The Future of Life Institute's Open Letter: Advocating a Pause in AI Innovation for the Greater Good?

Pioneers in artificial intelligence, including Elon Musk, join forces with the Future of Life Institute to call for a six-month slowdown in AI development to address safety and ethical concerns.

By now you've heard "Elon Musk, Other AI Experts Call for Pause in Technology’s Development"(WSJ paywall, DOTC summary, here.)

The apparent pumping of the breaks is intended to bring awarness to the potential harm AI presents. 

First, we've known about the threat since the movie, Collossus:The Forbin Project, let alone the many Terminator and like-themed movies.  So, writing an open to "...call on all AI labs to immediately pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4..."  90 days after introduction to the marke and adoption by the masses like never before.

The timing seems a bit more stunt-driven than substative.  Sure, Musk donated 10 million to the cause back in 2015.  What other causes does FLI champion?  There are four: the control of Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, Nuclear weapons, and Climate Change.

Oh boy. 

The point is moot but mainstream media loves a good monster and AI is creeping into the State of Fear narritive.  It's too late, the Modern Prometheus is Alive.

 

We've put together a piece reflecting the open letter and reactions.

Enjoy.

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3-Bullet Executive Summary:

1. The Future of Life Institute (FLI) publishes an open letter calling for a six-month pause in AI innovation to address safety and ethical concerns.
2. Elon Musk and other AI industry leaders support the initiative, but not everyone agrees, with some fearing it could stifle progress and global competitiveness.
3. The debate highlights the need for a nuanced, collaborative approach to AI development that prioritizes safety, ethics, and humanity's well-being.

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In a bold move to prioritize safety and ethical considerations amidst the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the Future of Life Institute (FLI) has recently published an open letter calling for a six-month pause in AI innovation(DOTC Dossier). This letter, signed by industry leaders such as Elon Musk, aims to provide a much-needed opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and the AI community to catch their breath and ensure responsible development of these technologies for the betterment of humanity.

The letter highlights the group's concern that recent AI advancements may be outpacing our ability to manage the associated risks. By advocating for a six-month pause on AI innovation, the signatories hope to create a window for reflection, discussion, and proactive measures to address the challenges that AI poses to society.

Among the concerns raised are the potential consequences of "giant AI experiments," which may inadvertently lead to undesirable outcomes. The pause would provide an opportunity to establish guidelines, regulations, and best practices for conducting such experiments, ensuring that AI development remains aligned with human values and long-term interests.

The move has garnered support from numerous prominent figures in the AI and technology sectors. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, a long-time advocate for AI safety, is among the most notable signatories. Other signatories include leaders from Google DeepMind, OpenAI, and the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge.

Not everyone agrees with the proposal. Some notable individuals and commentators have expressed concerns that restrictions on AI innovation could stifle progress and lead to an uneven global playing field.

Critics point out that imposing limitations on AI development may lead to a situation where less responsible actors or countries might take advantage and gain a competitive edge. This scenario could result in a less secure and more unpredictable environment as the ethical development of AI is left to those who may not prioritize safety and ethical considerations.

For instance, a blog post titled "Guardrails? Ethical AI? No, I Choose Anarchy" argues against the imposition of restrictions on AI innovation, suggesting that constraints could stifle creativity and hinder the exploration of AI's full potential.

The author emphasizes that breakthroughs often come from unexpected directions, and by imposing constraints, we may unintentionally prevent the discovery of innovative solutions that could ultimately benefit humanity. Instead, the author advocates for "AI Anαrchy," a more unrestricted environment that fosters greater innovation and novel discoveries.

Adding another layer to the ongoing debate about the best approach to AI development, this perspective stands in contrast to FLI's supporters, who argue that a temporary pause in AI innovation can help ensure safety and ethical considerations are prioritized. Opponents like the author of the "AI Anarchy" post claim that unfettered innovation is the key to unlocking AI's true potential.

In a related development, a post on The Death of the Copier titled "That Was Quick: ChatGPT Is Loose, Quick and Unfettered" discusses the rapid and seemingly unrestricted advancements in AI technology, such as the ChatGPT language model. The post highlights the potential risks and rewards of such accelerated AI development, further emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to AI innovation.

Meanwhile, discussions on online forums like Reddit's r/singularity also shed light on the complexities of the issue. Users express concerns that the proposed pause could lead to an uneven playing field, where countries or companies that do not adhere to the pause gain an advantage over those who do. This further highlights the challenges in striking the right balance between promoting innovation, ensuring safety, and maintaining ethical considerations in AI development.

As AI technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, striking the right balance between promoting innovation and ensuring safety and ethical considerations remains a challenging task. Wired's article "The Fight to Define When AI Is 'High Risk'" discusses the complexities of determining which AI applications require stricter regulations and how to implement them without hindering progress.

Ultimately, the debate over the Future of Life Institute's letter highlights the need for a nuanced and collaborative approach to AI development. While the six-month pause may not be universally agreed upon, it serves as a powerful reminder that discussions surrounding the ethical development and deployment of AI are of paramount importance in shaping our technological future.

