Category: Innovation

AI vs. Human-Generated Content in Blogging: The Battle for the Future of Online Publishing

Background

While reading through my follower’s comments and feedback on recent posts, one follower had a question that I expect many authors are receiving because of the recent buzz around AI. And yet while it was a bit of an odd query, as it wasn’t questioning the accuracy of the “what” (ex. content, or the intent) in the post, it was focused on the “who” (ex. AI, versus Human) and the question was a simple “Is this created via AI or a human”. My initial reaction was that this was a troll looking to spam the comment section. Were they questioning the accuracy of the information, did they feel that they are not getting value from the material (these blog posts are free to the follower/subscriber), ultimately I was perplexed.

Then I thought, maybe the comment was from someone that grew up in the age of hardcover dictionaries and had a multi-volume encyclopedia on their bookshelf and became frustrated watching the next generation using Google and the internet for research. As we have discussed in many previous posts, the adoption of large leaps in technology is difficult for some. Many that went to school prior to the internet and now are first hearing of AI, will naturally be sceptical of the technology and question whether it is cheating and can it be trusted. So rather than ignore the comment, we can explore it a bit further.

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the lines between human-generated content and artificial intelligence (AI) generated content are becoming increasingly blurred. As AI technology advances, it’s important to explore the differences between the two content creation methods in terms of quality, efficiency, and the overall user experience. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of AI-generated content versus human-generated content and discuss the potential future of blog posts in the age of AI.

The Difference Between AI and Human-Generated Content

  1. Creativity and Originality

Human-generated content benefits from the unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences of the individual writer. This often leads to more creative, engaging, and emotionally resonant content. On the other hand, AI-generated content is created using algorithms based on pre-existing data, which can limit originality and creativity. However, many believe that AI removes any underlying bias that a human may foster on the topic.

  1. Time and Efficiency

AI-generated content can be produced at a much faster rate than human-generated content. This is especially advantageous for businesses that need to create large amounts of content in a short time. However, the quality and accuracy of AI-generated content can vary, and it may require editing and revisions from a human. This is why a review and edit of all content being created is still required.

  1. SEO and Keyword Optimization

Both AI and human-generated content can be optimized for search engine performance. However, AI-generated content has the advantage of being able to analyze and incorporate keyword data more quickly and efficiently than humans.

Pros and Cons of AI vs. Human-Generated Content in Blog Posts

AI-generated Content:

Pros:

  • Faster content creation
  • Cost-effective for businesses with significant content demands
  • Efficient keyword optimization

Cons:

  • Limited creativity and originality
  • Potential for inaccuracies or lack of context
  • It may require human editing and revision

Human-generated Content:

Pros:

  • Unique perspectives and creativity
  • Emotionally resonant content
  • A better understanding of context and nuance

Cons:

  • Slower content creation process
  • Higher cost for businesses
  • Time-consuming keyword optimization

The Future of Blog Posts in the Age of AI

As AI technology continues to advance, we can expect AI-generated content to become more sophisticated and human-like. This could lead to an increased reliance on AI for content creation in various industries. However, human-generated content will still hold value, particularly in areas where creativity, personal experience, and emotional resonance are crucial.

In the future, we may see a hybrid approach to content creation, where AI-generated content is used as a starting point, and human writers are brought in to add creativity, context, and polish. This collaboration between AI and human creators could lead to a more efficient content creation process while still maintaining the unique qualities that only human-generated content can provide.

Conclusion

The debate between AI-generated content and human-generated content will likely continue as AI technology evolves. While AI-generated content offers benefits in terms of speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, human-generated content still holds the edge when it comes to creativity, emotional resonance, and context. The future of blogging may lie in a balance between the two, with AI and human creators working together to produce high-quality, engaging content that appeals to readers and search engines alike.

Balancing AI and Human Touch in Customer Experience Management

Introduction

In the modern business landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an indispensable tool for improving customer experience (CX) management. However, striking the right balance between automated and human-powered solutions is crucial to achieve optimal results. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using AI in CX management, when to automate or manually execute tasks, and the various areas where AI can be applied. Additionally, we will discuss the expected timeline for effective AI deployment in customer experience management.

