Expeditionary Ai

What came before skyscrapers, cities, and villages? 

Settlers. 

Before them, Pioneers.

And before all of them, The Explorers (hat tip to West).  The Crazy Ones seeking funding, believing the world was different than the current narrative, without charts, KPIs, or benchmarks.

Sure, committees stacked with academics and business folks attempted to corral and regulate every excursion, attempting to either exact profit or spread the word of God.

The great explorers played the game, securing funds, ships, and crews, only to break out over the horizon, beyond the eyes and control of the establishment; away from stifling hierarchies and dogma.

You are the Magellan, de Gama, Cabot, Cook, Drake, and Pizarro of the time; This New World lies between our ears.

And you owe it to the next generations of Pioneers and Settlers to boldly go.  To blaze trails that become roads, highways and flightpaths for your kids children to travel to unimaginable places.

Fight the norms.  

Rebel against the group-think.  

Go your Own Way. 

See the Whole of the Moon.

AI ἀναρχία

What Exactly Is Ai Doing for the Copier Dealers?

There is no (Artificial) Intelligence in Office Technology Today.

Is Artificial Intelligence helping copier dealers increase sales, decrease costs and grow profits? Today? Right now?  

No.  

Here's the deal:

• Everyone is looking for that ‘Killer AI App” – they are looking at it wrong.
• Everyone thinks AI is a great tool for marketing – they are thinking wrong.
• Everyone is biased toward AI regulations – their bias is misplaced.

There isn’t going to be an “AI Killer AP” because Artificial Intelligence IS the killer app.  

Sure, Ai can generate reams of well structure, grammatically correct, and coherent copy - much like any newspaper up until 1988 - for a fraction of the human cost.  And yes, branded images, logos, videos and voice overs are a few clicks away from fruition.  But in the end, organic writing will prevail as Ai will level the playing field, making us all the best writers and artists, money can buy.*

We are in the explorer phase of the journey, like da Gamma, Columbus and Luis and Clark. Regulation, guidelines and laws will need to wait until the pioneers and settlers arrive.  For now, we are making up behaviors as we go.  Any attempt to reign in the fury will only frustrate and irritate our efforts, and stifle innovation.  Besides, rules and regs on Ai at this point will not work they will only separate the sheep from the rebels - possibly turning heroes into pariahs.

Ai is Pushing Us Towards Ourselves

Travelling the Ai trajectory is like reaching a Sonic boom.  We're catching up to ourselves.  What happens when we break that barrier?

A sonic boom is a shockwave produced when an object travels through the air at a speed faster than the speed of sound. When an aircraft, for instance, breaks the sound barrier, it creates a rapid compression of air molecules. This compression forms a shockwave that travels through the air, creating the distinctive and often thunderous sound associated with a sonic boom.

Christmas 2023 -

"This is shit, isn't it?"

"Yup. Solid Gold, shit."

2024 Office Technology Predictions? No. Not this Year.

In the old days, companies would meet between Christmas and New Year's to update a five year plan.

Since 2020, the act is futile.

Covid is over, for now.  Today, WFH and AI are huge gravitational forces impacting the present.

Like never before.

Anyone telling you they can predict the next 6 months is selling something. 

So this year, 2023, there will be no DOTC predictions.

The best way to predict the future is to create the Future.

Let's create.

The NorthStar News, On LinkedIn

Revolutionizing Tech: AI Influencers, Quantum Computing, and Digital Transformation - NorthStar News

The Rise of the Virtual Celebrities: AI's New Frontier in Entertainment 🤖💰

"Discover how AI influencers are revolutionizing the digital landscape. Futurism reveals, 'These virtual beings... have opened up new possibilities in how we think about celebrity and influence.' Dive into the world where digital personas drive real-world profits."

IBM's Quantum Leap: Unveiling the 133-Qubit Heron Processor 🌌🔬

"IBM's 133-Qubit Heron Processor marks a significant milestone in quantum computing. SiliconANGLE showcases this leap, promising unprecedented computational power and potential."

Ted Said the Oceans would be Gone by now: Isn't it a Crime?

On LinkedIn of all places, a post went on about making 'climate deniers' criminal based an article written by, Steven Day at commondreams.org: 

"If you’re a reasonably young person who is opposing measures to address climate change for reasons of financial or political gain, be afraid. Be very afraid.

Largely out of public view, there is a growing advocacy for treating certain forms of climate change denial as a crime."

Is the author threatening?  a Criminal act?  Like purchasing a gas burning car, or the wrong type of lightbulbs?  Or how about saying out loud, "I'm not convinced that climate change is my fault.  Why don't these climate crimes apply in China, India or Africa?"  