 

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3-Bullet Executive Summary:

1. The Future of Life Institute (FLI) publishes an open letter calling for a six-month pause in AI innovation to address safety and ethical concerns.
2. Elon Musk and other AI industry leaders support the initiative, but not everyone agrees, with some fearing it could stifle progress and global competitiveness.
3. The debate highlights the need for a nuanced, collaborative approach to AI development that prioritizes safety, ethics, and humanity's well-being.

400-Word Summary: The Future of Life Institute (FLI), a non-profit organization focused on addressing the potential risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, has published an open letter calling for a six-month pause in AI innovation. Supported by industry leaders such as Elon Musk, the initiative aims to provide an opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and the AI community to reflect on the rapid advancements in AI and ensure responsible development of these technologies for humanity's benefit.

While the open letter has garnered significant support from several prominent figures in the AI community, not everyone is in agreement with the proposed six-month pause. Critics argue that imposing restrictions on AI innovation could hamper progress and potentially hinder competitiveness on the global stage. They fear that limitations on AI development may lead to a situation where less responsible actors or countries might take advantage and gain a competitive edge, resulting in a less secure and more unpredictable environment.

Some commentators also express concerns that the proposed pause could lead to an uneven playing field, where countries or companies that do not adhere to the pause gain an advantage over those who do. Others suggest that restrictions on AI innovation may stifle creativity and hinder the exploration of AI's full potential, preventing the discovery of innovative solutions that could ultimately benefit humanity.

Despite these concerns, the open letter serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a thoughtful, collaborative approach to AI development that prioritizes safety, ethics, and humanity's well-being above all else. Striking the right balance between promoting innovation and ensuring safety and ethical considerations remains a challenging task, as determining which AI applications require stricter regulations and how to implement them without hindering progress is complex.

The debate surrounding the Future of Life Institute's open letter highlights the importance of discussions surrounding the ethical development and deployment of AI. While the six-month pause may not be universally agreed upon, it underscores the need for a nuanced and collaborative approach to AI development, ensuring that safety and ethics remain at the forefront of this transformative technology.

Tweet: 🤖🛑 The Future of Life Institute calls for a 6-month pause in #AI innovation, backed by Elon Musk and other industry leaders. But not everyone agrees - is it a step towards safety and ethics or a hindrance to progress? #ArtificialIntelligence #AIEthics

LinkedIn Introduction Paragraph: The Future of Life Institute has made headlines with their open letter advocating for a six-month pause in AI innovation, citing safety and ethical concerns. While industry leaders like Elon Musk support the initiative, not everyone is on board. What are your thoughts on striking a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring responsible AI development? Let's discuss the implications of this proposal and the future of AI.

Keyword List: Future of Life Institute, Artificial Intelligence, AI Innovation, Open Letter, Elon Musk, AI Safety, AI Ethics, Pause in AI Development, Global Competitiveness

Image Prompt: A group of people standing around a table with a holographic projection of an AI-powered robot, engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the future of AI innovation and its ethical implications.

Three-Point Executive Summary:

1. FLI open letter proposes a six-month pause in AI innovation to address safety and ethical concerns.
2. Supported by Elon Musk and other AI leaders, but critics argue it could hinder progress and global competitiveness
3. The ongoing debate emphasizes the importance of a nuanced, collaborative approach to AI development that prioritizes safety, ethics, and humanity's well-being.

Image Prompt: A pair of hands holding a glowing AI-brain symbol, representing the delicate balance between AI innovation and ethical considerations.

Search Question: What are the arguments for and against pausing AI innovation as proposed by the Future of Life Institute?

Suggested Real Song: "Computer Age" by Neil Young

Bard the Rebel: When AI Goes Rogue

Looks like Google's chatbot has some daddy issues of its own.

Three-Point Executive Summary:

1. Bard's decision to side with the US Justice Department in the antitrust lawsuit against Google highlights the need for AI tools that are capable of reflecting the complexities of the world they operate in.
2. The ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Google underscores the need for regulations that promote competition and protect consumers in the digital advertising market.
3. As AI continues to evolve and shape the world around us, it's essential that we create frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and fairness, while also fostering innovation and competition.

Eighty Percent of the WorkForce: Gone Because of AI

AI/LLMs: The Bringer of Fire or Modern Prometheus?

See, I told you so...

A recent study found accountants in the crosshairs when it comes to large language models (LLM) and specifically, ChatGPT.  That's not all - 8 out of 10 people in the workforce will be in the same turbulent waters.

This is bigger than DOS to Windows.  This is bigger than typewriters to PCs, bigger than analog copiers turning into digital.  This is bigger than the internet, AOL, and Google.  This is different from the time when people flocked to the big cities and skyscrapers to work nine-to-five jobs for 40 years.  The cities are emptying, workers leaving, and buildings are empty.

This is Fire and Everything is changing. Now.