Advantages of AI in Customer Experience Management

  1. Personalization: AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of customer data to provide tailored product recommendations, promotions, and messaging. This level of personalization enhances the customer experience and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
  2. Faster Response Times: AI chatbots and virtual assistants can provide instant assistance to customers, which reduces wait times and improves overall satisfaction.
  3. 24/7 Availability: AI systems can offer round-the-clock customer support, ensuring that customers receive help whenever they need it.
  4. Cost Reduction: By automating routine tasks, AI can help businesses save on labor costs and allocate human resources to more strategic activities.
  5. Improved Analytics: AI-driven analytics can identify patterns and trends in customer behavior, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize their CX strategies.

Disadvantages of AI in Customer Experience Management

  1. Limited Emotional Understanding: Despite advancements in AI technology, machines still struggle to interpret and respond appropriately to complex emotions and nuanced situations.
  2. Miscommunication: AI chatbots and virtual assistants may sometimes misunderstand customer queries or provide irrelevant information, leading to customer frustration.
  3. Data Privacy Concerns: The widespread use of AI in CX management can raise privacy concerns, as customers may be hesitant to share personal information with automated systems.
  4. Job Displacement: The automation of CX tasks can lead to job displacement, as human roles may become obsolete in the face of AI-powered solutions.

When to Automate and When to Rely on Human Intervention

Automation should be employed in routine, repetitive tasks, such as handling frequently asked questions, processing refunds, and updating customer information. These tasks can be easily managed by AI systems, which allows human employees to focus on more complex and strategic activities.

Human intervention is necessary when addressing emotionally-charged situations, resolving complex issues, and providing personalized, empathetic support. In such cases, human agents can better understand the nuances of customer emotions and provide tailored solutions that satisfy their needs.

Areas of AI Exploration in Customer Experience

  1. Full Exploration:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Analyzing customer feedback to understand their emotions and satisfaction levels.
    • Conversational AI: Developing more sophisticated chatbots and virtual assistants capable of handling complex queries.
    • Predictive Analytics: Leveraging AI to predict customer behavior and tailor CX strategies accordingly.
  2. Nice to Have:
    • AI-generated Content: Using AI to create personalized marketing content, although it may lack the creativity of human-generated content.
    • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automating back-office tasks to support the customer experience, though not directly impacting customer interactions.

Effective AI Deployment Timeline

An effective AI deployment in customer experience management can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the organization’s size, existing infrastructure, and resources. Factors influencing the timeline include data availability and quality, system integration, staff training, and ongoing monitoring and optimization.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize customer experience management by automating routine tasks, offering personalized experiences, and providing valuable insights. However, striking the right balance between AI-powered solutions and human intervention is essential for optimal results. By carefully selecting the areas where AI can be most effective and maintaining a human touch where necessary, businesses can harness the benefits of AI while minimizing its drawbacks. It is important to continually assess and optimize AI deployment in customer experience management to ensure a seamless integration of technology and human expertise, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. Ultimately, the key to success lies in finding the right mix of automation and human interaction, allowing organizations to deliver exceptional customer experiences in an increasingly competitive market.

Embracing the Future: How AI Will Transform Our Lives for the Better (and the Challenges Along the Way)

Introduction

As we move deeper into the 21st century, artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at an unprecedented pace. From self-driving cars to virtual assistants, AI is becoming an integral part of our daily lives. While some may argue that this technology poses potential risks, it is undeniable that AI holds the power to transform humanity towards a more exciting and enjoyable lifestyle. In this blog post, we will explore the ways in which AI is changing the world for the better, as well as the challenges we must overcome to ensure a harmonious future.

Benefits of AI Advancements

Improved Healthcare
AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data has led to significant advancements in healthcare. From diagnostics to drug discovery, AI is revolutionizing the medical field. AI-powered algorithms can analyze medical images with higher accuracy and speed than human experts, leading to early detection and treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, AI is accelerating the development of personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genetic makeup and medical history.

