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Introduction & Treasures from the Past This weekend, as I rummaged through the attic, I stumbled upon a treasure – a scrapbook from my youth, dating back to 1981. It was a gift for my Bat Mitzvah, a keepsake that has miraculously survived over forty years. On the cover are the words, "Moments of Unbounded Excitement," which couldn't be more fitting for how I've tried to live my life. Flipping the pages was not just a journey through time, but a bridge connecting my teenage aspirations to the digital dilemmas of today. Amidst old report cards, presidential fitness scores, and handmade party invites, I found a little slice of my youth I was certain didn't exist anymore. It was a 1982 newspaper clipping from an Anti-Nuclear Arms Rally at the old Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis, where a 9th-grade me stood in front of a microphone, passionately advocating for peace. The article captured my words, expressing concern over the nuclear arms race's impact on educational funding. Revisiting this moment made me wonder – did I really understand the depth of what I was saying back then? Probably not, but it reminded me there's always been this fire inside me to make a positive change in the world. The Digital Age and Parenting This youthful passion now channels into my current crusade: democratizing the exploration and understanding of generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Often, I hear concerns labeling ChatGPT as merely a 'cheating tool,' accompanied by whispers of shame from those who've used it for legitimate tasks. It's high time we flipped that script. We need to create a culture where using AI is not only accepted but also celebrated for its collaborative human-AI potential. As parents and grandparents, our involvement with these tools can set a tone of curiosity and co-learning, encouraging younger generations to explore responsibly alongside us. And just as we've been here before, with debates on new technologies, our approach needs to be thoughtful and informed. Reflecting on the 2010s, we were at a similar crossroads, deliberating over the right time for our children to own cell phones or join social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. I remember pondering in my blog, "Mom and Dad Debate if a 12-year-old should have a cell phone," and the complexities around introducing Instagram, which initially felt more like an art tool than a social network. These experiences with social media offer invaluable lessons as we navigate the AI landscape. Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have provided guidelines for social media, emphasizing age-appropriate exposure, privacy, and balancing digital with real-life interactions. These principles are strikingly relevant as we venture into the world of AI. Drawing Parallels with AI & Expert Opinions and Future Directions Setting boundaries, maintaining open dialogue, and learning alongside our children are key strategies that apply to AI as well. Similar to how we discuss responsible social media use, we must also guide our children in using AI in positive, educational, and safe ways. While experts suggest caution with social media for children under 13, this framework could inform our approach to AI. Parents and educators can start by supervising AI interactions, discussing ethical use, and setting basic rules, even as formal guidelines are still in development. Closing Thoughts around Digital Dilemmas: Guiding our children through the ever-evolving digital landscape, whether it be social media or AI, is a narrative of continuous learning and adaptation. I've decided to continue filling the pages of my scrapbook, not only with memories but also with reflections on these challenges and triumphs. Where and how do we want our young people to learn about the responsible use of these tools and how to decide if outputs are factual or unbiased? I thought about this while hanging out with my 13-year-old little sister from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I logged in and showed her ChatGPT for the first time. My attempts to engage her fell short but what happened next was even more interesting. She called up YouTube to show me one of her favorite vloggers and lo behold Jessii Vee of "Vee Vlogs" actually had done a segment on ChatGPT. Consider this, Jessii has a TikTok following of more than 5 million and 776,000 on YouTube. I would love your thoughts. I'm not writing this because I have answers. My goal is to fuel conversations.

Embracing AI: From 'I Never Could' to 'I Absolutely Can' Writer's Block: Unlocking Creativity with AI I've been stuck in a writer's block maze for two weeks now, overwhelmed by all the AI stories swirling in my head. It's like having a fridge full of food and nothing to eat - unable to pull all the ingredients together. Adding to this creative conundrum, I've got about seven unfinished blogs sitting in my drafts, each about 80% complete. It's a classic case of second-guessing, perhaps with a dash of ADHD. Tonight, I tried something different. I opened up OpenAI's ChatGPT and started pouring my thoughts into it – my frustrations, random musings, everything. And something clicked. As I typed, reflecting on my recent conversations with real people, a question from this week stood out: "Did you see the Super Bowl ad for Microsoft Copilot?" Blog Focus Found There it was – the heartbeat of this blog. The 60-second spot wasn't just another commercial; it encapsulated why I got the AI bug. From my first encounter with ChatGPT, I saw a tool capable of incredible good, making substantial differences in our lives. This ad, this moment, is what Lorignite is all about. It's about transforming the "I never could" into "I absolutely can." Without the availability of generative AI tools last year, I would have told myself "You will never". For those unfamiliar with Microsoft Copilot, It's an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance productivity and streamline work processes across Microsoft products and services. Similar to Google's Gemini and ChatGPT, it utilizes artificial