I find myself thinking about artificial intelligence quite a bit and how it’s impacting our work. I’ve known for years it was replacing writers; eleven years ago, I did work for a programmatic guru and read several books about algorithms.
More recently, Rachel Cunliffe and I have been trading our respective learnings with regard to ChatGPT and SearchGPT and how either one or both will upend Google search — which is a complete dumpster fire, IMHO.
One “benefit” of artificial intelligence touted by people is it helps you generate ideas. Each time I see this topic on LinkedIn, I laugh. I’ve never had any problem coming up with ideas. My problem is having too many ideas and becoming overwhelmed!
I’ve also read how people use ChatGPT to help them create outlines. I don’t remember the last time I created an official outline for something I needed to write.
Here’s how my natural intelligence (aka, my brain) worked for the Sara Campbell write up I did for my Keep It Made USA blog:
- Received my first garment from the company and knew instantly there was a story; the garment’s construction was amazing — plus, the Made in USA tag 😍
- Begin communicating with Sara Campbell — the founder / owner of the company
- Visit the library and see When Women Ran Fifth Avenue on the shelf — instantly nab it and begin reading
- Visit the Sara Campbell location in Concord, MA; meet store manager Pat Clarke (on-site research) and ask lots of questions
- Order a few more garments (in-home research)
- Do online research on the company — re: “background”
- Write up the piece — which had been floating around in my head for days
Be sure to read the Sara Campbell story — it’s pretty amazing.
Artificial intelligence has its place — I totally get it. I work with manufacturers, all of whom use automation. But nothing will replace your own insight and inspiration from the people and world around you.
Why do I write out “artificial intelligence” versus using the letters? Because using the letters glosses over the salient fact: artificial. It’s all you need to know.
What are your thoughts? Let me know — because this topic really interests me.
Rocky Update
Now that he’s all grown up, life with Rocky has evened out. We have a nice routine where I can get in several hours of work before he pokes his head in the office to say, “Break time!”
He had his annual wellness visit in early December; everything is A-Ok. I enjoy these visits because Dr. K spends a good 20 minutes or so with me to go over any questions I have.
He also loves Rocky and has said a few times now, “This dog is very special. You’ve done a really good job with him. See how he lets me poke at him without getting anxious or mouthy? He’s also quite protective of you.”
As for not getting mouthy, Dr. K is a big dude. I wouldn’t get mouthy with him either. But, Rocky still puts his teeth on me while playing or when he doesn’t want me to brush him or give him a bath. Basically, he’s an 83 pound beast and knows it. Dr. K says I have to be firm and correct this — and he is right. So, we’re working on it.
I don’t do alpha rolls as we had a really bad experience with a trainer who said to do those — and to hit Rocky as well. I will not hit my dog. Instead, I use positive reinforcement: “Kisses!! No teeth!” Lots of cooked chicken helps too.
Now that he’s all grown up, he’s become my constant companion and goes many places with me: trail walking, errands, and events — such as the local menorah lighting. I love that kids and adults come up to pet him and say hello, and that he has friends all over the place.