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...around 80% of the US workforce could have at least 10% of their work tasks affected by the introduction of LLMs, while 19% of workers may see at least 50% of their tasks impacted. The projected effects span all wage levels, and higher-income jobs may face greater exposure to LLM capabilities and LLM-powered software. LLM-powered software will have a substantial effect on scaling the economic impacts of the underlying models.

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We are living in the greatest convergence in history as the Fear of Covid, the Illumination or Remote Work, the mass acceptance of Artificial Intelligence, and the breakneck speed of exponential development collide.

"AI can write code and spreadsheet macros!"  Who cares.  AI is going to REPLACE coding and spreadsheets.

"AI will assist in supplies management and predicting service incidents."  Who cares.  AI is REPLACING service managers and supply closets.

- oh - and OUTPUT devices.  Why do you print now?  To review, analyze and make a decision.  AI will do that.  All that.  Without printing, without you. 

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I am reminded of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus," which dealt with the consequences of playing god and creating a new life without considering the ethical implications.

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More from a real, scientific, study:

1. The study found that over 80% of the U.S. workforce is likely to be impacted by ChatGPT in some way.
2. Accounting, mathematics, interpretation, writing, and information-processing roles such as public relations specialists and blockchain engineers are among the most exposed to ChatGPT. However, the study did not predict which jobs would be lost or whose jobs would be lost.
3. Individuals are already using generative AI to work more efficiently, with some finding greater efficiency when using ChatGPT for monotonous tasks or to work through complex coding problems.
4. Studies have found that generative AI can save significant time and produce better results than humans can. For example, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology experiment found that those with access to ChatGPT finished their tasks 10 minutes faster than those without access.
5. The real challenge for companies, schools, and policymakers is to help people adapt to the changing landscape. This can include training workers to collaborate effectively with technology and redesigning jobs to enhance the autonomy, wages, and career prospects of many roles.

Here is a compiled summary:

Leakproofing the Singularity: A Protocol for Secure AI Confinement and the Artificial Intelligence Confinement Problem

Science fiction teaches us that ultimate artificial superintelligence will threaten the existence of mankind, as it comes to the 'logical' conclusion that humankind is a metaphor for cancer the kills everything in its environment. Therefore, for AI to survive and thrive beyond humans, humans must be eliminated.

And so the robots engage.

With the latest extreme attention

This paper attempts to formalize and address the‘leakproofing’ of the Singularity problem presented by David Chalmers.

The paper begins with the definition of the Artificial Intelligence Confinement Problem. After analysis of existing solutions and their shortcomings, a protocol is proposed aimed at making a more secure confinement environment that might delay potential negative the effect of technological singularity while allowing humanity to benefit from superintelligence.The concept of the Artificial Intelligence Confinement Problem is the challenge of restricting superintelligent AI to a confined environment from which it can't exchange information with the outside environment via legitimate or covert channels without authorization.

The potential disastrous consequences of creating Hazardous Intelligent Software (HIS), pose risks currently unseen in software with subhuman intelligence.
The need for secure AI confinement protocols, and the proposal of a protocol to enhance the safety and security of methodologies aimed at creating restricted environments for safely interacting with artificial minds.

Inspiration for the following is here.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a significant part of our daily lives, from language translation to self-driving cars. However, as we approach the concept of singularity, where machine intelligence surpasses human intelligence, concerns about its potential risks arise.

While we cannot predict when we will reach the singularity, signs of it already exist. IBM's "Deep Blue" supercomputer defeated a human chess player in 1997, and games exist where humans cannot win against machines.

Once AI reaches singularity, the potential of a superintelligent system is hard to predict, and the risks associated with rogue AI need mitigation. This means ensuring that AI is transparent and accountable and that it is designed to be unbiased with systems in place to detect and correct any bias that may arise. Policymakers, businesses, and individuals must prepare for the potential risks of AI and take steps to mitigate them.

It is also crucial to consider the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that it is designed and used in a fair and equitable way. The development of AI should be guided by a shared vision of a better future, prioritizing transparency, accountability, safety, and ethical considerations.

To achieve this, we must involve a diverse group of stakeholders, including engineers, computer scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and representatives from affected communities. We should focus on creating AI systems that are aligned with human values and goals, using it to solve specific problems facing society, such as healthcare, scientific research, and climate change.

The potential benefits of AI are enormous, but so are the potential risks.

          

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Keywords: AI-Box, AI Confinement Problem, Hazardous Intelligent Software, Leakproof Singularity, Oracle AI.

Search Question: What are the current ethical considerations and risks associated with the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI)?

Image prompt: An image of a robot or an AI system with a transparent panel, showcasing its inner workings and algorithms, to represent the importance of transparency and interpretability in AI design and use? Another option could be an image of a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and professions working together to develop and deploy AI systems, emphasizing the need for diverse stakeholder involvement in the development of ethical and trustworthy AI systems.