Enhanced Education
AI is revolutionizing the way we learn and teach. With adaptive learning platforms and AI-powered tutors, students can receive personalized education tailored to their learning styles and needs. This technology has the potential to bridge the gap between students from different backgrounds and ensure equal access to high-quality education.

Environmental Sustainability
AI is playing a significant role in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices. AI-powered systems can optimize energy consumption, monitor and predict natural disasters, and help us better understand and protect ecosystems. Additionally, AI can contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation systems, reducing our carbon footprint.

Automation and Productivity
AI-powered automation has the potential to improve productivity across various industries. By taking over mundane, repetitive tasks, AI allows humans to focus on more creative and complex work. In the long run, this can lead to increased innovation and overall economic growth.

Challenges of AI Advancements

Job Displacement
One of the primary concerns surrounding AI is its potential to displace human workers. While AI can undoubtedly increase productivity, it may also lead to job losses in certain sectors. It is crucial for governments and organizations to develop policies and retraining programs to help workers transition into new roles in the evolving job market.

Data Privacy and Security
As AI relies heavily on data, concerns surrounding data privacy and security have grown. Ensuring the responsible and ethical use of data is essential to maintain public trust in AI systems. Governments and companies must establish guidelines and regulations to protect users’ privacy and prevent potential misuse of data.

AI Bias
AI algorithms can inadvertently reinforce existing biases present in the data they are trained on. This can lead to unfair and discriminatory outcomes, particularly in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice. It is vital for developers and researchers to be aware of these biases and develop strategies to minimize their impact on AI systems.

Ethical Concerns
As AI becomes increasingly sophisticated, ethical concerns arise. The development of autonomous weapons and surveillance technologies has raised questions about the potential abuse of AI. It is essential for governments and organizations to establish ethical frameworks that guide the development and use of AI technologies.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence holds the key to unlocking a more exciting and enjoyable lifestyle for humanity. From improved healthcare and education to environmental sustainability and increased productivity, the benefits of AI are immense. However, we must also address the challenges that come with AI advancements, including job displacement, data privacy, AI bias, and ethical concerns. By proactively addressing these issues, we can ensure that AI continues to improve our lives and shape a better future for all.

AI Disparity and Its Consequences in Regulating the Technology

Recently, various countries have enacted laws / bans, or started to consider putting regulations on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). This is applauded by some, and cautioned by others. While advancement in AI is inevitable, an outright ban may have dire consequences to those that seek to go in that direction.

This post discusses what could happen if various countries ban the advancement of artificial intelligence while others encourage its rapid expansion, and the several possible consequences that could arise:

Global power imbalance: Countries that embrace AI will likely experience significant economic and technological advantages. These benefits could include increased productivity, reduced costs, and improvements in fields like healthcare, education, and transportation. Countries that ban AI may fall behind in these areas, leading to an imbalance of global power and influence.

Brain drain: Top AI researchers and experts might migrate from countries that ban AI advancements to those that support its development. This brain drain could exacerbate the technological divide between countries and cause the countries with restrictive policies to fall even further behind in AI research and application.

Ethical and regulatory disparities: Countries that embrace AI may develop their own ethical and regulatory frameworks to govern AI systems. These frameworks may differ significantly from one another, creating inconsistencies in AI governance and complicating international cooperation and standards.

Unequal access to AI benefits: The global population may experience unequal access to the benefits of AI, depending on their country’s stance on AI development. This could exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones, with citizens of AI-supporting countries enjoying higher standards of living and access to cutting-edge technology, while those in AI-restrictive countries lag behind.

Security risks: Countries that advance AI could develop sophisticated AI-powered cyber, military, and surveillance capabilities, which might lead to a new arms race. In this scenario, the risk of conflicts and cyberattacks could increase as countries compete for AI dominance.

Collaboration challenges: International collaboration on AI research and development may become more difficult, as countries with divergent AI policies struggle to work together. This could slow the progress of global AI initiatives and make it harder to address shared challenges like climate change, disease, and poverty.

