Why I’m not worried about AI tech coming for my job
The hand-wringing is so prevalent I can practically hear the anxious breathing, the knuckles cracking, the flurry of keystrokes to fine-tune that dusty CV. Journalists are worried about AI encroaching on their livelihood, especially in the light of 2022 headlines about CNET employing AI systems to pen articles. Watch out, writers, AI is coming for you! these alarmists cry from the rooftops. Generative AI systems are poised to push me out of my journalist roost and take over editorial control to cut costs for weary publishers seeking any way to recoup long lost revenue. But I contend AI tech isn’t the saviour some media players see it to be. First, let’s be honest about something: Journalists don’t always see AI as a threat but as a complementary tool to leverage. An Associated Press survey published in April 2024 asked journalists about the use of generative artificial intelligence in their work. Nearly 70% of those who replied said they had used this technology to generate text, whether it was composing article drafts, crafting headlines or writing social media posts. Not all of us are holding up crucifix-fingers to ward off this demonic innovation. No, some of us see value in how generative AI can invigorate parts of our work, such as transcription, that we truly despite doing, and often outsource to third-party businesses anyway. So now to the main contentious issue: Should I be worried editors will choose AI systems over my own writing? Based on what I do for editors, no, I’m not losing sleep. Perhaps other writers who tackle general news reports or sports recap pieces or economic updates, they might wonder if their careers are going to plummet in the next few years. What I do for editors is something current systems can’t replicate with style and personality: compelling profiles of business leaders and artists and social activists that often are peppered with humour and unique ledes and endings. I also love writing in-depth feature reports that oscilate between time periods and engaging characters, dripping with panache and colour and details that a tech system solely off-site can’t imitate. They don’t know have intimate knowledge of interviewees met in person, from speech patterns to body language to what deodorant they’re wearing. Editors, and readers, crave those details to immerse inside a feature story. AI systems aren’t at that level yet. What I also do is write brand copy relevant to the tone and voice of the business. Yes, AI tech is stronger in this area than what I just noted above, but the words I’ve read by generative AI is so stilted and bland, with barely any style or charm. Brands might want the easiest and cheapest way to launch content marketing campaigns, but if they are solely drive by AI-written content, expect eyes to glaze over as if they’re watching C-SPAN at 4 a.m. Finally, I coach writers through my Become a Better Writer 1-on-1 programs, which AI chatbots can’t accompish efficiently. Because I tailor these workshops and exercises with a writer’s specific needs, I’m catering to their interests, not just applying a template to their projects. AI is light-speed excellent at finding random tips on writing from its source material, but can it guide a 55-year-old freelance journalist in Calgary to find story ideas specific to their communities? AI and LLMs aren’t going anywhere, so journalists and editors have to learn to live with them. But they also shouldn’t viscerally feel dejected at their rise across the industry, as the more creative of us will recognize how our value supersedes whatever Sam Altman throws our way.
Read my latest writing in the new Portfolio page
It’s about time I levelled up my website by alerting visitors to my latest journalistic and brand writing. That’s why I worked with my web designer to launch my new PORTFOLIO page on this website, which included my work for news outlets such as BBC News, The Toronto Star and Fast Company, as well as for brands such as Zapier. This Blog section used to be a home for my writing but I want to keep my insights and perspectives on freelancing separate from my latest clips. And, as always, if you have any questions about my coaching and consulting business, get in touch anytime!
My February 2021 journalism work
Shortest month of the year but busiest one I’ve had since September, thanks to a slew of BBC News assignments and working with two new clients. I made it a goal to develop relationships with a new client every quarter, and so far I’ve been succeeding. I’m excited to write for The Daily Hive and Cannabis Health Magazine in the coming year, along with my usual clients such as BBC News, The Washington Post, Fodor’s, and many more. Where can you find my most recent bylines? See below: Toronto Star – Profile of Avenue Diner, a Yorkville legend since 1944 The Star’s Sunday Life section is all about those feel-good stories, and once again I’m giving readers an inside look at a diner well-known to downtown Toronto heads. The Avenue Diner has always been my go-to spot when I walked to Yorkville when I lived along Dupont. This time, I got a peek behind the counter to reveal all the celebrity connections this spot enjoys, such as Mike Myers coming here for the Canadian bacon he can’t back in L.A. BBC News – Inside the geothermal energy revolution What I love about freelance writing is delving into a topic I’ve long been curious about, and recently I sunk my teeth into geothermal energy. OUCH, that’s sizzling hot! It’s clear geothermal is on the rise, but its cost and poor PR campaigns have stymied it from breakinginto the mainstream. I predict that will change, as I make the case for that upward trend in the BBC News report. Toronto Star – The Leafs-bashing fun-loving owner of Lakeshore Super Submarine This Star assignment has been all smiles, and not just because it was my birthday when I visited George and his sub shop in Etobicoke. The owner is the kind of guy who can’t stop joking, but not in the annoying pun-heavy way. Getting to know George and his motivation for his non-stop focus on running the sub spot was truly inspiring, and hopefully that came through in the article. Cannabis Health Magazine – The medical cannabis guru who wants to pay it forward If you know my journalistic specialties by reading htis blog, you know I’ve been a cannabis reporter for a decade. A new cannabis client on my roster is Cannabis Health Magazine, out of B.C., and I’m excited to write for a new cannabis outlet with top-notch articles and reputable writers. In my debut piece for them, I profile Jack Kungel of Ontario, a medical cannabis advocate whose remarkable life story has recently been captured on camera in a short documentary. The Daily Hive – Toronto fashionista crafts Braille masks for visually challenged It’s funny how you hear about interesting stories. This fashion trailblazer came to me via the Ryerson Alumni newsletter, since she is also a fellow Rye High grad. My journalistic Spidey sense tweaked when I read about Alexa Jovanovic’s clothing line designed with the visually impaired in mind. She brought Braille designs to masks and shirts and jackets, and also involved people with visual disabilities to take part in the creative phases of getting the startup going. Check out a few of the Aille Design pieces below: