I didn't want to write this...but

Alright, let's set the record straight because frankly, the misconceptions flying around about generative AI in creative fields are not just tiresome; they're downright backward. And when thought leaders like Seth Godin, whom I respect deeply, miss the mark on this, it's clear we need a candid wake-up call. I've followed most of Seth's Blog posts since day one with a passion.

His blog posts keep it short, are insightful and are thought provoking.

However, certain marketers on LinkedIn have entirely missed the 'thought provoking' part. Recently I came across quite a few LinkedIn posts misusing Seth's blog post from October 16th as a way to put down creator's that use generative AI tools. Some went as far as saying that businesses and marketers should completely drop AI in favor of the old fashioned pen and paper.

This is why I like Seth's blogs, it's because they spark debates and make people think.

Before we go any further, let's make it clear: this article is not about Seth's Blog post entirely but it aims as a wake up call to those marketers on LinkedIn that downplay the power of generative AI simply out of comfort and laziness.

No, I didn't want to write this article but after seeing so many keyboard warriors denigrating marketers that use generative AI, I just had to do it.

Firstly, let's tackle this ill-conceived comparison of Autotune and generative AI. It's as baseless as comparing the Wright brothers' first flight to space travel. Autotune smooths out pitch; generative AI, on the other hand, can write entire articles, compose music, or generate code.

For those that misunderstood or didn't want to see: No! Seth Godin was not comparing AI to Autotune, but was comparing two AI powered editing tools.

Take GPT-3, for example, from OpenAI; this model can produce coherent and contextually sound written content that several businesses, including The Washington Post and The Guardian, have already experimented with for content generation. It's not a touch-up; it's transformative technology.

Now, onto the real kicker: the idea that generative AI minimizes the 'Real Work' or eliminates emotional labor. This couldn't be further from the truth. Preparing prompts for AI doesn't mean pressing a few buttons and watching the magic happen. It requires an intricate understanding of your objectives and audience.

Look at the success of companies like Kuki Chatbot, which leverages AI to enhance customer service. Behind their seamless operation is the relentless work of prompt preparation and context setting. That's real, painstaking effort right there.

Once again it's not the AI the problem it's the 'lazy creators'. If you do not calibrate and feed the right details to your AI you will not be a better marketer than you were before. AI doesn't make you a better marketer and does not make you a worse marketer either. That is your effort to connect with your community.

Don't get ahead of yourselves. Let's not ignore the facts that we live in a world where Spotify uses AI to perfect music recommendations, and Netflix saves $1 billion yearly thanks to its AI-powered recommendation engine, calling the people behind these innovations 'lazy' is an affront. These creators are leveraging AI to analyze vast datasets and perfect consumer experiences, tasks that are humanly impossible at such large scales.

Moreover, suggesting that using AI equates to a lack of empathy or a dip in generosity is a fallacy. Marketers have never been more generous in sharing insights. They're harnessing AI to gather more precise data, thereby creating content that resonates on deeper, more personal levels. Example: Ever heard of Stitch Fix? Their entire business model thrives on AI-driven personal styling, and yet, the human connection with their customers is palpable and paramount.

Even Seth Godin, a master of marketing, could further his incredible work by harnessing AI. I do hope to see him do that one day. Imagine the insights, the reach, the relevance he could command with such powerful technology at his fingertips. Seth Godin if you are reading this, please consider the idea.

It wouldn't be a selling-out; it would be a step into uncharted territories of influence.

Remember the quote: "If people don't 'get it' it's not for them" by Seth Godin? Perhaps generative AI isn't for everyone. Maybe it's for those who dare to pioneer, who challenge the status quo, not those comfortably cocooned in the familiar. Rejecting, or worse, denigrating new tools based on surface-level understanding is a regressive thing to do.

If we shunned innovation for tradition's sake, we'd still be scratching at cave walls and riding horses to work. So, before dismissing generative AI, consider its revolutionary impact on human potential. It's not a threat; it's the next step. Embrace it, or watch from the sidelines. The choice is yours.