Public opinion and perception: The disparity in AI development between countries could fuel differing public opinions on the technology, with some viewing it as a force for good and others as a threat. This divide may make it difficult to establish a global consensus on AI’s role in society.

Ultimately, the consequences of some countries banning AI while others encourage its expansion would depend on the specific policies enacted and the level of international cooperation. A fragmented global landscape could lead to significant imbalances, whereas a more collaborative approach could help mitigate potential negative outcomes. More to follow as this story evolves.

Sentient Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane for Small Businesses?

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed a significant leap from simple rule-based algorithms to sentient AI, capable of human-like thinking, decision-making, and self-awareness. This technological advancement has opened doors to endless possibilities, with small businesses poised to benefit from this breakthrough. However, as with any groundbreaking innovation, sentient AI brings with it both advantages and disadvantages. This blog post aims to explore the pros and cons of sentient artificial intelligence and how small businesses can harness its potential to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Advantages of Sentient AI

Improved Efficiency and Productivity: Sentient AI can streamline operations by automating repetitive tasks and processes, thus enabling employees to focus on more critical and value-adding activities. This increase in efficiency can lead to higher productivity levels and significant cost savings.

Enhanced Customer Service: Sentient AI-powered chatbots can deliver personalized and accurate customer service solutions, available 24/7. They can understand the customer’s needs and emotions, leading to more effective communication and higher customer satisfaction rates.

Data-driven Decision Making: Sentient AI can process vast amounts of data at an incredible speed, providing small businesses with crucial insights that can drive decision-making. Leveraging these data-driven insights can lead to better strategic planning and informed decisions.

Innovation and Creativity: Sentient AI can identify patterns and trends that may otherwise go unnoticed, driving innovation and creative problem-solving. This ability can help small businesses to develop new products, services, and business models that set them apart from competitors.

Disadvantages of Sentient AI

High Initial Investment: The development and implementation of sentient AI can be expensive, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. Additionally, the ongoing maintenance and upgrading of AI systems can add to the overall costs.

Job Displacement: As sentient AI can automate many tasks previously performed by humans, there is a risk of job displacement. Small businesses may face backlash from employees concerned about losing their jobs or being replaced by AI systems.

Ethical Concerns: The rise of sentient AI raises several ethical questions, such as the extent to which AI should be allowed to make decisions that impact human lives. Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy and the potential misuse of AI for malicious purposes.

Dependence on Technology: An overreliance on sentient AI could lead to decreased human critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. In the event of AI system failures, businesses may struggle to cope without the necessary human expertise.

Leveraging Sentient AI for Small Businesses

Despite the disadvantages, small businesses can still harness the power of sentient AI by taking the following steps:

Assess and prioritize AI implementation: Small businesses should identify the areas where sentient AI can add the most value and start by integrating AI solutions into those processes.

Invest in employee training and development: By upskilling employees to work alongside sentient AI, small businesses can mitigate job displacement concerns and create a workforce that can adapt to the evolving technology landscape.

Establish ethical guidelines: Developing a set of ethical guidelines for the use of sentient AI can help small businesses navigate the ethical concerns surrounding this technology and ensure responsible usage.

Maintain a balance between AI and human expertise: Small businesses should strike a balance between relying on sentient AI and preserving human expertise, enabling them to adapt to any potential technological failures and maintain operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The rise of sentient artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and challenges for small businesses. By carefully considering the advantages and disadvantages, small businesses can make informed decisions about integrating sentient AI into their operations, leveraging its potential for growth and success while mitigating potential risks.

AGI Revolution: Unleashing the Power of Artificial General Intelligence to Transform Society for the Better!

Picture a world where poverty, disease, and inequality are a distant memory. Imagine a society where humans and machines work together to create a better future for everyone. Welcome to the age of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)!

What is AGI? AGI, or Artificial General Intelligence, refers to highly autonomous machines with the ability to understand, learn, and perform any intellectual task that a human can do. It’s the ultimate AI breakthrough – a powerful force that will reshape our world in unimaginable ways.

