AI Video, Impossible Dreams, & Writing with ChatGPT [Weekend WRAP 123]

Hey Reader, a quick heads up that the WRAP is taking next week off. I’m taking a couple days off and one of my goals for 2024 is to stop trying to cram 5 days of work into only 3-4 days. And that means taking a week off the newsletter. I’ll be back on March 9th!

💡 Idea of the Week: AI Video Takeover?

One of the things I’ve been thinking about this week is the OpenAI announcement of their text-to-video model, Sora. It’s pretty wild 🤯

I understand the thought that starts with “oh no, video creators are screwed.” And to be honest, there are some pivots that some people and companies will need to make. If I ran a stock footage video business I would be VERY concerned. I’m looking at this and thinking I have limitless b-roll to use for YouTube videos.

BUT — and this is an opinion I’ve been on for almost a year — I think AI content only strengthens unique personal content. Because only I can do the thing, say the words, and share the experience that is unique to me. Uniqueness is becoming more valuable as generalized content is getting more accessible and easier to produce.

AND — it makes in-person engagement and community a true differentiator. When AI is spitting out high-quality text and video, your ability to connect with people directly becomes one of the most valuable skills you can have.

AI upgrades like Sora give you a chance to embrace authenticity, offer a personal touch, showcase your uniqueness, and express YOUR individuality.

It will also be true that people have qualities that AI simply cannot replicate. This will always be our key differentiator. But here’s the challenge to preserve this distinctiveness → you must dare to be different, embrace errors, highlight the overlap in your interests, take calculated risks, and engage with others on a personal level.

Becoming another face in the crowd isn’t an option. You need to cultivate a presence of significance and distinctive flair. Are you willing to do that?

👀 Video to Watch: The Impossible Dream​

As a final pin on the AI/Sora conversation, I like how MKBHD breaks it down in his latest video.

The main video is from Casey Neistat about his personal goal to run a marathon in under 3 hours. This is a very challenging goal, you have to average a 6:50 mile for 26.2 miles (that 0.2 at the end is a killer). I’m in good shape but I would have to hustle to run 3 miles at that pace!

I won’t spoil it for you. Casey tells the story as only he can (AI couldn’t make this video) and it’s a good lesson in overcoming adversity, setting big goals, and sticking with a goal through injury, life changes, work, and aging. Check it out here.

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🎙️ Podcast to Listen to: Dan & David on ChatGPT​

I’ve long viewed AI as a valuable tool for research assistance, teaching, and technical support. For instance, I’ve used it to resolve various minor issues related to HTML, CSS, and Liquid. Many of these ideas are inspired by my friend Dan Shipper, who had the brilliant idea of interviewing intelligent individuals about their use of ChatGPT.

Dan invited David Perell to his show for an in-depth discussion on topics like reading old books, uncovering interesting anecdotes, understanding personal preferences, identifying role models, spotting leadership vulnerabilities, and analyzing business strategies.

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube (Dan’s studio is amazing) 😍

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Ok, let’s “wrap” it there this week. Thanks for reading the newsletter and hit reply if you have any thoughts on have a story of how you got someone’s attention. I’ll share one or two in an upcoming newsletter.

All the best,

Matt

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