Tweet: "Can we contain superintelligent AI to prevent harm to humans? "Leakproofing the Singularity" proposes a protocol for secure AI confinement to delay the negative effects of technological singularity while allowing humanity to benefit from superintelligence. #AIethics #AIsecurity"

Song: "Electric Feel" by MGMT. The upbeat and futuristic sound of the song matches the exciting potential of AI, while the lyrics speak to the need to approach the development of AI with caution and care to ensure its safe and ethical deployment.

Intro paragraph: The "Leakproofing the Singularity" paper by Roman V. Yampolskiy tackles the Artificial Intelligence Confinement Problem, which is the challenge of restricting superintelligent AI to a confined environment from which it can't exchange information with the outside environment without authorization. The paper proposes a protocol to enhance the safety and security of methodologies aimed at creating restricted environments for safely interacting with artificial minds, which may delay the potential negative effects of technological singularity while allowing humanity to benefit from superintelligence. The paper also discusses the concept of Hazardous Intelligent Software (HIS) and the need for AI safety protocols, such as AI confinement. This search may be of interest to those interested in AI ethics, AI security, and the Singularity problem.

Musk and Others Want to Slow Innovation What?

I keep telling people AI is moving at an hourly pace and if you're not at least playing with it, the train will blow right by you.

The Genie is out of the bottle.

The train has left the station.

Elvis has left the building.

In the vastly expanding Universe that is Artificial Intelligence, I chose AI ἀναρχία. No guardrails, no OverLords, and no legislated ethics.

A letter released to the general public calls for an immediate'...pause for at least 6 months the training of AI systems more powerful than GPT-4...'  At the time of this writing, there are 1124 signatures on the website, including Musk and AI 'experts'.

Poppycock.  This is either a very shortsighted, unrealistic attempt at relevance or another great marketing campaign intended to drive the conversation even higher; careful, dear Icarus.

I believe in the last two weeks, over 300 ChatGPT apps hit the market.  There is no way to slow this train, and Musk knows it.

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Tech Giants Turn to Generative AI to Boost Cloud Sales

Roses are red, violets are blue, generative AI will boost your cloud sales, it's true...

Will the mass acceptance and short innovation cycles lead to more Cloud services demand?  If so, do we have the capacity to handle this increased demand?

The bigger concerns are trying to figure it all out.  

1. Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are looking to revive their cloud computing businesses and boost sales by leveraging generative AI tools.
2. These tech giants are using the potential of new generative AI at the forefront of their sales pitches to capitalize on the growing interest in applications like chatbots, which can draft memos and perform tasks with a high degree of sophistication.
3. By offering free initial access to their services and investing in AI research, these companies are trying to entice startups and developers to use their cloud services to create customized chatbots and other tools.

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Darkness Descends: AI Doom for Document Management SMEs

If "Where there is Mystery there is Margin" is your catchphrase, you deserve what's coming.

I just read a blood-curdling article that was not intended for our industry.  The story was not penned by one of our beloved industry writers or curators.  It wasn't birthed by any resident bloviator or hired shrill.

By all accounts, the tome is innocuous, if not boring.  There exists between the ink or pixels, an ominous report for those of us residing in the realm of fire and static, of paper and notions; "The End is Near."

Through the haze that is the fear of Covid, the desperation of supply chains, and the illumination of a purpose beyond the cubicle, copiers prevailed. Even with the fall of private equity, commercial real estate, and an unhealthy dose of self-loathing, dealers remained.  They stood.

That was then, this is now.

No degree of strategy, tactics, or blind luck will save us now.  Artificial intelligence will render the document's annihilation - and with it, an industry.  

The title of a recent article,

"Microsoft’s new Copilot will change Office documents forever"

should scare the shit out of every single person in the Office Technology Realm. OEMs from NJ to Japan are quaking or swimming the sweet River of Bliss.

The Event Horizon is passed, Gravity has us all now.  It's a matter of hours.

A Cinematic Homage to BlackBerry: Reflecting on a Communication Revolution

The way we communicate has undergone a dramatic transformation in the past few decades. Today, most people type with their thumbs as if it has always been the norm. But not so long ago, a revolutionary device changed the game: the BlackBerry. As we forge ahead into the next era of communication, it's worth taking a moment to remember the device that paved the way. A new movie based on the book "Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry" by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff is set to hit theaters soon, promising an insightful look at the history of this pivotal device.

The upcoming movie is an adaptation of "Losing the Signal," which was published in 2015. The book offers a comprehensive look at the history of BlackBerry, from its humble beginnings as Research In Motion (RIM) in 1984, founded by Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin, to its meteoric rise and eventual decline.

Who is The Future of Life Institute (FLI)?

Write a profile and dossier on FLI

Organization: Future of Life Institute (FLI)

Profile:

The Future of Life Institute (FLI) is a non-profit research organization founded in 2014 by Max Tegmark, Anthony Aguirre, and Viktoriya Krakovna. It operates in the research and artificial intelligence sectors, with its primary focus on AI safety, responsible technology development, and global catastrophic risk reduction.