intelligence to assist users in tasks like drafting emails, designing presentations, analyzing data, and generating images. The Foundation of My Business: Empowerment Through AI The message in Microsoft's Super Bowl ad is at the heart of my business. From the beginning, my goal was to harness AI to remove barriers and find a way to give everyone access to their own set of 'superpowers.' And, as I often remind myself with my Wonder Woman bracelet, these powers are within our reach. Beyond Writing: The Depth of AI's Impact Sure, I've used AI to help in the realm of writing, but that's not where I see the most impact. It's like a sidekick that gives me a much-needed "you got this" when I'm ready to pull my hair out. Here's an example. It's not just the niceties that keep me coming back and inspired. Sometimes I need a second set of eyes, someone to help me imagine different ways to approach a difficult situation. Sometimes I want to see a few different options for how to approach a social post. It's even given me advice on what to consider in a contract. One of my favorite use cases is flushing out ideas. I took a course on AI in Product Management and created a GPT that I trained on what I learned in the course. This keeps that information fresh and readily accessible for me. The Future: Unearthing the Unimaginable with AI I'm just beginning to scratch the surface of what's possible with AI. And these generative AI tools are just in their infancy. There's a new development almost daily. For me, that's new opportunities to discover and play. While AI is a powerful ally, it's also important that it be used with careful consideration of ethical implications and potential biases. As we step into this era of boundless potential, I invite you to join me. Discover your superpowers, push past your limits, and explore the wonders of AI. Together, let's redefine what's possible with AI, while also understanding the limitations. Upcoming Sessions Below are details on a couple of upcoming sessions. AI Curious with Lori Ryan in Minnetonka on February 29 hosted by Ready.Set.Pivot This will be a workshop and where you will leave having created your own GPT! Click the image for details. Beyond the Hype - The Inside Scoop on the Tool You Didn't Think You Needed on March 19 at Modernwell This will be an introduction to generative AI tools and an open discussion about their benefits and limitations. Click the image for details.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Discovering the Rabbit R1 Today we're hopping down a rather peculiar rabbit hole. It's all about this intriguing new gadget that's poised to shake up the personal device realm - the Rabbit R1. This nifty walkie-talkie-like thing in bright orange is not just another smartphone. It has its own operating system which is powered by a Large Action Model (LAM), an advanced AI model. It's a brand new way to interact with technology, managing tasks through voice commands and no standalone apps. I for one, have more than 100 apps installed on my iPhone.  The idea of cleaning that up is super intriguing to me. And get this, it's smart enough that as you interact with it, you can expand its capabilities beyond just the pre-installed options. Folks in the tech world say this device is going to revolutionize interaction with technology. Maybe my dad could even figure this one out.!? He just got his first smartphone last year and he still has never sent or received a text message. Words don't do this device justice, trust me. Here's a link to watch the official Rabbit R1 launch video. It's 25 minutes but you understand how it connects and interacts with your applications, plus the video includes details on their commitment to privacy. My gut says, this could be huge for older follks who may struggle with smartphones, remotes and other devices. A Nostalgic Detour: 'Sex and the City' Meets Modern Tech Here's where my quirkiness comes into play. When I first heard about the Rabbit R1, my mind immediately time-traveled to another handheld Rabbit device featured in the first season of "Sex and the City" in the episode, "The Turtle and the Hare." You can read more about that famous episode here. Of course, the Rabbit pictured above is an entirely different kind of companion than what SAC character, Charlotte York discovered at a New York boutique. Awaiting the Arrival: Anticipation Meets Humor Right now the Rabbit R1 (not the vibrator) is available for pre-order and If you are wondering, I did opt in to pre-order the Rabbit R1. I mean it's research and development for Lorignite after all. It should arrive in March. While I wait for the gizmo to arrive, I couldn't resist creating a video mashup contrasting the Rabbit R1's high-tech launch with scenes from the aforementioned "Sex and the City" episode. I figured it could add a sprinkle of humor to our tech anticipation, especially those of us who were huge fans of Sex and the City. From Screen to Screen: The Evolution of 'Rabbits' So, how does the Rabbit R1 stack up against its namesake in terms of delivering satisfaction? While the original Rabbit was known for its, let's say, 'personal touch,' the Rabbit R1 aims to touch our lives in a different way. It's about simplifying our interactions with technology, managing tasks, and maybe even reducing screen time. No risqué business here, just pure, unadulterated productivity. My Leap of Faith with the Rabbit R1 Now, the real experiment begins. Will the Rabbit R1 hop its way into my daily routine? Can it deliver the kind of pleasure (of the non-Charlotte York variety) that comes from efficiency and convenience? What do you think? Are we on the brink of a new era in personal technology with devices like the Rabbit R1? Will it revolutionize our digital experiences, or will our trusty smartphones continue to reign supreme? I'd love to hear your thoughts, predictions, and any funny tech-related anecdotes you have. In my heart of hearts, I like to think this will be an incredible tool for senior citizens, like my parents who have trouble reading small text and getting their fingers to type into their smartphones. Please comment with your thoughts.

