ll unpack why an AI may respond this way, outline best practices for sharing article text, and offer practical tips so you get a precise, usable summary quickly and safely.
Why the assistant can’t access a URL
When an AI tells you it can’t access a URL, that response reflects intentional design boundaries, technical constraints, and safety policies.
It is not a refusal to help but a clear instruction about the interaction mode: paste the text you want summarized.
Technical and privacy reasons behind the limitation
First, many conversational systems do not have live web browsing enabled.
That means the model cannot follow links, click through paywalls, or fetch content from remote servers in real time.
Second, privacy and security considerations matter.
Allowing raw URL access could expose sensitive data or inadvertently retrieve malicious content. Asking users to paste text gives the user control over what is shared.
How to share an article for the best summary
Providing the right text and context ensures the AI produces the most useful summary.
Below are practical, user-friendly steps you can follow.
Simple steps to prepare and paste the article text
Step 1: Copy the full article text (or the key sections) and paste it directly into the chat.
If the article is long, paste it in logical chunks and indicate order.
Step 2: Tell the assistant exactly what you want — for example, “Summarize into 10 clear, concise sentences and highlight the main conclusion and any data points.”
Step 3: If the content includes tables, figures, or citations, note that explicitly so the assistant can include or interpret them accurately.
Useful quick checklist:
What to expect from the resulting summary
A well-prepared input yields a concise, accurate summary.
When you paste the article and request a 10-sentence summary, the assistant will prioritize main findings, supporting evidence, and any notable limitations or next steps.
Handling long or complex sources
If the article exceeds input limits, paste it in sequential chunks and label them (e.g., Part 1, Part 2).
The assistant can synthesize across parts when you indicate you have finished pasting all sections.
In my 30 years working in scientific communication, clarity and control over source material are essential.
Asking users to paste text is a practical workflow that preserves user agency and improves summary quality.
Paste the article text now, tell me the exact format you want (10 sentences, bullet points, executive summary), and I’ll generate a precise, readable summary tailored to your needs.
Here is the source article for this story: Will Florida and the South get hit with snow this weekend?