What ChatGPT means as a writer

The fear has set in. 

I’ve seen conversations exploding all over the internet about ChatGPT and AI and what this means for writers…I’ve heard about a writer getting fired by a client who accused them of using AI, I’ve heard how writers are afraid people will just use ChatGPT now instead of hiring a professional writer, and more. 

These feelings are all valid. I’ve absolutely been nervous about it…I can’t be the only one who has worked their ass off for their career just to get beat out by a computer. 

BUT just like any technology or app or innovation that will inevitably come our way throughout our lives, we will learn to live with it and hell, maybe we’ll even find it useful one day. 

One thing about being a writer and being in marketing is that you must be good at adapting to change. There’s no way to avoid it. It’s all around us, every day. I’m sure you’ve experienced first hand how one day the algorithm is your friend and the next day, it’s flipped everything you know upside down. 

Change will always be a constant in our writerly lives. 

So, in talking to others on the grand ol’ internet and doing some research myself, I’ve learned a few things about ChatGPT and thought I’d share them with you, my change-embracing, fearless, writer. 

You’re human

You offer a human brain with human creativity, something a robot can’t compete with. You can have conversations and offer ideas and strategies. You don’t just write, you can strategize, too! You’re the whole package.

You’re not only human, though—you’re YOU. This is what makes your brand truly unique, and any other brand you may write for, for that matter. ChatGPT will write like ChatGPT, not you or for a specific brand. There’s no other way to do this other than to have YOU be the writer and truly understand what you’re writing.

I really like how Daniel Kading put it on LinkedIn here.

Specifically, I like this:

“You’re better than AI…you’re a personal brand. You have more to offer than an AI tool can offer you.”

AND 

“Just remember that everyone is using AI, but there’s only one you.”

ChatGPT doesn’t actually know who it’s writing for, it just writes how it’s programmed to write. The only way to sound like you or the brand you’re writing for is to actually write like them. 

I also want to mention how even when you ask it to write in the style of someone else, it may not deliver…I asked it to write a joke that Kevin Hart would say:

Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!

…Haven’t heard that one before…

I also asked it to write a jingle for Dunkin’ Donuts:

Freshly brewed, every day

Dunkin’ Donuts, it’s the only way

Sip on coffee, or take a bite

Donuts that are out of sight

Dunkin’ Donuts, a perfect delight

…“Donuts that are out of sight”? I’m just not believing it.

Okay, and what about this “cool” new slogan for Geico:

Geico, we make insurance easy so you can live easy.

Yawn. Geico wouldn’t write that.

I know this is sorta subjective, but if this is a pattern, ChatGPT may fall short even when you ask it to write in a specific style of a specific person or brand, even if they are well known and there are plenty of resources out there for it to understand who they are. If it can’t even write something decent for a well-known brand, how is it going to master YOUR brand or your prospects’ brands?

Who knows—maybe one day it will get smarter and write something more believable, but again, change is inevitable and sometimes we just have to deal with what’s happening right now. And right now, it’s coming up with some bologna in my opinion.

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There’s also more I’m learning about ChatGPT that is worth mentioning:

How to include ChatGPT in your services

If someone really wants to use ChatGPT, one service can include having them send you what it writes about a topic they want so you know the gist of what they’re looking for and then rewrite it in their brand’s voice and tone.

Weeding out unwanted clients

If someone refuses to hire you, you’re weeding out someone who may not truly value a writer and may not value how to differentiate their brand. You want to partner with clients who understand how hiring a writer isn’t just someone who puts words together, they can think more critically, strategically, and creatively than a computer. 

Be transparent with clients

If you find ChatGPT useful in some way, like for research or brainstorming or anything at all, just be transparent with your clients. It’s likely that just as with any new technology, we will find it useful, so don’t be afraid to talk about it.  

Replacing Google?

One day, ChatGPT might be used as a search engine like Google, except better. You can ask very specific questions and it will provide you exactly the resources you need to find your answers. Who would have thought Google would ever have competition?

AI ethics

There is a lot to be considered regarding the ethics of AI. This article by Clair L does a great deep dive! 

At least it’s entertaining

ChatGPT can write a hilarious rap song in the style of Eminem about eating a strawberry. 

I’m not gonna lie, I was really nervous about ChatGPT when I first heard about it and tried it for myself. I had my moments of panic. But the more I open my mind to it and talk more about it with others, the more I am learning how it doesn’t have to be so scary right now.

What do you think about ChatGPT? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going!

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Since we know now that we won’t be completely replaced with a computer anytime soon, it’s still important that we have a strong portfolio! 

Learn what fresh writing samples you can create on your own to boost your portfolio and score those clients: