# Rethinking the Role of Writers in the Age of AI
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Chapter 1: The Misguided Question
Instead of asking, “Will ChatGPT take my job?” the more relevant inquiry is, “Am I producing or truly crafting my writing?” The rise of AI has many content creators and copywriters feeling anxious about their futures. It’s unsettling to consider that technology could render the title of "writer" obsolete, placing it alongside professions like “travel agent” and “switchboard operator,” which have largely vanished.
Let’s shift perspectives for a moment: imagine you are no longer a writer. (No need to panic; this is merely a metaphor.) Picture yourself as a soap artisan.
Photo by Aurélia Dubois on Unsplash
While anyone can purchase a bar of soap from a store for about 75 cents, mass-produced and widely available, your handmade soap commands a price of eight dollars a bar. Each piece is crafted with care, honed through years of experimentation. You've invested significant time and effort into creating stunning, gift-worthy bars that stand out.
Your soap’s value is clearly defined — it’s worth eight dollars, perhaps even more if you’re honest about your pricing. In contrast, a common product like Irish Spring is priced significantly lower. However, this doesn't imply that Irish Spring is inferior or ten times worse than your creation. It serves its purpose effectively, and that’s what it was designed to do.
What it indicates is that Irish Spring is simply not extraordinary. Some consumers don’t seek out specialty items; they only require basic functionality. For them, the need for something exceptional doesn’t exist.
Photo by Matthew Tkocz on Unsplash
Returning to writing: Just as there are consumers content with generic soaps, certain clients will be satisfied with basic, AI-generated copy. For these clients, a straightforward tagline like “Cleanse and Refresh with Our Soap” suffices (this tagline, incidentally, was produced by ChatGPT). If that’s the case, those clients are not your target audience. They can manage with AI content, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
However, others will require your unique voice to create compelling narratives that resonate with their brand and audience in ways generic writing cannot. This is a human touch that AI simply cannot replicate.
Moreover, these discerning clients are often willing to pay a premium for the quality and depth that you bring to the table.
So, reflect on this: Are you merely producing average content, or are you genuinely crafting work that meets your client’s specific needs? Your unique voice and artistry are invaluable, and they far surpass anything produced by AI.
Now, strive to exceed simple phrases like “Cleanse and Refresh with Our Soap.”
Chapter 2: Embracing Your Craft
The video titled "Will ChatGPT replace me? I got it to write safe work procedures!" dives into the nuances of AI in writing and its implications for professionals in the field.