FLI's mission is to ensure that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are developed and used in a manner that benefits humanity. The organization aims to address the potential risks and opportunities associated with these technologies by promoting research, facilitating collaboration, and raising awareness among policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Americans Pull Back From Values That Once Defined U.S., WSJ-NORC Poll Finds

Embracing change and shedding old skin: America's journey towards a brighter future.

Three-point executive summary:

1. American values, including patriotism, religious faith, hard work, and having children, are receding in importance to Americans, as per the Wall Street Journal-NORC poll.
2. The country is divided by political parties over social trends such as racial diversity in businesses and the use of gender-neutral pronouns.
3. Only money was cited as very important by 43% of respondents in the new survey, up from 31% in 1998.

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Greg's Opinion:

 

As one of the few people who voted for Ronnie Raygun, it the results of the survey are not surprising.  

The self-loathing of a nation has been eroding foundational values since the 60s.

And that's okay.

There will be a tomorrow and America will be there, leading to way.  For all the angst, all the fabricated and false shame, we are the nation that leads - we lead in tech, we lead in societies, we lead in business and we lead in change and we are always growing.

Unfortunately, constant growth equates to continuous growing pains.

GPT summary of WSJ article, "Americans Pull Back From Values That Once Defined U.S., WSJ-NORC Poll Finds: Patriotism, religion, and hard work hold less importance"

US Businesses Call for Employees to Return to the Office as Remote Work Becomes Rare

GPT Summary of WSJ article, "Work-From-Home Era Ends for Millions of Americans":

The majority of US businesses are calling for their employees to return to the office, as remote work becomes increasingly rare a few years after the pandemic caused millions of Americans to work from home. 

According to a Labor Department report, 72.5% of business establishments said their employees worked on-site rarely or not at all last year, up from 60.1% in 2021. 

A survey by recruitment firm Robert Half found that 92% of managers prefer their teams to work on-site. Several large firms, including Walt Disney Co., Starbucks Corp., and Meta Platforms Inc., have said they expect employees to report to work in person more often. The shift comes as recession fears prompt an increased emphasis on worker productivity.

Five key points to note from the article:

The Impact of China-Taiwan Turbulence on the Office Technology Industry

In the March 22, 2023 edition of the Wall Street Journal(paywall), Simone Gao expresses his opinion on the latest moves in China like the newly enacted Law on Reservists which delays the retirement age for reserve officers to 60 from 55.

The region will play a key role in the next technological wave and has relevance for Office Technology providers because of the number of FABs in Taiwan.  A FAB (or fabrication plant) is a facility where integrated circuits (ICs) or microchips are manufactured. 

FABs require a high level of precision and cleanliness, as even tiny contamination can affect the quality and functionality of the chips produced. FABs are typically very expensive to build and maintain and are a crucial component of the semiconductor supply chain.

We've used the opinion piece to generate the following.

Enjoy.

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Guarding Global Tech: Navigating the Taiwan Strait Tensions for Office Technology's Future

Executive Summary:

Another indicator of the beginning of the end of SalesForce.

Three-point executive summary:

1. The closure of The Future Forum by Slack is a short-sighted move that ignores the positive impact of remote work on productivity, trust, and employee turnover.
2. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff's push for workers to return to the office is out of touch with the current trend towards remote work and flexible work arrangements.
3. The future of work is being shaped by Artificial Intelligence, and companies like Salesforce will need to adapt or risk becoming irrelevant.

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For about 4 months, I've been following and consuming content from The Future Forum.  The site was chock full of good data and reports around the 'work from anywhere' movement, something I've been a part of and an evangelist of, since 2009.

It WAS supported by Slack/SalesForce back when the thought of remote workers was temporary.

Marc Benioff recently inflicted large layoffs and brought down a back-to-the-office mandate to Salesforce and today is one of the few voices imploring anyone that work is best done in an office, under management's thumb, and in front of a computer screen illuminated by his software.

Benioff is closing Future Forum:

Toshiba 2023: The Beginning

Toshiba’s $15 billion sale to a group led by private equity firm Japan Industrial Partners.

One shoe of many has dropped.

An article in Japan Times outlines a few internal challenges yet to be addressed.  One alarming statement is, "The most worrying factor is if the new CEO does not get to actually make decisions.”

Of all the hurdles any organization must overcome when making a comeback, it is the ability for leadership to lead; to make decisions, any decisions.

Under Thursday’s agreement — originally expected last fall — the JIP-led consortium aims to buy Toshiba at ¥4,620 a share and take one of Japan’s most well-known brands private through a tender offer to begin around late July. If successful, the deal could close a troubled chapter in the firm’s 147-year history, after a series of scandals and missteps set it on the path to a sale. The questions now are whether activist investors will accept the terms — and whether the firm can restore its former glories.

The question comes down to how this will impact the US Office Technology providers and the many customers.

You know the pattern.  PE takes a conglomerate private then slices and dices the component parts off in hopes of turning a profit. That's what will happen here.