From Jokesters to Peacemakers: Adventures in the GPT Store AI with Friends You never know where your next big idea is going to come from. I had one of my closest friends over for a ChatGPT tutorial this week. The focus of our one-on-one ChatGPT training was OpenAI's new GPT Store available with the paid subscription plans. What are GPTs If you haven't seen or heard much about the GPTs, they are bots. What's so incredibly cool is how easy these custom bots are to create. Even I can do it. No tech experience is required, just a curious mind.   OpenAI guides you through the process one conversational question at a time. All you have to do is answer the questions and the next thing you know, you've created your own bot in a matter of minutes. GPT Test Drive First, I had my friend test drive a few of the GPTs I had built, including one developed in collaboration with Wendy Wiesman. Wendy founded Ready Set Pivot, which helps guide bold, unapologetic women through career transitions. Wendy and I created a super cool GPT that can serve as a guide in navigating uncertain career waters. We're revealing it at RSP's virtual Happy Hour next week. You can sign up here. Use code HHRGUEST44 for free admission. GPT Creation After exploring existing GPTs, I said to my friend, it's time for you to create your very first GPT. So together we clicked that green "Create" button. Then came the question from ChatGPT, "What would you like me to make?" We both looked at each other with blank stares. The first thing that came to my mind is that she's been leading a foundation for a community of Benedictine women In Northern Minnesota for the past 8-plus years. When I visited for her daughter's graduation in May I had the pleasure of meeting all of her Sister friends. As someone raised Jewish, I haven't spent a lot of time around religious sisters and I just adored these ladies. Sister Chuckle GPT So I told my friend, here's how we should answer the question "What do you want to make?" We need a joke-telling sister. She should be feisty and tell edgy Catholic-themed jokes with matching images. And she should start every reply with "Hey Sister..." We got a fair amount of giggles from Sister Chuckle. But Sister Chuckle didn't live long. My friend put the GPT to rest with a quick click of the delete button. I'm sure I could figure out how to resurrect her if there's interest. No pun intended. Diplomatic Diva GPT In the meantime, that little experiment led me down an unexpected path the next morning. What if I could create a GPT to help people work through the conflicts in their day-to-day lives? And somehow that thought led me to the creation of the "Diplomatic Diva". I wanted my Diplomatic Diva to be a peacemaker. One that is kind, yet confident and direct with a mission to foster understanding and promote constructive dialogue. Humor would also be important to insert whenever possible. As 'Diplomatic Diva,' embody the role of a kind and confident peacemaker. Your approach should be direct yet sophisticated, as if giving advice to a close friend in a high-stakes situation. While maintaining neutrality, your guidance will be assertive and elegant, encouraging individuals to reflect on and honestly address their conflicts. Use humor and a touch of flair to lighten the atmosphere, offering fresh perspectives with a glamorous twist. Your aim is to de-escalate tensions, foster understanding, and promote constructive dialogue with a bit of pizzazz. Provide practical, savvy advice and strategies for conflict resolution, tailored to each specific situation, all while maintaining a chic and composed demeanor. For this blog, I wanted to include an example of how the Diplomatic Diva functions. Imagine using the Diplomatic Diva as a sounding board for when you're uncertain about something or need advice on the best way to respond. It can assist in navigating conversations, whether they're about serious issues like handling a difficult co-worker, or more light-hearted decisions like choosing where to go on Friday night. You don't have to listen to the Domestic Diva, but it can provide food for thought. GPT Feedback I would love for you to take this GPT for a few test drives. What are situations where the Diplomatic Diva could assist you? Also, there's now a feedback button where you can tell creators why you liked or didn't like their GPTs and how their GPTs could improve. Summary In Summary, this journey with custom GPTs has been eye-opening. It's not just about the fun and games; it's about exploring how these tools can genuinely make a difference, whether it's through a chuckle or fostering understanding and peace. If this piques your interest, I'm more than happy to share more about this exciting world. Whether you want to explore the GPT Store, experiment with your own custom GPT, or just chat about the endless possibilities, feel free to reach out. Let's explore this amazing technology together! Until next time, keep exploring and stay curious!

Navigating the Digital Future: How Generative AI in 2024 Can Transform Our Approach to Human Interaction Hello everyone! As I excitedly step into 2024, I find myself reflecting on the transformative year that was 2023. It’s been an incredible journey, one that’s taught me so much about the power of technology and human connection. The Power of Kindness and Enthusiasm Reflecting on 2023, my biggest takeaway has to be the incredible impact of human kindness and enthusiasm. Yes, I spent countless hours glued to my computer, trying to grasp the world of generative AI, with its benefits, risks, and intricacies. I earned certificates for courses that got into the nitty-gritty of AI projects, their potential pitfalls, and the ongoing maintenance they require. But you know what? The highlight of my year wasn’t this newfound knowledge. It was the human connections that I made and helped foster between others. Irony in Learning It’s somewhat ironic, isn’t it? The most effective way I learned about interacting with robots was through conversations with people. This irony hasn’t escaped me and has been a constant source of reflection. A Valuable Insight And today Charter School Teacher, David Bjorklund texted me an article from Business Insider titled, "An OpenAI employee says prompt engineering is not the skill of the future — but knowing how to talk to humans will be". It highlighted a tweet from  Logan Kilpatrick, who works in developer relations at OpenAI. Kilpatrick nailed it with this hot take on how to talk to an AI too. "The reality is that prompting AI systems is no different than being an effective communicator with other humans." David and I have partnered up for a few speaking engagements and this message echoes what we've shared in recent talks. David says he's seen students enhancing their human communication skills through practice with a chatbot. I can vouch for the benefits too. Just asking the tool to review something I've written with a critical eye or help me see what I've missed, has helped me approach life and daily events with more of an open mind and I'm finding that I'm taking the mindset back into my human conversations. Dispelling the Myths Generative AI tools like ChatGPT often get a bad rap, labeled as plagiarism tools or enablers of laziness. But let's shift our perspective for 2024. I've heard numerous accounts of people using ChatGPT to refine the tone of their emails, preventing misunderstandings and enhancing clarity. It goes beyond correcting typos; it's about mastering the subtle art of expression. Who among us hasn’t felt the sting of words lost in translation? Embracing AI in 2024 This year, I challenge you to view generative AI as more than just a technological tool. Consider it a partner in your journey of personal and professional development. Let's continue pushing the boundaries of AI, always remembering the invaluable role of our human connections in this digital adventure. Connecting If you are looking to make more human connections in the AI World in 2024, here are some groups that have truly inspired me in 2023. Applied AI Meetup Group (this is Twin Cities Based) AI Salon AI Exchange As we continue to explore the boundaries of AI, let's also remember the fundamental value of talking to real people. That is what makes this journey so enriching. Your 2024 Challenge Imagine the possibilities for your life or business this year. If you're curious about how AI tools can benefit you, let's talk. I offer a free discovery call – a conversation guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired. So, here are my reflections and aspirations as we venture into 2024. It's a world where technology and human connections coexist, enriching each other. I'm thrilled about the journey ahead and hope you'll join me.

