Yes, we're open - the GPT Store has opened its doors

Today marks the kick-off - the GPT Store has opened. OpenAI claims there are already over three million GPTs available. The selection is vast, and the hype surrounding the store is reminiscent of Apple's App Store. Moreover, with everyone capable of developing GPTs, there's no stuttering start with a few applications; it's the complete package. However, this presents challenges, as well as limitations regarding GPT functionalities.

Easy hurdles to overcome

Many GPTs developed since their announcement, shared only via links, now have a new home. The prerequisites for being listed in the store are low; domain verification is sufficient. OpenAI-generated code is deposited at the DNS provider of one's website and then checked in ChatGPT for its presence. Verification is complete.

Many speak of an "App Store moment," suggesting that the GPT Store will propel OpenAI similarly to how Apple's App Store succeeded. There are some reasons to be skeptical.

The data dilemma persists

As described in “What GPTs can really do”, GPTs can be supplemented with additional information in the form of uploaded files. These files should not be too valuable as they can be read. Although direct downloading of files is not possible, there is no protection against spying on files through prompts. Providing valuable information via GPTs poses a risk.

One could argue that a good GPT thrives on the prompts behind it, but these are not protected either. Attempts on our GPTs have shown that they can be directly read, even though we instructed our GPTs that prompts are off-limits.

OpenAI must address this issue urgently. If everything is copyable, it will be copied, and GPT developers will have no sustainable monetization prospects.

Finding the needle in the GPT haystack

Everyone can create GPTs, a blessing and a curse. A flood of GPTs is expected in the GPT Store. At its launch, there are already three million GPTs. Although the store aims to elevate good GPTs into the rankings, whether it succeeds remains to be seen. Looking at social networks, GPTs promoted by those who receive much attention get the most traction. Is that a sufficient quality criterion?

The action is somewhere else

In addition to prompts, GPTs can define actions, i.e., instructions on how to use interfaces to other applications. This is the most promising aspect of GPTs, as it introduces functionality like mobile apps. However, this contradicts the idea that everyone can create GPTs. Only developers capable of creating applications with interfaces possess this ability. 

Money makes the world go round

When all these questions are answered by OpenAI, which is plausible given their development pace, the last question remains: "What's in it for me?" How will billing work? Which models will the GPT Store support?

The final question is whether users will participate, not only with free GPTs but also those they are supposed to pay for.

Justified hype

Despite these points, the GPT Store will prevail. Growing pains are normal. We should give OpenAI time to learn the store business. Perhaps the curves won't be as steep as with ChatGPT, but they will point upward - we firmly believe that.