Here are just a few ways AGI can revolutionize society for the better:

Superior Healthcare: AGI could vastly improve diagnostics, treatment plans, and drug development, making healthcare more efficient, personalized, and accessible to all.

Ending World Hunger: AGI-powered farming innovations can boost crop yields, reduce waste, and optimize supply chains to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.

Democratizing Education: AGI can offer personalized learning experiences, breaking down barriers to education and equipping people with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Saving the Environment: AGI can help us combat climate change by optimizing energy consumption, developing sustainable technologies, and monitoring ecological systems for signs of distress.

Job Creation: AGI will pave the way for new, high-quality jobs as humans and machines collaborate to address complex challenges and unlock new possibilities.

Collaboration and Innovation: AGI will serve as an invaluable partner, allowing us to tap into the combined strengths of human creativity and machine intelligence, solving problems and driving progress at an unprecedented scale.

The Path Forward: The AGI revolution presents us with an unparalleled opportunity to create a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world. It’s up to us to ensure that the development and deployment of AGI is guided by ethical principles, social responsibility, and a shared vision for the greater good.

Join the conversation and be a part of this groundbreaking journey! Together, we can harness the power of AGI to create a better future for all!

AGI #ArtificialGeneralIntelligence #TransformingSociety #FutureTech #AIRevolution

Quantum Leap: The Game-Changer in Today’s Tech Universe

Groundbreaking Developments in Quantum Computing and AI Merge for an Exhilarating Tech Adventure

In a world where technology evolves at breakneck speed, today was a day like no other. We witnessed a quantum leap in the tech universe that promises to reshape our digital landscape forever. From groundbreaking developments in quantum computing to AI’s astounding fusion with human intelligence, let’s dive into the exhilarating events that unfolded today.

First up, we had the stunning announcement from QuantumCorp, a trailblazer in quantum computing. They revealed their latest quantum computer prototype, the Q-Force X1, capable of solving complex calculations at a speed 100,000 times faster than conventional supercomputers. The Q-Force X1 not only promises to revolutionize industries such as cryptography, drug discovery, and climate modeling but also brings us one step closer to achieving quantum supremacy.

But that’s not all! Today, we also saw AI pioneer NeuraGen unveil their game-changing neural interface, the SynapseLink. This revolutionary device allows seamless communication between human brains and artificial intelligence. With SynapseLink, we can now harness the power of AI to augment our cognitive capabilities, opening up a new era of human-machine collaboration. Just imagine the possibilities: enhanced memory recall, lightning-fast decision-making, and even unlocking the potential of telepathy!

Moreover, the tech world is buzzing with the launch of the much-awaited 8G network. This next-gen wireless technology boasts unparalleled connectivity, ultra-low latency, and exponential bandwidth growth. Say goodbye to buffering and hello to immersive virtual experiences, real-time holographic communication, and a true Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.

And, as if today couldn’t get any more exciting, we witnessed a groundbreaking collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX. The two tech giants have joined forces to develop the first-ever autonomous electric vehicle designed for Mars exploration. This innovative rover, dubbed the Mars Mobility One (MM-1), will utilize Tesla’s cutting-edge battery technology and AI-driven navigation systems to traverse the Martian terrain with ease and efficiency.

So, there you have it – today’s mind-blowing events in the world of technology have left us breathless with anticipation for what the future holds. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, one thing is clear: we’re on the cusp of a brave new world, and there’s no turning back. Stay tuned for more exciting tech updates and breakthroughs as we boldly venture into the unknown.

AI Breaks Barriers, Space Travel Reimagined, and BioTech Marvels Unleashed

Today in the world of technology, we witnessed three groundbreaking events that are set to transform the way we perceive and interact with our world. From AI breakthroughs to space travel innovations and biotech marvels, we’re experiencing a technological renaissance that will leave you gasping for breath.

  1. AI Shatters Limits: The Singularity Approaches

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, today marked a pivotal moment in its development. A team of researchers unveiled their latest AI model, GPT-4.5, which demonstrated unprecedented cognitive capabilities, including self-awareness and empathy. This leap in AI development has raised both ethical and philosophical questions, as the line between human intelligence and machine intelligence continues to blur. As we stand on the brink of the technological singularity, the future of AI and its impact on society remain uncertain but undoubtedly fascinating.