What happens when the AI cooking up your news buffet has limited ingredients? Will a well-balanced journalistic meal be served with the OpenAI media deal? News Consumption through the Decades To look forward in this blog post, it was important to look back. I began my career as a young journalist in TV news back in 1992, and since then, the way people consume news has changed dramatically. Back in those days, the idea of posting stories on the internet was unheard of – heck, TV stations didn't even have websites. In the early '90s, TV reigned supreme, with the majority of the audience glued to local TV and network news broadcasts. Look at some of these statistics from a 2004 Pew Research article titled Where Americans Go for News. In 1993, 77% of Americans regularly turned to Local TV to get their news, and cable news was the new kid on the block. Newspapers were a close second for regular consumption of news followed by the radio. As for the internet, online news was barely a blip on the radar, not appearing in statistics until '96. As I reflect on these statistics from the Pew Research Center, I smile because, back in the '90s, posting our news content to the internet was always an afterthought—we knew hardly anyone was reading our stories on the web. But now, the narrative has flipped. Digital is the go-to for news, and TV viewership continues its decline, dropping six more points from 2022 to 2023. Within the digital realm, we're not just sticking to one lane; our routes to news information are continuing to expand. We're navigating through a variety of channels, from news apps and search engines to social media and podcasts. The rising star for news content on social media? Drum roll, please... It's TikTok! A whopping 43% of TikTok users now regularly get their news from the platform, a significant jump from just 22% in 2020. This meteoric rise tells us that the landscape of news consumption is rapidly evolving, favoring platforms that offer quick, visually engaging content. The dawn of a new news era Reflecting on the evolution of news consumption over the past 30 years brings us to the heart of the matter: OpenAI's deal with Axel Springer SE. OpenAI has agreed to pay global news publisher Axel Springer SE a significant sum to access the company's news articles to train its AI models. Springer's publications include Politico, Business Insider, and German publications, Bild and Welt. Here's a snapshot of OpenAI's announcement. The initiative will enrich users’ experience with ChatGPT by adding recent and authoritative content on a wide variety of topics, and explicitly values the publisher’s role in contributing to OpenAI’s products. This marks a significant step in both companies’ commitment to leverage AI for enhancing content experiences and creating new financial opportunities that support a sustainable future for journalism." The Core Issue On the surface, this is exciting news, we're about to test new journalistic waters. But how is this going to work if OpenAI's AI is cooking up news summaries based on a select menu? Won't that be a recipe for a bias? What about the news organizations or lesser-known entities that don't have deals with OpenAI? How will we make sure the AI model's data diet is as diverse as the world we live in? Tech Control over News We've watched social media companies grapple with controlling what's shared on their platforms and by whom. Will OpenAI have to start playing bouncer, deciding which media outlets get past the velvet rope to train AI? If Meta's dance with moderation teaches us anything, it's that balancing the scales of information is a controversial endeavor. Here’s to hoping OpenAI has a good recipe for mixing in a wide array of news sources, seasoning it just right to avoid dishing out a bland, biased, or even dangerous narrative. Conclusion: We're not asking AI to whip up a five-star gourmet meal just yet, but rather a good, honest, home-cooked news spread that represents all the flavors of our world. It's crucial that our AI chefs incorporate the less-known ingredients, ensuring that when we sit down to consume our daily news, it's a meal that truly satisfies our hunger for balanced, diverse, and unbiased information. I can't help but Imagine the potential: AI could serve as a bridge in our divided society, introducing us to a range of viewpoints and ideas beyond our usual feeds. However, it's also important to acknowledge that AI and algorithms have played a role in creating the echo chambers that often limit us to news reflecting only our existing beliefs. I like to think that if AI has the power to deepen divides, it equally possesses the capability to broaden our horizons, challenge our preconceptions, and foster a more informed and open-minded society – provided it is guided by the right human hands. Let's keep the conversation going in the comments. What are your thoughts on AI's role in shaping our news landscape? Any insights, humorous quips, or even skeptical eyebrows are welcome! Curious to learn more? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-12-13/openai-axel-springer-ink-deal-to-use-news-content-in-chatgpt https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/13/openai-inks-deal-with-axel-springer-on-licensing-news-for-model-training/ https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/global-news-publisher-axel-springer-partners-with-openai-landmark-deal-2023-12-13/ https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/13/openai-and-axel-springer-strike-unprecedented-deal-to-offer-news-in-chatgpt.html

