In a world where everything becomes smooth because of the unrelenting weight of incessant slop, sharp corners and spiky attributes stand out. They puncture the persistent malaise and that slop inflames and indicate signal as opposed to noise.
"Be yourself" is probably the best advice in this brave new world. David Foster Wallace comes to mind:
“What the really great artists do is they're entirely themselves. They're entirely themselves, they've got their own vision, they have their own way of fracturing reality, and if it's authentic and true, you will feel it in your nerve endings.”
At some point when reading, however, a thought popped up in my head. Yes, there are beautiful real-life feats that cannot be copied literally.
That said, almost anything that is real, visceral, and impressive, can be copied digitally. Because of AI advancements, especially the older less digital-native generations are already struggling with spotting AI copies. It will only get harder from now.
I saw those incredible wooden figures made by a guy with a chainsaw. He became popular through that on socials. With AI, multiple accounts like that popped up out of nowhere, making the profession a red ocean.
Of course, it's only a digital and not a real copy of the art. Still, I find it hard to see a way when reach is mostly online to make the reality of your craft (as an example) pay the bills long-term.
Not sure where I'm going here, woke up at 5am and wanted to use the time well (like reading a great article). Looking forward to a potential reply!
I understand the CTA is much bigger than a website design change, but this post did prompt me to change my website design, and I went from feeling so-so to loving it. Thank you for inspiring differentiation! 🫡
very timely essay.Age of AI is going to make differentiation much more challenging.You are right that it does not necessarily have to be expensive idea as "PUB PODCAST" but creative none the less.
Open question: Do you take a top-down approach of deciding in advance to be differentiated or do you go bottom's up and overtime by copying different styles and ideas, you find your differentiation through emergence?
Banger alert.
🚨🚨🚨
Really great distillation of one of life's biggest themes - "Don't aim to be the best, be the only."
This essay belongs under lock and key in the Antimemetics Division.
"This essay belongs under lock and key in the Antimemetics Division" is perfect.
In a world where everything becomes smooth because of the unrelenting weight of incessant slop, sharp corners and spiky attributes stand out. They puncture the persistent malaise and that slop inflames and indicate signal as opposed to noise.
"Be yourself" is probably the best advice in this brave new world. David Foster Wallace comes to mind:
“What the really great artists do is they're entirely themselves. They're entirely themselves, they've got their own vision, they have their own way of fracturing reality, and if it's authentic and true, you will feel it in your nerve endings.”
That quote is so good. Mad at myself for not including it now!
RIP to the true GOAT.
beautiful
thanks sehaj!
sending my peacock suit to the cleaners as we speak.
I love the underlying message.
At some point when reading, however, a thought popped up in my head. Yes, there are beautiful real-life feats that cannot be copied literally.
That said, almost anything that is real, visceral, and impressive, can be copied digitally. Because of AI advancements, especially the older less digital-native generations are already struggling with spotting AI copies. It will only get harder from now.
I saw those incredible wooden figures made by a guy with a chainsaw. He became popular through that on socials. With AI, multiple accounts like that popped up out of nowhere, making the profession a red ocean.
Of course, it's only a digital and not a real copy of the art. Still, I find it hard to see a way when reach is mostly online to make the reality of your craft (as an example) pay the bills long-term.
Not sure where I'm going here, woke up at 5am and wanted to use the time well (like reading a great article). Looking forward to a potential reply!
one of your best
Thanks man, I appreciate it
Great stuff
Thanks man!
Thank you for this timely piece as copy paste for almost everything is here
Thanks for reading it
I restacked your piece w a quick drawing in honor of your own effective visuals
Trends tell you what to potentially avoid (stylistically in the case of brand) and forces you to look in the mirror
I understand the CTA is much bigger than a website design change, but this post did prompt me to change my website design, and I went from feeling so-so to loving it. Thank you for inspiring differentiation! 🫡
Let’s go!
Packy
very timely essay.Age of AI is going to make differentiation much more challenging.You are right that it does not necessarily have to be expensive idea as "PUB PODCAST" but creative none the less.
Excellent writing.
Kudos!
Thank you! Hope you and the family are well.
I hope you’ll continue to add examples under this thesis. Great read.
Good call, and thank you!
Awesome post - just updated my profile picture to the SANS institute near Oxford. This is what it means to be a deep tech scientist! 🧬👩💻👩🔬
when are you differentiating?
Love the call for authentic differentiation
Open question: Do you take a top-down approach of deciding in advance to be differentiated or do you go bottom's up and overtime by copying different styles and ideas, you find your differentiation through emergence?
Man, the tech bros don't get what most of humanity is dealing with.