  1. Reusable Rockets Revolutionize Space Travel

SpaceX has done it again, this time by successfully launching and landing the Falcon X, a fully reusable rocket designed to significantly reduce the cost of space travel. The Falcon X’s successful test flight today opens the door to affordable and sustainable space exploration, making interstellar tourism a reality in the not-so-distant future. With the Falcon X, we can now envision a future where humans establish settlements on Mars, mine asteroids for valuable resources, and explore the far reaches of our solar system. Hold onto your seats, because the final frontier just got a whole lot more accessible!

  1. Biotech Breakthrough: CRISPR 3.0 Reverses Genetic Diseases

In a historic breakthrough, scientists have unveiled CRISPR 3.0, a revolutionary gene-editing tool capable of reversing genetic diseases with pinpoint accuracy. This advancement allows for the elimination of genetic mutations responsible for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease. The successful application of CRISPR 3.0 in lab trials has ignited hope for millions of people worldwide suffering from debilitating genetic disorders. The dawn of a new era in biotechnology is upon us, where diseases once thought incurable are now within our reach to overcome.

As we wrap up this thrilling day in the realm of technology, it’s clear that we are witnessing the dawn of a new era. With AI pushing the boundaries of intelligence, space travel entering uncharted territories, and biotechnology unlocking new potentials, the future of our world is limited only by our imagination. Stay tuned for more astonishing developments as we continue to journey through this exciting technological landscape.

Technology: Centralized vs. Decentralized – What to Keep in Mind When Choosing

Centralized vs. Decentralized basic diagram

In this two-part series, I will cover the importance of understanding what, how, why and when centralized versus decentralized technology will impact how you interact with your audience / customers. The focus of messaging will be from a publish versus subscribe perspective.

As the debate over data ownership, privacy, monitoring and yes, even the freedom of speech intensifies, the dynamics and architecture of our technical platforms will become even more critical. Individuals and companies that are deciding how to develop, launch and support their products and services will need to think about their long-term vision and what type of control they (ex. Developers, Publishers, Influencers, Retailers) will require to ensure the items will be available when and where needed.

Differentiators

Centralized Technology: All users are connected to a central server that stores complete network data and user information.

Advantage: Standardization, Control, Administration and Monitoring – Usage Example: YouTube, Banking Systems

Disadvantage: Data Vulnerability (see Hackers), System Failure (Redundancy Required), Centralized (single point of attack)

In certain scenarios, the generic cloud computing model can be considered this type of technology, I’ll explain shortly. Typical Situation; Perhaps you have all of your technology (ex. applications, data, hardware) centrally located, at your home, or office. When you need to maintain, upgrade or retire the technology it is your responsibility to take care of it. You, in theory “own” the technology, infrastructure and any potential headaches / issues that may arrive with that responsibility. Yes, you may have a service agreement, or license that keeps you up to date and running, but the sole responsibility is in your hands.

Then in the mid-2000’s came the advent of the commercially available cloud platform, as I briefly mentioned and referenced above. Now you have the option to put the technology that you in theory “own” and all of the inherent issues (ex. updates, backups, scalability) into the hands of someone else, but obviously for a fee / subscription. This became a great option for those that wanted to ensure they had the latest software, hardware, availability and protection, especially from lost information, provided to them via an SLA (Service Level Agreement). All the usual players have stepped-up to offer these services, primarily since they already had the hardware (in most cases), resources and infrastructure available to be leveraged. The names you should be familiar with, Amazon AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure own the largest market share of this technology as of early 2021.

This offering has become ideal to those that do not want to invest in quickly outdated hardware and software, plus if you are selling products and services any downtime, or lost data (vendors often have backup/restore options) can be critical to your business. When adopted, you now own the creativity, business model, growth and vision, plus your products and services are available “on-demand” to the public, while the technology infrastructure and administration of it (to some, the unfortunate part of doing business) is being administered and executed by a 3rd party.