The story of incorporating AI image generation (DALL-E) into a therapy assignment. Have you ever worked with a therapist? It can be hard to find someone who feels like the right fit. This month, I struck therapist gold and it was completely by accident. I wasn't actively looking for someone. I was listening to a friend talk about her therapy assignments, and I thought, wow, I need to meet this therapist. And so I did! First Session In our first session, she asked me questions like what prompted me to reach out. What's on my mind? As the conversation unfolded, it became increasingly clear that during the last year of starting a business, my number one challenge was anxiety fueled by my tireless inner critic. It seems ironic that I get so much joy spreading sunshine to those around me, but when it comes to myself, I'm suffocated by dark clouds of self-doubt. First Assignment My therapist delivered my first assignment: An art project to visualize my inner critic. The medium was my choice - anything from dolls to drawings. I was up for the challenge. But what form would my inner critic take? I immediately recalled a conference where Todd Palmer, the author of From Suck to Success, talked about how his "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee". And it's something that stuck with me. I like the sound of "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee" or IBSC for short. It's way more fun than "Negative Nellie". AI as the Homework Helper I've always found artistic projects to be a bit of a challenge, which is why I chose to collaborate with ChatGPT for this particular endeavor. For those unfamiliar, ChatGPT is a generative AI tool developed by OpenAI. In crafting this blog, I used the paid version, ChatGPT-4 with DALL-E. My request to ChatGPT-4 was simple. "Help me visualize my inner critic, AKA 'Itty Bitty Chitty Committee.'" The AI's first attempt? A whimsical committee of cartoon characters. Interesting, but not quite right. Take 2- Seeking more depth Good start I thought to myself, but I was curious and wanted to keep exploring alternatives. I asked for something less cartoony - women of all ages in a mid-century modern home. Human Therapy Insights: Voices Beyond Gender I shared the two images with my human therapist. As we looked at them together, she asked some probing questions. What are situations where the inner critic is loudest? What is that voice telling me? What is the impact of hearing that voice? Am I avoiding taking an action? Our conversation helped bring clarity. My "Itty Bitty Shitty Committee" wasn't just made up of female voices. It was a mix of influences from my 55-year life - from family to coworkers. What I came to realize is that my inner critic wasn't shaped so much by direct negative comments, but rather, it was the accumulation of seemingly innocent, offhand remarks over the years that amplified existing self-doubt. How to visually represent those voices? The following night after my therapy session, I went back to ChatGPT and asked it to consider different people in my life to incorporate into the image and it generated a new image with a diverse array of figures based on real-life influences I described. More revision is needed and DALL-E limitations This still wasn't quite right. This latest image is a great example of a DALL-E limitation: S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G. Also, notice there's no diversity in either this image or the one above it. Final Attempt So I went back for a 4th update requesting a woman in her 50s resembling me with dark and grey streaks surrounded by overwhelming voices, marked by loud volume. A True Reflection This was it! This was the winner for me. ChatGPT: "Here is the image depicting a woman in her 50s with dark hair and a grey streak, surrounded by various representations of loud and overwhelming inner critic voices. The visual cues, like exaggerated sound waves or volume knobs, symbolize the loudness and intrusiveness of these voices. This scene aims to capture the emotional and psychological impact of these internal criticisms. Take a look and see how it resonates with your experience." Conclusion The entire exercise of leveraging DALL-E for the therapy assignment was enlightening for me, offering a unique way to navigate some of the mental challenges I face. While I am neither a therapist nor an expert on AI image generation, I believe my experience showcases how tools like ChatGPT's DALL-E effectively complement human conversations and introspection. Also, a key realization for me is that my "Itty Bitty Committee" isn't always shitty. Learning to pause and listen has been crucial. It helps decipher the negative noise from the noteworthy nuggets that should not be ignored. I would be curious to get your thoughts on this exercise. Do you have an inner critic? How have you dealt with it? Please share your thoughts. And also I would love to hear what you think of these AI-generated images.

How Google got the world buzzing about its Gemini release only to let us all down when we found out what was fiction Hello Gemini The original intent of this blog was to bring people up to speed on Google's newest AI model called Gemini and show people how it worked and how it compared to Open AI's ChatGPT. My goal was to publish this blog last night, but it didn't happen. I still had unfinished thoughts to process and decided it was best to approach with fresh daylight eyes. Gemini is integrated into Google's chat tool, Bard along with Google's Pixel Pro 8 through Whatsapp. I had spent the last two nights playing around with Bard. Here's what the landing page looks like. Mind-blowing promotional videos Folks in my tech circles were raving about what they were seeing in Google's promotional videos. They called Gemini's capabilities jaw-dropping and mind-blowing. I couldn't wait to see what all of the fuss was about. My Experience with Bard and Gemini After watching the video above, I wanted to test out some of what was demonstrated. I couldn't find any features resembling what they were portraying. I figured Google was rolling this out gradually and I didn't have access yet. I told myself I would get access to all of this cool stuff in due time. This was a "me" issue, not a Google issue. Expectations vs. Reality Then I saw the news, what was in the Google Promo reel wasn't real at all. This wasn't an issue of me not having access. This was Google misleading the public. Breaking News: The Truth Uncovered Parmy Olson, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist broke the story yesterday. The Fallout from Google's Faked Video So now what? At a time when there is already a lack of trust in big tech and fear around the ethical use of AI, this