That’s not writing, that’s typing

I was working with a leading business coach who had read the first draft of his book and decided to change the structure a little. That sometimes happens, and it’s fine. We discussed a new arrangement and I rejigged the text. Then we started working through the book, making edits and filling in gaps.

On one call we’d identified that we needed to itemize the benefits of effective teamwork. We shared screens and he showed me a whole page he’d filled with four benefits. I said,

“You’re working too hard. The deal is that I’m supposed to do the hard work.” He told me, “It’s ok. I just typed it into Chat GTP.”

It was the first time I’d come across the phenomenon. I didn’t know how to react. I quickly scanned the text he was sharing. It read ok, though it was flat and uninteresting. It sounds odd, but there was no writing in it: no energy, no pace, no narrative to bring the reader along.

When people say that ChatGTP will replace writers, I’m pretty relaxed about it. It generates text but it doesn’t write. It’s no substitute.

It’s like Truman Capote said when he was told Jack Kerouac never changed anything he wrote: “That’s not writing. That’s typing.”

What I do worry about, though, is the impact on thought leaders. Unless you’re being lazy, there’s no need to use AI. There are two main reasons.

• First, it’s based on a trawl through the Internet. The largest part – the underwater part of the iceberg – is old and out of date. The latest ideas that your readers want to learn about are under represented.

• Second, it’s not you. If you want to charge people money to read your ideas, or even just give up their time, you should at least ensure that you tell them what you think. They’re inspired by your wisdom, so don’t give them someone else’s.

You’re the talent. You’re the USP. Back yourself.