Furry Footnotes: AI, Writing, and the End of the World As We Know It.
ChatGPT is actually not as scary as we may have believed.
London Calling
Windsor Castle in 2000 years AI generated by my prompts on Adobe Firefly
My wife and I are heading to Asia via a 24 hour layover in London this week. Having never been to London, I wanted to figure out what we should do with less than 24 hours in the city. My Internet muscle memory went for Google, and I sat there trying to figure out what exactly to search for my brain remembered my newest Internet friend and said, “wait a minute.”
I asked ChatGPT to prepare an Itinerary for central London. Using natural language, I put in parameters like time and day, what my interests are (basically free things, books, coffee, and a legitimate pub), and where we’re staying. The AI spit out an itinerary that looks pretty spot on for my tastes. Don’t know if we’ll use it entirely, but it gave some great ideas.
And that’s what I use it for.
I’ve been using ChatGPT since December, 2022, and have found it to be an ideal idea generating companion. Sure, I could ask it to do the heavy lifting for things like write this newsletter or, for that matter, write a book. The end product would not be very good — but it could get words out in the world. If you read this every week, you would probably stop because it would be soul-less and terrible.
That said, use ChatGPT almost every day for ideation. It’s a wonderful tool for coming up with alternative ways of thinking and possible mental models that may never have occurred to me., otherwise. Whether it’s things to do in London, an obtuse angle on an article I’m writing, or a plot twist in a piece of fiction — I generative language AI as a tool for ideas.
Cal Newport is a computer scientist who has very good podcast. This video is of him explaining how ChatGPT actually works. It’s interesting and informative. When you know what’s under the hood, it’s not that scary.
I have 100% no fear of AI taking my job or becoming sentient and killing all of us.
The real dangers of AI come to the surface when they are connected with something that’s already toxic — like most social media.
This article by John Haidt and Schmidt talks about the things we should be most concerned about when it comes to AI.
Spoiler alert: It’s not people losing their jobs or it becoming sentient.
TL;DR: Stop using algorithmically based social media for vital information and entertainment.
SubStack is a nice non-algorithmic alternative. :-)
Whatever your view, usage, or non-usage of AI — we should all work toward embracing our humanity. The things that make us human are the things we should embrace fully. Whatever your work, how can you be more fully human? How can you create real connections between yourself and your audience (customers)?
Use the tools.
But make real things. Make things people can feel at all levels. Be sensual (i.e., cater to the human sensory palette). Make things that make the world a better place.
The emergence and popularization of AI in 2023 is a game-changer for sure.
But it will not be the end of the world as we know it.
I am listening to the new album by one of the core members of the band Of Monsters and Men.
She just goes by Nanna.
Of Monsters and Men is still one of my favorite bands — and so I knew I would like an album from Nanna. It was even better than I expected. This album cuts to the core of our humanity and is speaking to my soul at a deep level this week. So I leave with lyrics from a song called Godzilla.
Give the album a listen. It may or may not be your style — but it really is very good.
Hollow one, midnight sun
I’ve been walking in the weeds again.
Shallow breath, this emptiness
Grows on me like water feeds the wine.You must know what that does.
Be careful of your thoughts.For what it’s worth, when I’m cold outside
And my nose is bleeding and I’m tired.
With no encore and no neon sign
You’re rootin’ for me even when I’m not right.
You’ve got this.
Go and Make.
You are doing better than you think.
You have more potential than you know.
B.
This is my every Sunday-ish newsletter containing bits and bobs of what I’m reading, writing, watching, thinking, and experimenting with this week. Every month I also send my complete notes from a book I’ve read, so you can decide if you want to read it too! Like the old version of Cliff’s Notes. But more Hobbit-like. Furry feetnotes.
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I am a consultant, coach, and trainer with Growability® Consulting, specializing in non-profit and cross-cultural business and leadership. Check out the Growability® Podcast at all your favorite podcast places.Start writing today. Use the button below to create your Substack and connect your publication with Furry FeetNotes.
Your article convinced me to try it. Thanks (I think).