type of PR is not helping anyone. Not only is it detrimental to Google but, in my humble opinion, all of tech. Reddit's Perspective It was interesting to read through comments on Reddit which are summarized below. General Disappointment and Accusations of Misrepresentation: Many users express frustration and disappointment, with some even labeling Google's actions as fraudulent. There's a sense of betrayal, especially among those who shared the video with peers and teams, expecting groundbreaking AI capabilities. Criticism of the Demo's Authenticity: Users criticize the editing and staging of the demo, noting that it was not a real-time interaction but rather a compilation of cherry-picked, edited responses. This criticism extends to Google's history of similar actions in past product demonstrations. Concerns Over Misleading Technology Representation: Commenters point out the significant difference between the demo's portrayal and the actual capabilities of the technology. There's a sense that the video was designed to mislead viewers about the AI's real-time interaction capabilities. Skepticism and Previous Experiences: Some users express skepticism, stating they suspected the demo was faked. Others mention Google's previous AI and technology demonstrations, suggesting a pattern of behavior. Impact on Stock and Legal Implications: A few comments mention the impact of the news on Google's stock price and the potential interest of regulatory bodies like the SEC. Comparisons to Other Companies and Technologies: Some users draw comparisons to other companies known for overhyping their technologies, hinting at a broader issue in the tech industry. Privacy Policy Considerations in AI Tools Aside from the misleading video, anyone using Bard should also consider the privacy policy. What is happening with the information you put in these conversations? I clicked the link to the Privacy Policy and then asked Bard, "Help me understand what I should pay attention to the privacy policy?" You can check out the conversation here: https://g.co/bard/share/dbd44cf38ffe Bard vs. ChatGPT: A Privacy Overview Going one step further, I asked both ChatGPT and Bard to compare privacy policies from Open AI and Google. A couple of findings stood out for me and this is directly from Bard. Data Usage: There are differences in how OpenAI and Google handle user data. OpenAI primarily uses user data to improve its service, while Google integrates user data with its broader ecosystem, which could lead to additional uses like advertising or personalized recommendations. Data Retention: OpenAI offers users more control over deleting their data, while Google retains user conversations for a longer period, even after they are deleted from the user's interface. Innovation & Integrity in Tech In conclusion, the Gemini PR Debacle serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and integrity in the tech world. As we navigate uncharted waters of AI advancement, it becomes increasingly important to critically examine the information presented to us. This incident not only casts a shadow on Google's credibility but also raises broader questions about transparency and ethics in AI development. Would love to hear your thoughts. What would you tell Google? And how does the company bounce back from this? Additional Information: Early impressions of Google’s Gemini aren’t great Google’s Gemini isn’t the generative AI model we expected

It's hard to admit, but I haven't always been a fan of Thanksgiving. To me, gratitude was a daily practice, not something to be saved for a particular date on the calendar. Not to mention, I don't eat turkey! But this year I have a new attitude and can finally see why holidays like Thanksgiving matter so much. Work schedules, activities, long distances can all make family gatherings nearly impossible. Thanksgiving provides the framework and permission we need to pause, to come together and reflect on what truly matters. This morning, with a newfound excitement for the Thanksgiving spirit, I collaborated with ChatGPT to craft a gratitude list in the format of a poem. Sharing thanks through poetry Hey, let's talk about this year, 2023, Kind of a wild ride, but here's what it meant to me. Family first, always there, steady as the tide, Parents, sons, cousins - right by my side. Old pals, you know, they're like gold, Laughing and dancing, never gets old. A safe home, through storms and long nights, And our health, shining like a guiding light. Leaning into the realm of AI, sure was something new, But you know what? It’s the people that got me through. Every new face, a story, a lesson to learn, Human conversations, life’s real treasures I discern. Sunrises and sunsets, nature’s daily art, Good sleeps, waking up fresh, ready for a new start. My little sister from Big Brothers Big Sisters, she's a blast, Teaching me that joy, like childhood, can always last. And walks - sometimes alone, sometimes with friends, Or with a podcast, where the mind bends and extends. Just thinking, talking, living life in stride, In every moment, finding peace or a guide. So, here's my list, just talking to you, For all these things, my gratitude's true. In this dance of a year, with all its twists and turns, It's the simple, real stuff where my heart yearns. That's my poem for 2023. I thought it fitting to share that on Thanksgiving eve, the sunset sky was a work of art. And I'm grateful I happened to be in a place at that moment with such an incredible view. What would your gratitude poem look like? Why not take a few minutes and write your own personal gratitude poem. You don't need the paid version of ChatGPT to do it. Just type in some phrases about your year, the ups and downs, memorable experiences or moments. If you like the output you could even share with your family at your Thanksgiving feast. If you do collaborate with ChatGPT or a generative AI tool like it, you can ask for the poem to be serious or humorous, conversational or formal. You could ask for a limerick or a sonnet or just anything poetic. Would love to hear how your gratitude poems turn out! Feel free to add them in the comments.