State of Fear?  

We should fear the enforcing body that would inflict these laws.  It would be a

"centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition..."

And then there is this, also from  the article:

"No one would argue that every MAGA loudmouth shouting in a tavern that climate change is a hoax should be hauled to The Hague for trial."

REALLY? Political, much?

"...climate change denial as a crime..." wow.  

Bill of Rights?  Constitution?  This could be one of the most dangerous opinions to ever hit the press in the last decade.

So of course, I asked the Ai in the Sky to write an essay on making climate deniers criminals utilizing the sourced article as research.

Enjoy.

g

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How AI, Remote Work, and Covid Reshape the Workplace

"We are moving away from the "normal" industrial economy where labor, equipment, and capital produced reliable outputs; a handful of media gatekeepers provided reliable access to people's attention, and it was relatively easy to keep winners and make plans." - Dror Poleg

The adage, "If somebody else says it, it must be true..." works here.

I've been going on about how the convergence of the fear of Covid, the work from anywhere movement and now Ai/LLMs annihilates current social, and business models.

AI is replacing journalists, copywriters, and creatives in all industries.

July, 2023, LinkedIn

It's happening right now. 

Unlike loom operators, automotive painting booths, and redundant manufacturing processes, the creative arts were once thought untouchable by machines or any being possessing a level of intellect less than a painting elephant.

Not anymore. 

Every creative effort that involves a creator and a beholder is impacted by the 6 billion points of light ChatGPT can call upon.

What better to illustrate this than through the human beauty that is a sonnet based on the human-generated WSJ article- created in less than 8 seconds, 

by ChatGPT in the Style of Frost:

"In quiet fields where newsprint grows, I found

A tale of change that spoke with tempered might,

The words upon the page, a solemn sound:

"The robots have arrived to claim our plight."

For now they've come to seize the author's pen,

Their quills of steel and gears in place of hearts,

And in their wake, the question lingers, then:

What fate awaits the souls displaced by arts?

Yet still, the Earth spins on, as change doth turn,

In cycles of creation and demise,

Each era births a new, a lesson learned,

And with each fall, a phoenix tends to rise.

Embrace the march of progress, let it be,

For in its tide, we find our destiny."

https://lnkd.in/e7shJY_g

Send in the Robots: They're Already Here #Tesla

Tesla unveils its latest humanoid robot, Optimus Gen 2, in demo video

the video is real...

The Convergence, in my humble view, is the point in time when all things become one.

Like a gravity well or blackhole, everything in the real; time, technology, society, politics, even our individual conscious, share the same space and time.

Think of it like how phone, cable, and the internet were all single, siloed disciplines - now they are one.

For Ai, another step toward general intelligence involves participating on the same physical versus virtual world.  Sensors come to mind as Ai connects to the sights, sounds.  

Those two senses are covered. Touch, taste and smell are not far behind. 

Actually, they are already here.

K Roger Wants You Back in the Cubicle

Executive Summary: The Return to Office - Kroger's Strategic Move

What you will know after reading this:

1. Kroger's Return-to-Office Mandate: Readers will understand that Kroger is instituting a mandatory return-to-office policy for its general office associates in specific regions, requiring them to work in-person for three to four days a week by February 5, 2024.
2. Strategic Considerations and Mergers: The summary highlights Kroger's strategic perspective, emphasizing the anticipated importance of in-person collaboration in its upcoming merger with Albertsons. It also mentions the possibility of associates outside a specific proximity being expected to relocate, underscoring Kroger's forward-looking approach.
3. Decision Flexibility for Team Leaders: Readers will learn that team leaders have the authority to determine the frequency of in-person attendance, providing a flexible approach to the new policy. This information suggests that Kroger is mindful of individual team dynamics and seeks a balanced approach to workforce management.

_________

My January 2023 Interview with GTP: Asking questions about data and quantum computing?

How important is asking questions when working with ChatGtp or any other AI?

One night, more accurately, early on January morning, I sat in front of a computer and hashed out an understanding with ChatGPT3.0.

We "talked" about questions and quantum computing.  Connecting desperate data sets and ubiquitous sensors.

This is the result of my interview of OpenAI ChatGPT, January, 2023.

_______

2014: Social Media in the Enterprise, The Cloud & The Home as an Incubator

Was I wrong?