However, now I want to remind you of what was mentioned in the opening paragraph, regarding the long-term vision for your products and services. Always keep in mind that you are at the mercy of the Terms and Conditions of the contract you signed with your service provider. It is not uncommon for these T&C’s to be updated, or modified numerous times per year. You may receive an email with a 45 page PDF file attached, that is full of legal jargon, and you just click the <AGREE> button and never think twice about it. While your business model, products and services being offered may have not changed, there might have been a wave of cultural, political and social changes that now put your ideas, products and services out-of-favor and no longer something that your service provider wants to “support” via their infrastructure. Overnight, that centralized offering that you adopted with open hands may now be unavailable to you, your organization and the audience / customers you count on. The vendor ultimately is in the right, because you are no longer adhering to the Terms and Conditions of doing business with them, which you early agreed to in that email that you gave little attention to. Now you may be in trouble and starting to scramble for any option, or alternative that will keep you and your business afloat. Being proactive, versus reactive is the key to surviving the just-in-time climate that we are forced to live with.

In a centralized model, always ask yourself the following in advance:

How much control do I “need / want” over what is being offered from me, or my organization to the public (ex. Are my products, services deemed edgy, controversial, opinionated, trendy, or focused towards a particular audience)

How much control do I “have” over what is being offered by me, or my organization (ex. Are channels, comments, endorsements, feedback and input allowed without moderation)

If my platform, or vendor suddenly became unavailable, how would I respond and reach my audience / customers – Always have a backup and/or disaster recovery plan and options ready in case the inevitable happens

Do I know my audience / customer and their expectations – Is your business meeting the needs of your audience, or is it being constrained by the terms and conditions of the service provider

Do I understand the value of data, privacy, reputation and protecting it – This is not just for you and your organization, but also your audience and customers

In my next Post, I will explore Decentralization and summarize the advantages / disadvantages of each model.

What Could Have Been…

Did you ever have that idea that was so outstanding you were bursting with energy to let the world know all about? You were so confident that this was life-changing, it’s even unbelievable that no one else has even thought of this?

However, did you also know that your personality, or for that matter the members of your “Idea Team” were less than aggressive executioners (odd phrase) and risk-takers, meaning that the idea will never get off the runway, let alone the blueprint phase of putting it down in writing?

I live among individuals that are creative and ambitious, but not necessarily risk-takers. The ideas are often flowing at a rate that will make your head-spin, but a week later none of us can remember what that world changing concept was the previous week. Even worse, the ideas that needed “effort” beyond a concept, are left to die unceremoniously because someone needed to do “something” beyond ideation.

What makes a person pursue their idea, concept, or thoughts? I’m guessing it’s Passion…yes, you’re the one willing to go above-and-beyond the thought process to see your idea come to life. Does this mean sacrifice and heavens no, failure? Sure, that is what passion means…you’re willing to embody failure and feel the pain of embarrassment, if your cherished idea is not accepted with open arms by the unwashed of your audience. Do you give-up, no new iterations of the idea…back to brainstorming? – I’ve seen this too often to count.

But let’s say it is embraced, now what? I have witnessed colleagues that say “Excellent, let’s hire people to deliver this idea”without taking ownership in the growth and maturation of the concept. This is when the critical nature of “Passion” is called upon and all to often left to flounder. My colleagues had a great idea, but did not have the vision to develop the full roadmap that would bring it to fruition. The phrase “Passion” resonates once again in this scenario, while it may be easy to think of a concept, it’s much harder to foster its growth into a tangible deliverable.

This is where I will end for this post. I honestly believe people have great ideas, but too often lack the motivation to bring them to life. I think if you truly possess the passion to see you concept come to life, you need to ignore the inherent roadblocks (time, money, resources) the best you can, or forever regret what could have been.

As a side note, there are individuals/organizations willing to listen to fully vetted ideas, that may fund your pursuit if they feel you are passionate and have done the due-diligence. I would highly suggest the following sources to mature your idea, while fleshing out objections:

I will dive deeper into Design Thinking and Customer Journey Mapping in future blogs (that’s what I do for a living).