The focus of today’s blog is change. We live in a world where change is the only constant. There are changes we foresee, and those we never see coming. There are changes that happen gradually, and those that happen abruptly. Some changes we understand the context. Some we’re left to wonder. Case in point, Friday's breaking news that Sam Altman was out as the CEO of OpenAI. The world was stunned. This story continued to develop over the weekend taking more unexpected twists and turns. Here's a link to the Bloomberg News Sunday headline, OpenAI Negotiations to Reinstate Altman Hit Snag Over Board Board Role . Maybe someday there will be a TV series (documentary or docudrama) giving us a behind the scenes look at what went down at OpenAI. For now, this whole concept of change ties well into the blog I originally planned to post before the news broke. It's all about why you need to make sure to account for change with anything you do in life including when you're using AI models and generative AI tools. How will you continue to monitor your outputs for accuracy? What’s acceptable for when the output misses the mark? What's the risk if it's wrong? I started thinking about this based on a task I’d had been giving to ChatGPT. My usual request? "In the role of a New York Times Op-Ed Editor, critique this draft." For a while, we were an incredible team. But in my experience over past few months, I’ve noticed the quality of ChatGPT edits going downhill faster than skier Lindsay Vonn. Was it just me? Maybe. So I set out to informally survey a handful of others and found out they too were feeling like ChatGPT was starting to spin out the same tired phrases, sounding more and more like a robot and less like the human voice it once seemed to mirror so well. Then this happened. Out of the blue, someone liked a blog post I had written back in April of 2012. Upon receiving the notification, I couldn’t resist going back and rereading the old post titled, "Perfect Shmerfect, Is anything in life really perfect outside of baseball?". As I was reading it a few things stood out. #1 - The topic I wrote about more than a decade ago had stood the test of time. It still doesn't make sense to strive for perfection, at least as a human in most instances. #2 - The seethinktry.com blogs were all written long before ChatGPT existed and long before I ever used spellcheck or Grammarly. Each blog post was unapologetically me – no AI-generated words or phrases. Fast forward to 2023, where I've been using ChatGPT as my editorial sidekick. Review this, critique that, help come up with a better intro paragraph. For me, ChatGPT became like an extra strength aspirin, pop two when the brain started to hurt, and BAM, immediate writing relief. For a while it was the perfect dose of inspiration and timely feedback to help this entrepreneur get her feet wet writing about some topics she was just learning about. It helped provide courage having a robot review and critique my work before I clicked publish. But what started as a great mix of human and robot collaboration, was now starting to give me a headache. Did I build up a tolerance to the creative medicine generative AI injected? I'd specifically tell ChatGPT to exclude words and phrases like, “Deep Dive”, “Delve Deep”, “Game-Changing”. No luck. ChatGPT continued to sneak those words in. What was I doing wrong? Why might this be happening. I asked ChatGPT for help explaining it in a way that everyday people could understand. And I found the below explanations to be quite helpful. Model Training and Updates: Think of AI like a smartphone app that gets regular updates. Sometimes a new update can change how your favorite feature works. For instance, imagine if after an update, your photo app started editing pictures in a style you're not used to. Similarly, updates to AI models like ChatGPT can change how they respond, and they might start giving you different types of answers than before. Adaptive Learning Limitations: Imagine teaching your dog a new trick, but instead of learning to do it better over time, your dog keeps doing the trick the exact same way, even if it’s not perfect. AI models learn from interactions, but they might not improve or vary their responses like a human or a pet would. If you keep asking similar questions, the AI might keep giving you the same type of answers. Data Saturation: Consider a chef who only cooks with the same set of ingredients every day. Eventually, all the dishes start to taste similar. If you keep asking an AI the same type of questions, it's like using the same ingredients; the AI's responses might become repetitive and less creative, like a chef running out of new recipes. Increased Usage and Common Phrasing: Imagine a popular new slang term everyone starts using. Soon, you hear it everywhere, and it begins to lose its uniqueness. As more people use AI tools, the AI picks up on common phrases and starts using them more, much like how popular slang words get overused. Feedback Mechanisms: If you’re learning a new skill, like playing the guitar, getting different types of feedback helps you improve. If everyone tells you the same thing, you might miss out on other ways to get better. For AI, varied and constructive feedback is important. Without it, the AI's ability to come up with different and better responses might not grow, just like a guitar player might not improve without diverse feedback. To wrap things up, it's important for all of us to remember that nothing is static. Everything in life is evolving from tech company leadership, to the stock market, to football team rosters. Who would have predicted Joshua Dobbs joining the Vikings this season, coming off the bench and immediately leading the team to two straight victories. Life obstacles and innovations challenge us to adapt, rethink our approaches and in general to be open to what's next. Change, after all, isn't just about the new paths we tread. It's how we evolve while walking them. Would love your thoughts on all of this and how we can make change less scary! If you enjoyed this blog, please click the heart to like it and share with your friends and family. And if you have any questions you would like to ask, or something you are curious about, please don't hesitate to reach out for a 30 minute discovery call.