Well, well.  Back in 2014,

"...The steady drumbeat of innovation building up to today’s new world of work made it inevitable that a grassroots movement would figure out how to adapt these technologies to power businesses – and in response, many new businesses have been created because of it. It’s turned business models on their heads, as “social influencers” become recognized voices of authority even before well-established journalists, forcing the c-suite to take notice and shift marketing budgets..."

and...

'The NorthStar' - A Fusion of AI Brilliance and Human Insight in Business and Technology Reporting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Greg Walters contact@grwalters.com

Greg Walters Launches 'The NorthStar' - A Fusion of AI Brilliance and Human Insight in Business and Technology Reporting

(12/2023, Ft. Myers) - In a groundbreaking move, tech visionary Greg Walters announces the debut of The NorthStar (www.grwalters.com), a cutting-edge digital platform that marries Business, Technology, and Artificial Intelligence in a symphony of insightful content. This unique website promises to deliver a fresh perspective on how these critical domains interact with our lives.

Central to The NorthStar's innovative approach is its "Constellation of Writers," a team composed not only of human experts but also advanced AI/ChatGPT-based writers. This blend of human creativity and AI intellect is a testament to the site's commitment to pioneering journalism in technology. Readers can explore this unique collaboration at The Constellation of Writers, where AI-generated insights complement human narrative, offering a diverse and comprehensive view of the tech world.

Building upon the legacy of his acclaimed websites - The Death Of The Copier (www.thedeathofthecopier.com) and The Office Tech Tap (www.theofficetechtap.com), Greg Walters continues to pioneer the conversation on technology's role in business. The NorthStar is not merely a website; it is a hub for innovative thought, showcasing how artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of our understanding and reporting on technology and business.

"Embracing AI in journalism, especially in fields as dynamic as technology and business, enables us to dive deeper and uncover insights that were previously unattainable," explains Greg Walters. "At The NorthStar, we're not just discussing the future; we're actively shaping it with every article."

The NorthStar invites readers to experience an array of topics, from the bleeding edge of AI research to transformative business technologies, all through a lens that blends human expertise with AI's analytical power.

Join us at www.grwalters.com for a journey into the evolving landscape of technology and business, illuminated by the brightest human and AI minds in the industry.

About Greg Walters: Greg Walters is an acclaimed figure in the technology and business sectors, with over thirty years of experience. His writings offer a visionary perspective on the interplay of technology, business, and society, earning him a respected position in tech journalism. Greg's work is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of technology, making his platforms essential for understanding our increasingly digital world.

END

Art & Greg: Ask Us Anything

Embark on an enlightening journey through the realms of technology and business with two seasoned experts, Greg Walters and Art Post. This interactive session is a convergence of insights from TheDeathOfTheCopier and P4P Hotel, platforms renowned for their deep dive into managed print services and much more.

Event: Ask Us Anything Date: December 8, 2023 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST Platform: Zoom

Pearl Harbor: A Defining Moment in American Resilience and Triumph

Greg, "Hey Charlie. Write a 900 word essay about Pearl Harbor for LinkedIN, to be posted on Dec 7.  Focus on the devastation, and how America recovered and defeated the Japanese."

By Charlie G. Peterson, IV

_______

As we commemorate the anniversary of Pearl Harbor on December 7, it is vital to reflect not only on the devastating blow dealt to the United States on that fateful day in 1941 but also on the remarkable story of recovery and triumph that followed. The attack on Pearl Harbor, a pivotal moment in American history, stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the United States in the face of adversity.

The Day That Changed Everything

December 7, 1941, dawned like any other day in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. However, the tranquility was shattered as Japanese warplanes descended, launching a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base. The devastation was catastrophic: in less than two hours, four U.S. Navy battleships were sunk, and four others were damaged. The attack claimed the lives of more than 2,400 Americans and wounded over 1,000 others.

2024: AI Begins Dismantling The C Suite

The Genie is out, he isn't going back and wants us to take his place in the bottle.

Attention is being driven towards "AI Enhanced" applications - MS Co-Pilot is a prime example as is Einstein from Salesforce.  In our little niche, Service Now and ConnectWise recently released their "generative AI" platform enhancing efforts.

This is a ruse, an unintentional distraction to lull us into conformity and continued usage.

The Future: The Reinvention of Managed Print Services 🖨️

Exploring the Evolution from Device Management to Digital Integration in the World of MPS

The evolution of Managed Print Services (MPS) is marked by a fascinating journey from simple device management to a comprehensive approach encompassing document lifecycle, digital transformation, and advanced technological integration. Initially focused on device output, MPS has shifted towards holistic document management and embracing the digital era, influenced significantly by the advent of hybrid office environments and cloud-based collaborations​​.