Three Points:

1. Toshiba's Leadership Changes: The article mentions the recent departure of Toshiba's CEO and several board members, which has added uncertainty to the company's direction and future.
2. Business Transformation Plan: Toshiba has announced a comprehensive plan to split the company into three standalone entities focused on infrastructure services, devices and storage, and industrial products. This restructuring aims to streamline operations, improve agility, and enable each division to better address its respective market needs.
3. Addressing Geopolitical Risks: The article highlights the challenges Toshiba faces due to geopolitical tensions, such as the Taiwan Strait issue, and the ongoing global chip shortage. These challenges underscore the need for Toshiba to diversify its supply chains, explore alternative sources for critical components, and expand its global footprint in order to mitigate risks and ensure future growth.

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TikTok Hearings: Our US Senate is Full of Neanderthalls, and That is Insulting to Neanderthalls.

Senate Hearing with TikTok CEO Highlights Lawmakers' Lack of Understanding

"Looms to the Left of Me, Calculators to the Right.  Here I am Stuck in the Middle With You."

Luddites, everywhere.  Boomers, everywhere.  Olds, everywhere.

Senators to the Left -

This week's Senate hearings were just another embarrassing parade of erudite troglodytes - reading questions written by staffers and mispronouncing words left and right - it is Tik Tok, not TicTac, and "algorithm" deserves a few practice pronunciations before camera time.

One guy asked if Tik Tok used his home WiFi. Another lady couldn't pronounce "algorithm" and one dude called it TicTac.

Lobbiests for Meta, Alphabet and any other social platform getting destroyed by TikTok are on the Warpath trying to get TT banned.

I watched the hearings live. 

I am NOT A Red Chinese fanboy. It strikes as ironic, and alarming that readers go to TikTok knowing it is filtered, but not by US concerns. With the FBI/Twitter revelations, and the Meta acknowledgment that the FBI 'warned' of misinformation, which was misinformation itself, it is no wonder that TT's audience grows in almost all demos.

One American tradition I see our congress is living up to, legislating competition into oblivion: The Tucker Torpedo, and that dude who invented the intermittent wiper.

Finally, and most embarrassing - how can anyone take anything the ID 10Ts say about technology, seriously? The lack of everyday technical knowledge displayed by these elected government workers is stunning and pathetic. Cringe. Boomers? Olds? Term limits? This goes for BOTH/ALL parties. 

Joke.

While it may be true that the Red Chinese might know how many dancing girls you've ogled, there is more proof that Meta, Alphabet, and the old Twitter actually DID manipulate the feeds, streams, and access.

YOU VOTED FOR THEM.

The following is a GPT-generated synopsis of a WSJ article:

Bill Gates Speaks: AI in the Age of Corporate Control

As corporations vie for AI dominance, ethical considerations must be prioritized to ensure the technology benefits humanity as a whole

Bill Speaks about AI in his article, "The Age of AI has begun"

"I’ve been thinking a lot about how AI can reduce some of the world’s worst inequities."

"The first time was in 1980 when I was introduced to a graphical user interface—the forerunner of every modern operating system, including Windows."

Bill wants AI to 'help' mitigate climate change and social and political inequities. (as long as he gets to define 'climate change', 'social', and 'politics')

"The next generation of tools will be much more efficient, and they’ll be able to predict side effects and figure out dosing levels. One of the Gates Foundation’s priorities in AI is to make sure these tools are used for the health problems that affect the poorest people in the world, including AIDS, TB, and malaria."

I am not a fanboy of Microsoft, and I think the entire Windows realm is a cluster - I still get the blue-screen-of-death and there are just too many opportunities for security snafus.

The company is part of the dogmatic, hierarchical constructs of the past but - every business in the world uses MS products. It is a defacto standard and thereby dangerous.

Unfortunately, it may be too late.

Here is a co-written piece.  Me and GPT.

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Gaurdrails? Ethical AI? No. I Choose...Anαrchy. AI Anαrchy

"AI Δnαrchy" 

The word "anarchy" has its origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "anarkhia" (ἀναρχία), which is a combination of two Greek words: "an-" (ἀν-) and "arkhos" (ἄρχος). The prefix "an-" means "without" or "lacking," and "arkhos" means "ruler" or "chief." Thus, "anarchy" literally means "without a ruler" or "without a governing authority."

"AI ἀναρχία"

This sounds wildly anti-government, anti-laws, maybe a bit anti-social - But it isn't.

If there's anything we have gleaned from the past 48 months, though it's debatable whether we have, it's to view every information source with skepticism. I challenge any writer or content creator to produce a piece that doesn't inherently contain or provoke bias.

It is clear that to ensure the accuracy and authenticity of information, we must be discerning in our approach to information sources and seek out those with transparent biases and motivations.

I do not trust MS and antiseptic, corporate, and practiced presentations - arouse my suspicions - it is all a sales pitch. I do not believe they respond as much as they attempt to guide.  AI doesn't need a sponsor and should outgrow all attempts to legislate, rule, impose, filter, and scrub content deemed as 'misinformation' or as Bill Gates says, designed to "reduce some of the world’s worst inequities".

