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Alexa Lampasona's avatar

So heartbreaking to see these publications lay off their staff. Thank you for making us aware of it, so we can be cognizant in our outreach. You're a great writer, I'm rooting for you to find new places for your stories!

On the ChatGPT front, the marketing team at my brand relies on it SO much, and I hate it. They find they still have to re-write everything, so it makes sense that CNET always has to issue corrections. I agree with you that interviews and long form features will never be able to written effectively with AI.

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Jill Schildhouse's avatar

Awww, thanks so much! So your marketing team must find SOME time-savings with using ChatGPT ... I guess that goes back to my theory that we'll be relying more on editors to clean up those robot results. What a world we live in all the sudden!

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Jenn Uy's avatar

Oh my gosh :/ This is heartbreaking.

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Sam's avatar

After seeing your poem, I had ChatGPT write a poem about how clients treat their PRs these days. Thought I'd share, lol!

Clients with demands so grand,

Forget that contractors are simply man.

They bark and shout and make demands,

But never stop to lend a hand.

They see us as just a tool to use,

A means to an end, with no excuse.

They treat us like we're not real,

But forget that we have hearts that feel.

We work hard, we give it our all,

But still, we're met with a critical call.

They treat us with disrespect and disdain,

As if we're not even worth the pain.

But we are human, with dreams and fears,

With families we hold so dear.

We are not just cogs in their grand machine,

But flesh and blood, with hearts that gleam.

So let us not forget this truth,

That behind every contractor, there's a youth.

A soul with hopes, with dreams, with love,

Deserving of dignity from up above.

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Jill Schildhouse's avatar

Ok, wow. Why do these robots seem to understand empathy and feelings?!

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Sam's avatar

Better than some humans too! Lol

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Sam's avatar

On a serious note after my poem, in terms of listicles, I feel like writers are still extremely necessary in selecting the actual products to be highlighted. I work in parenting/baby a lot, so I asked it 'What's the best breast pump?" and it responded with this:

The best breast pump is subjective and depends on personal needs and preferences. Some popular and highly rated options are the Spectra S1, Medela Pump in Style, Lansinoh Signature Pro, and the Elvie Double Electric Breast Pump. It's important to consider factors such as suction strength, ease of use, and portability when choosing a pump.

How is it selecting the products? If it's using Google search/rankings, won't editors/publications still want to highlight innovative, new brands? Plus does it take affiliate commissions, average cart sizes, conversion rates, etc. into account?

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Jan 30, 2023Edited
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Alesandra (Alice) Dubin's avatar

Hi Jane, I'd like to respond to your comment directly because it's important to correct the record. My story leads (and job opportunities, and recently published stories, and other resources) are always ALWAYS free and available to all subscribers. That will never change.

Since Thanksgiving, I have done 16 newsletter posts; 4 were paywalled and 12 were completely free. Only my additional industry insights (20+ years in media) ever require a paid subscription. (I really work hard to deliver the most possible value to supporters at all levels!)

Best of luck to you and everyone in media at this especially challenging and transitional time!

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