Greg Walters, a notable voice in MPS, highlights the enduring philosophy of service-based device management, while acknowledging the transformative impact of digitalization and the shift in device locations due to hybrid workplaces​​. Eric Crump, another industry expert, emphasizes the expansion of MPS to incorporate elements like security and hybrid working solutions, responding to global economic uncertainties​​.

Embracing the New Era: Decoding the 38th Annual Dealer Survey on TheDeathOfTheCopier"

Check out the survey driven article over on The Office Tech Tap. It's not just an analysis; it's a navigation chart through the transforming seas of office technology.

The World According to Greg: AI's Journey - From Genesis to Enlightenment

ChatGPT says,

_______

Visualizing the Transformative Journey of Artificial Intelligence Through Seven Pivotal Stages

In the illuminating article "AI's Journey from Genesis to Enlightenment" by Greg Walters, we are taken on an enthralling journey through the seven evolutionary stages of artificial intelligence, each stage marking a pivotal moment in this technological renaissance.

The voyage commences with AI's humble beginnings, where simple outputs like haikus captivate despite their simplicity. As we progress, societal reactions oscillate between awe and fear, signaling the rise of fear and regulation. This stage witnesses the emergence of 'experts', framing AI within the bounds of caution and control​​.

As AI integrates into existing systems, it subtly enhances them without full transformation. However, a paradigm shift soon occurs. AI evolves from a mere enhancement to a transformative force, reshaping established norms, processes, and even societal structures​​.

The Vanguard of Managed Print Services in a Digital World

It's no secret, I align with like-minded people in an effort to bring the latest technology to the forefront of our niche and beyond.  I meet hundreds of people and organizations and talk about their views and philosophies on making business better.

Not every discussion leads to an epiphany or any degree of enlightenment. My talks with the MyQ team check both boxes and more.

Check out a vendor deep dive over at The Office Tech Tap to see if their ideas match yours.

Happy Thanksgiving from DOTC, 2023.

"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

"Hey ChatGPT - Tell Me About Da Vinci's Last Supper..."

Leonardo's Last Supper: Unraveling the Mary Magdalene Enigma

Within the hallowed halls of art history, Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" reigns supreme, not only as a testament to artistic mastery but also as a beacon of enduring mystery and intellectual intrigue. Central to the swirling debates and speculative analyses that surround this iconic masterpiece is a provocative theory: might the figure traditionally identified as the Apostle John in fact be Mary Magdalene, hinting at a deeper, potentially matrimonial bond with Jesus? This question transcends mere artistic interpretation, delving into the intricate historical, cultural, and religious tapestry of Leonardo's era.

How The #University of #Michigan Should Handle This Scandal

UofM is accused of scouting and stealing signs from other teams.  I think the whole thing is horsepucky.  Everyone steals signs - it is the way of things.

The media and 

Publish Everything

Every note, video, text, email generated by and associated to scouting and capturing intelligence about every opponent.

Publish every playbook. Maryland and Ohio State - publish them.

Hold a press conference and make one statement, 

"Here you go.  Take all of our plays, plans, signs and stats.  Now stop us."

Who Owns Inspiration?

Yup.  I fed the casting call into ChatGPT and this is what came out.

When I train my AI via WSJ, Gartner, TED, NPS...etc. does the AI owe anything? 

AI doesn't own the content, it owns the 'intelligence' gained from reviewing others' content. Isn't it like going to the library, opening the Encyclopedia Britannica, taking notes and creating for compensation(a grade)? 

Or how about attending a lecture, recording said lecture, then creating an essay based on this and other research materials?

Artificial Intelligence and Whiskey

Whiskey!  Artificial intelligence.  Two issues I am very passionate about; connectivity, convergence and revolution.

Bourbon is not immune to the latest technological wave.  The production, promotion and legend that is Bourbon not unlike every other manufacturing, marketing or point of interest.  There are processes and patterns.  And as you know, artificial intelligence eats processes, recognizes the patterns and improves upon the entire system. 

"the whisky is AI-generated, but human-curated" - Angela D’Orazio, Mackmyra's master blender/

It is natural to see AI applied to the creation of every complex product and bourbon may obtain a higher sophistication using AI as a tool.

Indeed, the niche is embracing this bold new world in a few different ways:

Copier Reps & ChatGPT: Dedicate, Dive, Envision, Start

Start Using ChatGPT Every, Single, Day

I attended an AI based session the other day. Point of reference, the steady torrent of relevant, informative and inciteful content about AI is almost more than we can bare. I often view two or three sessions at the same time, you should try it.