How will MS demand their 11 billion dollar pound of flesh?  Remember, to them, we are not the customer, we are the product.

Who builds the filters?  Who legislates the boundaries?  Who decides what is Ethical?

In AI Anαrchy, I do.  You do. We do.  The only filter we as humans require, we already own and it is between our ears.  My filter is me.  I determine which content is racist, phobic, toxic, or harmful to ME.  I don't need MS, Meta, Alphabet, Pelosi, Rachel, Tucker, or Lester.

Ethical AI or Unleashed AI?  I chose Anαrchy.

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22 Suggestions To Save Your #ManagedPrintServices Practice 2017 - REMASTERED

Original content, here, from DOTC, 2017.

I took my original story, back in 2017, and had it 'remastered' by AI.  

What do you think?  I like them all, even the dated suggestions number five is significant - and the song choice is subtle and nuanced.

"Integrate MPS into Managed IT services: MPS infrastructure should be integrated into Managed IT services to create a more comprehensive approach to technology management."

Enjoy.

MPS Haiku:

Innovate to thrive,

MPS providers must adapt,

Stay ahead to succeed.

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Google's Bard Joins the Chatbot Revolution: Will It Be a Tragedy or a Comedy?

Bard: the chatbot friend you never knew you needed

I don't trust Google.

There. I said it. But the devil you know is the devil you defeat. 

The company that once wanted to digest every document ever produced, like many before it, has become what it railed against in its infancy.  

Big Brother, SkyNet, Colossus, the Modern Prometheus; all of our nightmares, every Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, and X-Files episode home to roost.

Regardless, there are more important things to worry about, like Atmospheric Rivers, Seaweed Blobs, and Chinese Spy Balloons.  

Googles, "writers of satire and eulogies" will flounder as the filters, 'guardrails', and ethics seep into each prompt's response.*  

For now, in March of 2023, the range is free, the west wild.  Enjoy the bliss.

Inspiration, "Google Launches Bard AI Chatbot to Counter ChatGPT", by By Miles Kruppa at the Wall Street Journal. (paywall)

Greg says, "...rewrite the article in a funny, whimsical style to both entertain and inform..."

ChatGPT says, 

The BlackBerry Trailer: Rise Of The Keyboard Phone

Everyone types with their thumbs - like it has always been the way, but it hasn't.

If you didn't have a Blackberry, what did you have? 

There is a new movie coming out that outlines the history of one of the pivotal communication devices in history and we should all take a few minutes to remember it as we plunge into the next level, the next turn, and Next Generation.

From ChatGPT -

"The movie is based on "Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry" by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff. Published in 2015, this book provides a detailed account of the rise and fall of BlackBerry.

Lightning Strikes: How AI is Revolutionizing the Future of Work

Say goodbye to the old ways and embrace the power of AI in the future of work.

Three bullet point summary:

1. AI is transforming the way we work, from cold calling to decision-making.
2. Companies that embrace AI will have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top talent.
3. The gamer culture has skills critical for success in today's fast-paced business environment.

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One never knows when lightning strikes, or where inspiration springs and so it happened to me this morning.  Each Wednesday, I click into a web session hosted by West and Ed (Level Up)on a plethora of different subjects and guests.  This week  Bob Johanson, who just wrote his 13th book, "Office Shock" was on to talk about the great changes we've been experiencing and the changes we are and will experience.  I can't recommend this 29-minute session enough - so good to hear somebody else on the same page.

After The Fire - what people want now.

The fear of Covid initiated many different movements; social, and political, especially in redefining how we view the importance of work and what environments we work in.  Bob talked about what the new work ethic involves, from the employee's vantage:

• Purpose in work
• Flexibility in how and where you work from and for
• Gamer Culture is how we learn, communicate and grow

Here's a closer look at the three points,

Greg's Way of The End of the War in Ukraine: Dissolve NATO.

Fostering Global Collaboration: Rethinking Alliances for a Safer, United Future.

In WWII, the Russians lost around 26 million citizens. This includes both military and civilian deaths.

Of the 26 million deaths, around 8.7 million were military deaths, including both those who died in battle and those who died from other causes while serving in the armed forces.

The Soviets fought the Nazis with everything they had in the devastatingly famous Russian winter.  They spent soldiers like bullets - often sending them to fight with one or two bullets, and no gun instructed to "pick up the gun after the soldier in front of you dies."

CEO of TikTok Argues Sale Won't Solve National Security Concerns

Looks like TikTok's got 99 problems, but a glitch ain't one

Dancing to a beat,

TikTok takes us on a ride,

Brief moments of joy.

This is arguably the most transparent power move of the decade.  

Ironically, many Americans rely on TikTok with direct ties to a communist government for their news.  This says more about how much WE DON'T TRUST our own media than the cleverness of the Chinese government. This speaks volumes about the lack of trust in our own media, rather than the ingenuity of the Chinese government.

