Lets Chat About ChatGPT
Next month marks a major milestone for me and perhaps a couple of you. The Weekly Report, this little email newsletter that you’re reading, will be 15 years old next month.
This means that I have served up my marketing tips, random observations, and an occasional side of nonsense for almost 800 weeks. When I set out to give friends and clients an update on the goings-on at Madison+Main back in 2008, I never expected that I would be able to find something interesting to write about each week. Hopefully, I have not disappointed you. Thousands of subscribers and the list is still growing. So, I must be doing something right.
With a big busy work schedule and client deadlines to meet, I am not sure how we ended up delivering a new topic every week. It takes time, energy, and dedication.
But finally, my prayers have now been answered since ChatGPT is here. What’s ChatGPT you ask? It’s a new artificial intelligence tool that will write answers for you. Launched in November of 2022, it has garnered worldwide media attention. Companies are using it to make reports and answer customer emails. Kids in school are cheating on their writing assignments. Heck, ChatGpt has even been spoofed on South Park already, and writers Matt Stone and Trey Parker used ChatGPT to write part of the episode.
So maybe I should jump on the bandwagon, too. I can just imagine how much time and thought and energy I’ll save. If I jump into ChatGPT, I won’t ever have to write another article again.
I downloaded ChatGPT and tried it out. Yeah, there’s a major creepy factor to it – not gonna lie. Plus, it’s just not there yet. I asked it to write a bio on Dave Saunders. About 30% of the facts are right. Yes, I am the founder of Madison+Main, but I am not a country music singer named Dave Saunders, and nor am I Dave Saunders, the political strategist who ran John Edwards’ Vice-Presidential campaign and is a frequent MSNBC contributor.
Can you tell the difference between ChatGPT and my writing style? I hope so. This message was NOT brought to you by ChatGPT. I wrote it myself. And for the time being, I am going to keep on writing them. I hope you approve.
MONDAY:
SPRING IS HERE!
Spring finally returned Monday…at least on the calendar. Over the weekend, we celebrated a few other notable calendar mentions – President & Chief Operating Officer Molly Whitfield’s birthday and Creative Director Carissa Ghaffari’s five-year anniversary at Madison+Main. These two fearless women bring unwavering dedication and determination to their roles every day. We’re so lucky to have Molly and Carissa on our team. Happy birthday and congratulations ladies! #YouRock
On Monday, the team met with our client Riverstone to present some signage design options we recently worked on for them. We came prepared with all of the job site signage they could need. Overall, it was a great meeting, and we’re excited to sign, seal, and deliver this project to them. See what I did there?
TUESDAY:
HIGH HOPES FOR HIGH POINT
On Tuesday, a handful of Madison+Main-iacs gave a presentation for our client High Point Barbershop & Shave Parlor. We’ve been working hard to create campaign concepts that would capture their culture and brand essence. We can’t wait to show the world the concepts that made the cut.
WEDNESDAY:
HUMP DAY HOLIDAYS
In case you didn’t know it, this week was Fix A Leak Week. Our client Carroll Plumbing & Heating, Inc. took to their social media to share the hard-hitting facts surrounding household leaks, like the one below. Their team of experienced professionals can inspect your homes and take a peek at any leaks you may have.
Speaking of national holidays, our client Williamsburg Landing also shared news about National Social Work Month on their social media. They highlighted their team for the work they do to prioritize their residents’ well-being every day.
THURSDAY:
DIGGING INTO THE DISCOVERY
On Thursday, the team led our client Riverstone in their Discovery (DISCO) session. We walked them through the elements of their branding and how they are incorporated throughout everything the Riverstone name is associated with. Based on how the meeting went, you can say we’re ready to start building upon the foundation we’ve established together.
Also on Thursday, we wished our Creative Consultant Patrick Simkins “Happy Birthday” through several Slack messages. Since working with our team, Patrick has given us the gift of new ideas and processes we have implemented into our work. Our gift to Patrick is our unwavering gratitude for his help. Happy Birthday!
FRIDAY:
CREATIVITY IN MOTION
This morning, I gave my event update on WRVA. I wrote it myself. I had no help from artificial intelligence and just relied on what little real intelligence I have. John Reid is always a good and gracious host and even laughs at my jokes. Highlights this week include the Church Hill Irish Festival and the Richmond SPCA’s Annual Dog Jog and 5K., which is proudly presented by our client Holiday Barn Pet Resorts.
Meanwhile, Copywriter Caitlin Sherman clocked out of work and clocked into her mentorship role for VCU’s CreateAthon. There, she’ll be supporting the students participating in the 24-hour creative event as they work day and night (literally) to build out campaigns for non-profit organizations in the Richmond area; Nationz Foundation, Us Giving Richmond Connections (UGRC), REAL LIFE, He She Ze and We, and Extra Mile Pediatrics. We’re proud to have one of our Madison+Main-iacs volunteering her time and talents for up-and-coming creatives in our industry.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Garrison Life at Fort Monroe
Fort Monroe Authority
20 Bernard Road
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
March 25 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Ready to learn from living historians? Experience the sights and sounds of the U.S. Army at Fort Monroe in honor of the first permanent soldiers stationed there in 1823. Join them for this free event!
Richmond SPCA’s 21st Annual Dog Jog, 5K, and Block Party
Richmond SPCA
2519 Hermitage Road
Richmond, VA 23220
March 25 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Start stretching! Get ready for tail-wagging fun at the Richmond SPCA’s 21st Annual Dog Jog, presented by Holiday Barn Pet Resorts. Sign up today to register for the race!
Chesterfield PAL Spring In Your Step 5K
Chesterfield County Police Training Academy
6610 Public Safety Way
Chesterfield, VA 23832
April 8, 2023 | 8 – 10: 30 a.m.
Put a spring in your step at Chesterfield PAL’s 2nd Annual 5K! Hit the ground running to help benefit the Chesterfield County Police Activities League (PAL). Register today.
“ChatGPT represents a significant advancement in the field of natural language processing and has the potential to transform many industries.“ — Alex Krizhevsky, Research scientist at Google Brain