Time to read: 3:47 minutes
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1. One (marketing) Idea

"I think we have it backward with AI.
We should use AI to create the first draft and the human as the editor.
At least for content marketing."

That's wrong, I thought! I was fuming inside but held it in.

I wanted to explore why this person thought this.

As they shared, I suspended judgment as they mentioned things like speed and how that's where AI can have the most impact. I've used it that way before, so I can relate.

Let's try to steel man why this could be a useful tactic (before sharing a better way):

Benefits of using AI to write the first draft

It saves time and can better leverage "keywords" naturally. If done right.

Caveat: "Done right" means prompting the machine with the proper context uploaded (e.g., transcripts, customer job info, brand guide). And use human-in-the-loop prompting to get a better outcome.

Only then do you have useful fodder to edit.

Benefit 1: Save time

Writing the first draft is the third most feared thing, behind spiders and public speaking (I made that up). But we all dislike it.

And we slug 🐌 through it. So, to "skip" that part of the show is luring.

It allows us to focus on other things we can do better, like editing and strategy.

Benefit 2: Humans are better editors

Ask anyone who has had a human editor, and their writing hasn't been the same.

Even if it took a bit to take in all the constructive feedback. Human editors are sooo powerful.

The thought is that using AI to whip up a first draft frees us up to have more time and energy for editing. Where the magic of a written piece happens (IYKYK).

Benefit 3: You create more things

Are the things good? That's not for discussion (😉)

Using AI to create first drafts quickly allows you to create many of them. And with your extra time, you can edit more, too. Resulting in a higher output.

If the context is good enough (read a different essay for that), you can push out more content and reach more people. It's the dream of every content marketer (max quantity and quality).

But is it possible?

Continue reading this work-in-progress essay

2. One Quote

The best content comes from conversations.

Outside input is needed to create useful things (e.g., content).

"If you have something that will entertain your friends over a drink, you probably have the makings of a narrative that will sell somewhere." – Jack Hart (StoryCraft)

Jack's talking long-form articles and books. But I see two ways we can apply his advice:

1. Ask your friends (peers) about things you're going to create content on

Get their reactions. Ask what they find interesting. Dig deep.

2. Share your idea online to get your digital friends' reactions

Many creators use X or LinkedIn to share their ideas and get real-time feedback. Then, they can either create more of the concept or move on.

I find the best ideas are created together.

Like open-source, I believe we can go further together. If we are brave enough to share and be open to feedback.

And then pivoting based on that to create something better.

Better than initially imagined.

3. One Episode on Mental/Emotional Well-being

It's here...

Friends of On Marketing is FINALLY here.

With a friend and incredible human:

Marcella Chamorro!

We chat about so much, but here are a few main ideas:

1. Balancing work performance and personal well-being

2. Integrating inner work and outer work

3. The importance of soft skills in the future workplace

(Marcella is from Season 1, Episode 24)

Enjoy 👉 https://podcastonmarketing.transistor.fm/56

4. One (life) Idea

Do you know where the word Politics comes from?

I didn't until I had two friends share with me. It opened my eyes.

I always thought it was some high-order bs. Not anything related to or something I do daily.

The word "political" originates from the Greek word "politikós" (πολιτικός), which means "of, for, or relating to citizens" or "pertaining to public affairs." It derives from "polis" (πόλις), meaning "city" or "city-state," referring to the organized, collective life of a community. (ChatGPT)

We do this daily (albeit I don't do it well). I can't "skip out."

It also has a direct relation to my faith:

The early church was known as the ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), a Greek word meaning "assembly" or "gathering." In the Greco-Roman world, ekklesia often referred to a political assembly of citizens.

By using this term, the early church asserted its identity as a distinct and countercultural community with a different allegiance—not to the Roman Empire but to the Kingdom of God. (ChatGPT)

I LOVE THAT.

But how do I do that? Because this last election was HELL.

ChatGPT has some thoughts:

The early Christians' commitment to living according to the teachings of Jesus often led them to challenge social norms, such as the treatment of the poor, the role of women, and attitudes toward power and wealth.

This way of living sometimes put them at odds with the Roman authorities, leading to persecution, as their allegiance to Jesus was seen as a threat to the political and religious status quo.

One way is to be seen as a threat.

People don't like when you call them out. Contrarianism is a risk.

But I find it important to call out things that don't align with virtues.

And I find it important to love your neighbors (collective community).

I'm gonna work on improving my "political game."

Any help (books, podcasts) would be helpful 🙏

5. One Photo

HIKE!

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– JO (every second counts)