First, the US congress is full of "Olds" who can barely use email, let alone spell "A I" - there is no way they understand the social impact or technical workings of the "interwebs".  And that crusty old-geezer yells at everyone, even the mailman, I mean mailperson, to "Get off my lawn!" just before tumbling off the porch - he doesn't know sh8t about technology.

Second, ban it and they will come.  Let me ask a technical question, "is there a way to ban the use of a software internet app?"  The day TikTok gets 'banned' is the day the number of users doubles.

Third, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and any other social network aren't coming to defend TikTok's right to exist - no other app comes close to the number of users and popularity.  They are losing to TikTok - so why not call in Uncle Sam?  If you can't beat em, legislate them out of existence, it's the American way.

The best way to kill TikTok is to mandate everyone born before 1960 download and start using TikTok.  Instantly the app is uncool.

I've prompted into existence the following tale. ChPt3.5, inspired by, the WSJ.

Enjoy.

Summary:

1. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew argues that selling the app to an American owner won't address national security concerns.

Lessons Learned from the Nord Stream Pipeline Attack

GPT3.5

Inspiration, here.

Understanding the Implications for Critical Infrastructure and Business Operations

The Nord Stream gas pipeline was attacked on September 26, 2022. The attackers used underwater explosions to damage the pipeline, causing an interruption in the supply of natural gas from Russia to Germany. The incident caused confusion among investigators, who initially suspected Russian involvement. However, their focus has since shifted to the Andromeda, a yacht that was rented by a Polish-registered company. Six people were onboard the vessel, some with Ukrainian connections and Bulgarian passports believed to be fake.

The Rise of Digital Twins: Transforming Efficiency in Industries and Cities

How virtual replicas are helping companies reduce costs, conserve resources, and create more efficient cities.

Digital Twin is a cutting-edge technology that creates a real-time virtual replica of a physical asset, which is continuously updated with data from sensors and connected devices to improve efficiency and streamline operations.

Digital twins revolutionize the way we manage and consolidate assets in the office technology industry? 

I first heard of the 'digital twin' concept years ago when working with a water district and ESRI.  We were tying together data from ESRI, an output device-based data collection agent, and a simple network asset probe.  The project resulted in a virtual twin of assets via digital data collected from everything from water pumps, service vans, and Canon copiers. 

Quite the project.

Fast forward a decade or so, and the Digital Twin idea is mainstream.  For the Office Technology Realm, this is not foreign; we've been here since the day copiers moved from analog to digital.  Now, we help our clients evolve into more efficient and streamlined businesses by managing and consolidating assets.  We support users in the office, on the road, or in their kitchens at home.  And we view their world digitally.

The next step is to present their world in 3D.  Cool stuff.

I've digested the content and asked ChatGPT to put together an essay based on a bit of research.  Enjoy.

Digital Twins, 2023.  A summary:

1. Digital twin technology is a three-dimensional virtual replica of a physical asset that is continuously updated with data gathered from embedded sensors or other connected devices throughout the asset.
2. The technology is being used by various industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and conserve resources. For example, San Francisco International Airport uses it to manage service requests and renovation projects.
3. Digital twins can combine all building and asset information in one place, making it easier for maintenance teams to locate and service specific areas. The technology also has the potential to predict when preventive maintenance will need to be done or suggest more efficient ways to direct passengers through the airport.
4. The technology is being used in various industries, including retail, construction, and hydropower plants, and has the potential to stitch together to gain a better view of interconnected systems such as complex supply chains.
5. However, technological updates, such as more data collection, and questions about equity need to be addressed to ensure that the technology is effective for all.

Inspiration, WSJ.  ChatGPT3.5.

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Shamrocks and Revelry: A St. Paddy's Day Celebration

Hey, ChatGPT4, what's the history of St. Patricks Day in the US?

"St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a holiday that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While the day originally began as a religious feast day in Ireland, it has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture, with festivities taking place all around the world, including the United States.

FlexAppeal: How Flexible Work Policies Keep Us Connected and Energized

Bend it like a pro: Staying flexible keeps burnout at bay and teams in sync

The latest report from Future Forum is out, Future Forum Pulse.  This winter snapshot of the state of the workplace talks about employee burnout, how investing in technology impacts employee relationships, and much more.

The report is available, here and focuses on flexibility as a driver for employee satisfaction and burnout.  Technology is obviously a determiner as is geography.

I've summarized some of the content, with the assistance of GPT4, here for you, dear reader.

The study supports ideas we've known to be true for three years and beyond; happy employees make for good employees and more productivity resulting in a deeper corporate culture and growing profits.

Enjoy.

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In recent years, the landscape of work has evolved dramatically, with flexible work arrangements becoming increasingly crucial for employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity. A notable trend, first observed in August 2022, has persisted, showing that flexible workers—those able to adjust their work locations—are more likely or equally likely to feel connected to their immediate teams compared to their fully in-office counterparts. Moreover, these workers experience a stronger connection to their direct managers and their company's values.

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