Why I don’t use ChatGPT, and why you should care

PS (II): “In the quiet of the morning, I can still hear her laugh in the creak of the old floorboards. It’s not a sad memory; it’s a reminder that even in her absence, she’s still filling this house with warmth.” My friend was taken aback. She knew the words weren’t perfect, but there was something profoundly human in the way the AI had captured the essence of the client’s feelings. She used the draft as a foundation, weaving her own voice and experiences into it. In the end, the essay became something truly beautiful—an authentic, human piece that resonated deeply with the client. She realized that, while the AI could never replace her, it had given her a new way to see and feel the story she was trying to tell. It was a reminder that technology, when used thoughtfully, can bring us closer to the very humanity we’re so determined to preserve. This experience didn’t just change her mind about AI—it deepened her connection to her craft. She saw it as a collaboration, one where the machine offered a spark, and she, with her very human heart and hands, turned it into a flame. Warm regards again

P.S (I).?Let me share a story that might resonate with your love for authentic storytelling. A friend of mine, also a writer, was initially quite skeptical about using ChatGPT, much like you. She prided herself on crafting narratives that were deeply human—stories filled with empathy, nuance, and the subtle complexity of real life. However, there was one project that had her particularly stumped: a personal essay for a client who had lost their spouse. The client wanted to capture not just the sorrow, but also the quiet joy of their shared memories—the laughter in the kitchen, the long walks during autumn, the simple yet profound moments that make a life together so meaningful. My friend struggled to start. How could she capture something so deeply personal without crossing the line into sentimentality or, worse, cliche? She decided to take a leap of faith and asked ChatGPT to generate a draft. What she got back surprised her.?The AI didn’t just churn out generic platitudes; it reflected a delicate understanding of grief, mixing it with gentle humor and nostalgia that didn’t feel forced. There was a passage that particularly struck her:

Comment #2 (V) - AI and Human Stories: A Powerful Combination Finally, I want to emphasize that AI doesn’t erase the human factor; it amplifies it. Your principle of "using stories to help people connect" remains the cornerstone of any effective content. AI doesn’t have the capacity to feel or understand emotional context in the way we humans do. That’s why the human touch will always be necessary to bring stories to life and give them meaning. But if we use AI as a support, we can devote more time to what truly matters: creating those meaningful connections. In summary, AI is not a substitute for your talent but a tool that, when used wisely, can amplify your capabilities. I’m confident that, with your sharpness and ability to adapt to new tools (as you’ve demonstrated throughout your career), you could find ways to integrate AI that preserve the authenticity and quality you value so much in your work. Thank you for initiating this important dialogue. I hope we can continue to explore together how these technologies can be an aid, rather than an obstacle, in our journey to create stories that truly matter. Warm regards,

Comment #2 (IV) - Tone and Personalization: The Key is in the Setup I understand your concerns about the tone that AI can generate, likening it to “a voice curled up next to a sweaty toilet” (you made me laugh with that one!). However, this is where proper configuration and training of the model come into play. AI can learn to replicate a brand’s tone and voice, even adapting to specific styles if trained correctly. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from software development (and here you’re speaking to someone who’s been deeply involved in it), it’s that tools are only as good as the people who use and configure them. Your experience in creating style guides and microcopy for digital products uniquely positions you to leverage these technologies—not to replace your work, but to extend it. Imagine being able to define guidelines so precisely that even the most basic AI could help you maintain the consistency and style you so highly value.

Comment #2 (III) - Boosting Efficiency Without Sacrificing Authenticity In your profile, you highlight your skill in “ruthlessly editing” and “creating communication solutions that convert.” AI doesn’t aim to usurp these capabilities; instead, it’s here to assist with the more mechanical aspects of content creation. For example, it can help you identify patterns in large data sets or analyze trends, which you can then interpret and mold into content that genuinely connects with your audience. McKinsey reports suggest that automation, including AI, can increase productivity in creative industries by up to 30%. This isn’t a trivial figure, especially in an environment where speed and efficiency are increasingly valued—without compromising the quality that, as you rightly point out, is fundamental.