Yeah, we're probably nearing the Peak of Inflated Expectations. It almost sounds like a phrase from the Candyland board game, doesn't it? I've experienced this before. When you go through the Trough (referred to as the "Dip" by Seth Godin), you always come out at a higher point than where you were when the Trigger occurred.

I hadn't planned on it, but I now have a podcast version of Creative AI Digest! A big thank you to ElevenLabs for creating my AI voice clone, which is used in the "weekly summary" episodes. It's only $5/month! Additionally, I am currently working on regular episodes with recurring co-hosts. Stay tuned for more updates!

Subscribe on all podcast platforms (including YouTube) by going to: https://creativeaidigest.transistor.fm/

✨ Personal Update

This is the first of many lasts. Last first day of high school. Can AI make a daughter stay this age forever? Asking for a friend…

💡 Rise & Shine: Generative AI, The Unsung Hero for SMBs

Summary

We are currently in a time when generative AI is revolutionizing the realm of digital work, providing small businesses with a clever advantage. However, there is a surprising twist – the majority of small businesses are still unaware, with only a third utilizing AI. Nevertheless, those who embrace AI are experiencing advantages such as increased productivity and faster work pace.

But here's the catch: despite the evident benefits, it's not all smooth sailing. With great power comes... decision paralysis. Businesses can become overwhelmed with numerous choices, and there is the constant challenge of ensuring ethical AI usage.

My Take

While Adobe's behind this article, don't let that sway you – it's packed with nuggets of wisdom. No shocker here: most small businesses and solo acts are still sleeping on the vast potential of generative AI.

Generative AI's big buffet of choices can get overwhelming, making it a mixed blessing. Not every playing field's level. Those who know how to wield AI's power will zoom ahead, leaving others in their digital dust.

💼 Fair Game in Content Marketing: AI Levels or Tumbles the Playing Field?

Summary

The content marketing realm is seeing an intriguing shift. A whopping 36% of content marketers have hopped on the AI bandwagon to churn out content. And it doesn't stop there - these tech-savvy pros are using AI not just for content generation but to cook up new ideas (47%) and dive deep into research (46%).

Perhaps it's the unfairness of the industry that's pushing them towards AI. Proofreading's also on the AI menu for 29%. But it ain't all rosy - 45% are sweating over their job security with the AI influx, while 55% fear their craft becoming just another item on the supermarket shelf.

My Take

The Content Marketing Institute has shed light on a rather puzzling aspect of the content marketing world - the perceived injustice of the industry's career ladder. This feeling of disparity might just be the kick marketers needed to embrace generative AI.

Think about it. Almost half of them aren't just using AI to write – they're leaning on it to brainstorm. Generating words? Piece of cake. But spinning those ideas into gold? That's where the magic – and challenge – lies. And this is precisely where AI can serve as your secret weapon. Your clients probably won't have a clue about instructing tools like ChatGPT. That's where you come in. Your writing is about to be even more in demand.

🎯 Prompt of the Week

🎸 From Hallucinations to Harmonies: Generative AI's Chart-topping Rise

Summary

We're in the midst of an AI revolution, and even by tech's standards, the buzz is pretty wild. Generative AI, with our buddy Chat GPT as its poster child (rocking a whopping 1 billion users), stands out from its AI siblings.

Generative AI is like the Robin Hood of tech – it’s democratizing knowledge and creativity. So, even if you're not the most skilled guitarist, you could still rock out. This might just be the answer to leveling the playing field and curbing the ever-growing equity gap.

My Take

While AI's been jamming for decades, generative AI is like the breakout artist with its own style - crafting new content and tackling challenges head-on. But here's a thorn in my side (pun intended) - only a few bigwigs controlling this showstopper tech? That sounds more like a solo act than a worldwide concert. We need to spread the love (and the tech).

🎉 AI’s Party Trick: The Magic’s Still There, Just Look Closer!

Summary

Here we are, a few months down the road, and the sheen is starting to wear off. From regulatory crackdowns to debates over intellectual property, from privacy concerns to good old-fashioned system errors, AI is facing its fair share of challenges.

Whether you love it or loathe it, AI is still evolving, still learning. And while it might not be the flawless future we once imagined, it's definitely not just a flash in the pan.

My Take

Clickbaity headlines (including mine for this issue) might draw us in, but they don't always tell the whole story. Labeling generative AI as just a "party trick" seems like a bit of a stretch. It's not doing justice to the depth and potential of the technology.

Pointing fingers at AI for being "impossible to trust" is kind of ironic when they're built on what we've written.

Generative AI is still in its early days. There will always be peaks and troughs in the hype cycle for any new tech. But that doesn't mean we toss it aside like yesterday's news.

💬 The AI Hype Cycle and SXSW

Helen Todd’s conversation with SXSW’s Hugh Forrest is a must listen!

Hugh gives us a historical look at the history of South by Southwest, including the story of how one computer changed everything.

I love that the music, tech, and film conference is now synonymous with “creative professionals,” a term I’ve adopted and use here all the time.

Is this all just hype? Helen and Hugh talk about how the current AI boom compares to past flourishes like crypto and the metaverse. And why AI might be different.

“Is A.I. just part of a hype cycle? Hear from SXSW’s Hugh Forrest who serves as Co-President and Chief Programming Officer for South by Southwest which includes SXSW Interactive, one of the largest tech conferences in the world helping creative people achieve their goals.”

Listen to the full episode! 👇

🔧 Introducing: Headline Helix

Courtesy of “AI Tool for That,” check out Headline Helix. Based on Brian Clark’s method to writing great headlines, this free tool will help you generate yours.

Try it out! 👇

⭐ AI Superstar - Brad Lee Bartlett

I’ve been following Brad Lee Bartlett because he’s a freelancer who understands the needs of content marketers and people working in the creator economy.

Make sure you check out the “Monday Morning Freelancer!”

😜 MemeMe

🌐 Rando Disco

Random images from the Midjourney Discord server, #newbies channel.

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DISCLAIMERS:

I use AI tools to create this newsletter. No d’uh.

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Nothing in this newsletter should be considered financial, medical, marital, or advice of any kind. But we can still be friends.