Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Hello It's "Artificial" Intelligence

Shane Hodge • March 2, 2023

Hello my fellow Jedi Knights. Wow, what a month it's been in the good old web world. Yes, part of it has been the normal whining and complaining by my fellow inmates (work-from-home people) on how tough things are. But, you also have the reversal from the “Optimist Prime” crowd. I don't know if they tell stories or they are actually doing well, or maybe, they know something the rest of us don't. But I find all the conversations fun and exciting and worth the price of admission. However, the number one topic this month? Drum roll please (but I think the theme from Star Wars would be better) as yes folks we are all talking about AI or Artificial Intelligence.

Now, depending on which news you read or listen to, AI can be either what the world has been waiting for, or it can be a nightmare on Elm Street Part 55!

I have written before in one of my should have been Pulitzer prize blogs, I think, about my Will Smith type love for AI. I loved Will (before the academy awards slap, silly Will) in the movie iRobot. He sums up my feelings so well in one scene. He is having a coffee with the CEO of US Robotics (USR), and offers a marketing suggestion for a TV ad.

It went like this. Will Smith said, “So okay, you see a carpenter making a wonderful chair, and then you see a robot make a better chair twice as fast, and then at the bottom of the screen it reads, ‘USR shittin’ on the little guy’.”

You see folks, Will had little love for robots. Yes, they had taken away all the mundane jobs for people, such as garbage collection, FedEx delivery, waiters, the list goes on. And those people fell for the pitch just like people did in real life, that robots will do the jobs we don't want to do, when the fact is? They take the jobs and that leaves no jobs. And for many? They have nothing to do.

So in the total scheme of things? Call me old school, but I am a bit like Will Smith. I see robots as totally shittin’ on the little people and a serious problem in years to come unless we all get used to living in a welfare state.

Ok, hold the bus, I am getting all serious and political and can feel people starting to leave their seats screaming, “That's not the sort of blog we are used to. Where's the humor, frivolity, sarcasm? Hello, get back in the groove or we will think this is written by AI”.

Well, after slapping myself (sorry Will ), I am back in the groove, fellow little people.

So, was all the news this month all about robots making a perfect unemployed world? NO, we are a few years away from that LOL. The noise was all about ChatGPT and a few others, and how they can write better content faster, do code, create facebook posts, leap tall buildings in a single bound, and overall it was the end of the world for freelancers and the little guy. But a massive opportunity for the bigger guys and some smaller ones who also have the greed gene.

All of a sudden like quicker than you can “Slap” (sorry Will, last one promise), people I know well that could not put together a sentence, let alone spell without their kids checking it, were writing award winning social media posts. Their blogs which the last one they wrote were ready to go in a museum, all of a sudden they had Pulitzer prize winning wikipedia word count blogs all shiny and new.

Yes, the drug had hit, people were hooked faster than Blue Magic that Denzel Washington's Character made in the movie American Gangster (Love ya Denzel, he calmed down Will). Like these people who averaged a post every birthday were all of a sudden asking Facebook for more room, I tell you. They were lighting up the world with this free of charge ChatGPT and thinking wow even their mothers will be impressed.

Was the content good? Was it worth the read? Well, compared to this writer's literary genius, of course not. But, would it pass the test of the average punter out there? To be honest, it would. Like the scene in iRobot, good old ChatGPT could write better and faster than the average bear.

But what did I notice? Well folks, I am glad you asked. What I noticed was what I titled this blog, all that fancy stuff was written by? “Artificial” Intelligence.

What do I mean? It lacked emotion, humor, sarcasm, wit (the sort of stuff you read each month in this blog). It read well but it was cold and lifeless. It was? “Artificial”

Do I think AI has a place? Doesn't matter what I think really, the dice has been thrown, the cement has been mixed, the water has boiled. Folks, AI is here, ready or not. I think no choice AI will be the go-to in basic content, social media posts, all the things the “little guy” (freelancers) make money from, so they will need to find a new game to play.

BUT, for the special stuff, for the emotional, touchy feely stuff, the stuff that separates humans from them? I believe we (Humans) still have the edge. The people that write all that good stuff? We do for us, our readers, our viewers, and our audience. AI? Does it because it's told to!

Love n hugs to you all, and AI or a robot? Can't do that.

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When Your Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Gone

By Shane Hodge • November 1, 2024

Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel

Why Humans Are Still the Picasso of Graphic Design in the Age of AI

By Shane Hodge • September 27, 2024

Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel