Great piece, AJ. You make some excellent points - In particular, when talking about content mills and the hollowing out of the freelance writing career - especially for people trying to get into the profession right now. It's why - if professional writers are to survive - that we must do so much more than "just" write.
I think your example of learning to use AI tools is a strong one. I'd also add that there are other skills that will be harder for AI to master - Project management, subject-matter expertise, content strategy, thought leadership - in other words, looking for the gaps between what AI can do now, and the human capacity to be original and creative.
Of course, it's likely only a matter of time before AI masters those areas as well - we'll have to keep being agile and adapt. After all, what's our alternative?
first of all thanks for taking the time to scroll some of my thoughts...as a fellow writer I know you know this but it always makes my day to start a good conversation. really appreciate the kind words.
I wish I had kinder words to say about the future of freelance work. getting The Memo about what the writing game would look like in 5 years hurt me plenty, if I'm to be honest in this space.
of course, there will ALWAYS be room for human ingenuity...I personally argue it's the central and redeeming trait of our species.
that typed, nobody paying attention can deny that across professions there are fewer chairs than ever and the music is speeding up.
we writers will have to be more agile than ever before...but then again, that's the central and redeeming trait among the best of us, yeah?
you're certainly right about "or else" being the alternative.
Great piece, AJ. You make some excellent points - In particular, when talking about content mills and the hollowing out of the freelance writing career - especially for people trying to get into the profession right now. It's why - if professional writers are to survive - that we must do so much more than "just" write.
I think your example of learning to use AI tools is a strong one. I'd also add that there are other skills that will be harder for AI to master - Project management, subject-matter expertise, content strategy, thought leadership - in other words, looking for the gaps between what AI can do now, and the human capacity to be original and creative.
Of course, it's likely only a matter of time before AI masters those areas as well - we'll have to keep being agile and adapt. After all, what's our alternative?
yo cousin!
first of all thanks for taking the time to scroll some of my thoughts...as a fellow writer I know you know this but it always makes my day to start a good conversation. really appreciate the kind words.
I wish I had kinder words to say about the future of freelance work. getting The Memo about what the writing game would look like in 5 years hurt me plenty, if I'm to be honest in this space.
of course, there will ALWAYS be room for human ingenuity...I personally argue it's the central and redeeming trait of our species.
that typed, nobody paying attention can deny that across professions there are fewer chairs than ever and the music is speeding up.
we writers will have to be more agile than ever before...but then again, that's the central and redeeming trait among the best of us, yeah?
you're certainly right about "or else" being the alternative.
thanks for the open eyes.