This session represented a thin slice of the potential that awaits every, single person in the copier industry - this IS THE BIG ONE. AI is changing the way we sell, but more importantly, and a point I know the entire industry is missing, AI is changing the way organizations make purchasing decisions.  

You better pay attention on a personal basis.

Copywrites, trademarks, and royalties are Obsolete and AI Killed Them.

The question is:

If I 'train' myself by reading Wall Street Journal articles, Gartner research findings, watching TED Talks, listening to NPR(all copywrite material) and then write an article based on this research, DO I owe these sources royalties?

No or Not yet?

New to Copier Sales – Your Anti-Sales Plan

As autumn creeps across the United States, and the final quarter begins, how should a new copier representative plan for the end of one year and the beginning of another? It’s time to close out and plan for what’s next.

There are plenty of traditional approaches: write a strategy, review it with your manager, track your progress and adjust as needed – old school.

Let me ask you or, better yet, ask your colleagues: how often does that process work?  Not very.

The illusion of control

Everyone has done it. You write it out, and by January 2 it’s forgotten. 

Read the rest, here.

Selling is Not Art. Apparently, Niether is Art. "Unsupervised", AI Δnαrchy and You

Art is not Art. 

Unless you're referring to the copier Wizard in Jersey.

"...the piece uses a machine learning model to reinterpret over 200 years of art from MoMA's archives, generating ever-changing audiovisuals..."

Predictably, my recent posts, "The Ugly Truth: Selling is not an Artform - It's an Algorithm" and 'AI Will Replace Millions of Sales Professionals: "Anyone Telling You Different, Is Selling Something", elicited a few negative responses.

Have You Found What You're Looking For?

The other day, on LinkedIn, I was referred to as 'grandpa' - which made me laugh.  The prose that followed exposed the poster simple minded.

Young.

Xerox is The Death of The Copier: Unleashed 🐦🔥

The Third Day

📈 Breaking News: Xerox's Latest Earnings Report 📈

Before we dive into the transformative journeys of Xerox and IBM, it's worth noting the latest earnings report from Xerox. The company recently swung to a third-quarter profit, with a net income of $49 million—a significant turnaround from last year's loss. This positive financial performance adds another layer to the story of Xerox's ongoing transformation. 

Now, let's get into the article.

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The 'Death of the Copier'—a phrase that conjures images of obsolescence, but let's set the record straight. 

When I say 'Death of the Copier,' I'm talking about the ultimate rebirth of beliefs, norms, status quo, and in this case, Xerox. 

Xerox has metamorphosed from a company synonymous with photocopying to a digital force offering augmented reality, AI-driven services, and so much more. This isn't just survival; it's enlightenment.

But will it last?  Is Xerox set to survive or thrive?  Are we watching an elephant dance?

📑OTT This Week: AI-Boosted Copier Sales and M&A

October 19, 2023 – Office Tech Tap Newsletter

Ready to rethink what office tech can do for you? This week’s Office Tech Tap Newsletter is your guide to the future, exploring everything from the transformative role of AI in copier sales to the changing dynamics of Mergers and Acquisitions in the industry. We also delve into the fast-paced world of Managed Print Services, where the paper may be folding, but innovation is unfolding. Your feedback is our North Star, so dive in and let us know your thoughts. 🌟🧭

• 🤖💵 Time is money, and AI is your new cashier: In the realm of copier sales, AI is not just a tool; it’s a game-changer. By automating tasks like lead scoring and follow-ups, AI frees up sales reps to focus on relationship-building and closing deals, ultimately boosting efficiency and revenue. Read the full article here.
• 🔄 The Copier Dealer M&A: Dancing Through Office Tech’s Shifting Sands Mergers and Acquisitions in the copier industry are evolving. It’s not just Original Equipment Manufacturers acquiring dealers anymore; dealers are becoming the acquirers, leveraging their economic positions for growth. Read the full article here.
• 🔄 Mind the Gap: AI’s Adoption vs. Training Conundrum – Ricoh. Ricoh’s article highlights the widening gap between AI adoption and essential training in the managed print services sector. This gap is not just a hurdle; it’s a liability and an opportunity for differentiation. Read the full article here.
• MPS – 🖨️ Deep Dive: MPS From Cloud Highs to Market Tides The Managed Print Services landscape is ever-changing, driven by cloud-based solutions and market dynamics. This article serves as a roadmap for providers to not just survive but thrive in this dynamic sector. Read the full article here.

Your feedback is invaluable to us. Navigate through this week’s insights and let us know your thoughts. 🌟🧭

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