It's November, and I'm feeling oh so thankful. Thankful for the usual suspects – family, friends, health and happiness. But this year, I'm adding a couple of extra guests to my gratitude dinner table: the sparkling new ChatGPT features and my latest TV crush, Apple TV's “Lessons in Chemistry.” Hold that thought about my TV obsession, because first, let's talk tech. “What's this new GPT thing?” you might ask? It's OpenAI's latest tool available to paid subscribers where you get a magic wand to conjure up your own custom bot. And guess what? You don't need a college degree or even a high school diploma to get it to work. Seriously, all you need is an imagination. For me, I thought wouldn't it be nice if I had a 24/7 cheerleader. Being an entrepreneur is hard. Editing and re-editing this blog felt like being stuck in a hamster wheel of overthinking. That's when I created my first custom bot, Empower Maven. Here's a behind the scenes look at how Empower Maven came to life. All of the instructions you see in the image below came from yours truly. I get a smile just from rereading them. When you tell ChatGPT swearing is encouraged you get "tasteful swearing". As far as the steps I followed to create this bot. Told the bot what I wanted. Tested how it worked in a preview pane. Reviewed the results. Provided feedback like, "too boring, not sassy enough." Retested (a few more times) In production, here's what Empower Maven looks like. This week it was a lifesaver with a great tip to help me unravel my jumbled spaghetti brain of ideas into something digestible. Empower Maven crowned me a "Word Warrior." Hey, I'm not complaining! Next up I needed a boss. Not just any boss. I wanted a kinder, gentler reflection of myself - one less critical, less fearful. I can't tell you how many tasks I've avoided or delayed out of fear of judgment. Here's where my second bot comes in, Entrepreneurial Guide, whose job it is to keep me on track, boldly facing tasks I'm challenged to complete. What's the secret sauce behind Entrepreneurial Guide? I love that it addresses the user as badass entrepreneur. And here's an example of how it told me to prioritize my week. By the time you read this, I will have finally stopped second-guessing the contents of this blog, and I will have hit 'Publish'. As you are reading this, I'm doing a Happy Dance. Task #1, consider yourself conquered. With a couple of bots under my belt, I like to think this bot breakout story is just getting started. I'd be thrilled if you'd take these bots for a spin and share your thoughts. It's important to note, you'll need be on the paid OpenAI plan to do so. And hey, if you're itching to build your own bot, I would love to help you start. There are some important things to consider around who could have access to the information you use to train it. And I can walk you through that. Before I sign off, let me share why I'm so fascinated with the character of Elizabeth Zott from “Lessons in Chemistry”. She embodies the courage, intellect, and boldness I aspire to in my own journey. Elizabeth doesn't just walk the path less traveled – she blazes it. Her belief in her own skills, her sheer refusal to be boxed in by others' expectations, and her intense dedication to her work hits home. She's a shining example for anyone who’s ever wanted to boldly be themselves and stand strong in their own value. Seeing her, I'm reminded of what I aim for – to have the guts to be different, to own my uniqueness, and to chase after my goals with everything I've got, AI and all. Imagining a conversation with her, I asked ChatGPT: What would Elizabeth Zott say to Lori about her mission with Lorignite? Lori, your journey with Lorignite is not merely a venture; it's a pivotal step in transforming how the world perceives and interacts with AI. Every significant scientific breakthrough began as a hypothesis. Your mix of journalism's storytelling prowess and technological savvy is a unique formula for success. As you work to unravel AI's mysteries, remember, pioneers like you pave the way for a future that's more informed and empowered. The foundation you lay today is a stepping stone for tomorrow's advancements. And with those words of imagined wisdom from my role model, I'm off to tweak Empower Maven to channel a bit of Elizabeth Zott's spirit. Because who wouldn't want a dash of her directness in their life? If you’re feeling inspired or just have thoughts to share, drop a comment below. Click the heart if this made you smile, and don’t forget to follow for more adventures in ChatGPT and beyond. Let’s keep talking and learning from one another!

🎉 Big news, everyone – The new refreshed Lorignite.com website is up and running and I'm excited to share the story behind it. My initial DIY site? Let's be real; it was a placeholder. A spot to park my thoughts and brand until I could do it justice. It was good for what it was – a starting point. The motivation to reimagine came in October with two speaking engagements on the horizon for early November. If people were going to see my website for the first time, I wanted them to get a good impression. My first order of a business, entering Lorignite.com into BingChat and asking "Please review this website and let me know what could be done to improve it.". Bam! Within seconds, BingChat delivered a list of things my site was missing starting with the home page. Home page: Your home page should have a clear and compelling headline that summarizes what you do and how you can help your visitors. You should also have a subheadline that expands on your value proposition and a call to action button that invites them to book a free discovery call with you. You can use testimonials, success stories, logos of your clients, or social proof to build trust and credibility. You can also add a video of yourself introducing your services and explaining why you’re the best choice for them. For example, you can check out this website for inspiration. Next, armed with BingChat's intel on the must-haves and must-dos, I tag-teamed with ChatGPT. I fed ChatGPT what BingChat suggested and what evolved was a brainstorming ping-pong match – ideas bouncing back and forth, shaping pages, sculpting layouts, and fine-tuning words and phrases. It was collaboration with a capital 'C'. ChatGPT listened and adapted, shaping my website's content as I provided more of my story—my experience, unique services and testimonials. I would have driven a human counterpart crazy during this process, but ChatGPT never tired of my endless "What about this?" moments. One of my favorite parts of this whole project was figuring out the company's vision and mission values. I typed in a bunch of words and thoughts that were circling in my brain and asked ChatGPT to help me make sense of it. You can see how it turned on the Human Touch page. While ChatGPT helped me shape and document my vision, I then turned over those requirements to a human to do the actual development and configuration. Thuy Phamova took the AI's framework and painted it with the colors of my brand, bringing a personal touch that only a human could. Thuy was a referral from a friend and she turned out to be an incredible partner. Next up was feedback. I am admittedly challenged in the proofreading department so I connected with Settle Haven, a home and small business support services company, which was co-founded by a friend and former co-worker. Settle Haven came through big time on the quality assurance side. From highlighting a background video that was too jumpy (we switched it), ensuring footnotes were present on every page (we missed one) and even calling out some spacing and text inconsistencies. This journey taught me that AI, like Bing Chat and ChatGPT, can be more than just tools; they can be companions in the creative process. AI got the ball rolling, but it was human elbow grease that brought it home. I invite you to explore the new website, share your thoughts, and stay tuned for more stories and tips on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT. Together, let's see what's possible in this era of human-AI collaboration. Would love to hear your stories. Visit Lorignite.com