Month: April 2023

We know. You are likely one who sees AI as an area of technology that needs to be approached carefully, because although it can do wonderful things, there are fears around it. More and more tasks done by humans such as using a CRM are being automated.

Another area of automation is in the realm of social media posts. This has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. With the rise of social media platforms and the need for businesses to maintain an online presence, automation has become a crucial aspect of marketing strategies.

Some of us strive to be a part of the “AI Do Good” movement, but it gets harder and harder not to use AI tools that do things that people used to do. Like for example scheduling. AI is You wrote about scheduling in a recent article.

Zapier is a web-based automation tool that connects different apps and services together. It can be used to automate a wide range of tasks, including the posting of social media content. By creating a Zap in Zapier, you can connect your social media accounts and automate the posting of your content.

For example, let’s say you have a blog and you want to automatically share your new blog post on your social media accounts. With Zapier, you can create a Zap that triggers when a new blog post is published. The Zap can then automatically share the blog post on your social media accounts, such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Automating social media posts can save you a lot of time and effort. Instead of manually posting content on multiple social media platforms, you can set up a Zap in Zapier and let it do the work for you. This frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business or personal life.

Automation and the “Ask AI Guy” go hand in hand. The concept of the “Ask AI Guy” is that you can actually “Ask AI Guy” questions when subscribing. Your question might appear in the newsletter. It is important to at least be aware, as a business owner, of what is available.

In addition to saving time, automating social media posts can also help you maintain a consistent posting schedule. By scheduling your posts in advance, you can ensure that your social media accounts are active and engaging even when you’re busy with other tasks.

One of the best things about using Zapier to automate social media posts is that it is easy to set up and use. Even if you’re not a technical person, you can create a Zap in Zapier by following the step-by-step instructions. The platform is user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible to everyone.

Zapier also offers a wide range of integrations, allowing you to connect your social media accounts to other apps and services. For example, you can connect your social media accounts to your email marketing platform and automate the sharing of your email campaigns on social media.

Another benefit of using Zapier to automate social media posts is that it can help you track your social media performance. With Zapier, you can set up Zaps that track the number of likes, comments, and shares on your social media posts. This data can then be used to optimize your social media strategy and improve your overall performance.

Zapier also allows you to customize your social media posts for each platform. For example, you can create a Zap that automatically shares your new blog post on Twitter with a specific hashtag, while sharing it on LinkedIn with a different hashtag. This allows you to tailor your posts to each platform and maximize engagement.

In conclusion, automating social media posts with Zapier is a powerful tool for businesses and individuals who want to save time and improve their social media presence. By creating Zaps in Zapier, you can connect your social media accounts and automate the posting of your content. This not only saves you time but also helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule, track your social media performance, and customize your posts for each platform. Overall, Zapier is an excellent choice for anyone looking to streamline their social media marketing efforts.

Magic has always been a popular form of entertainment in New York City, with its rich history of iconic magicians and famous magic shows including Harry Houdini himself who had his base in this magic city of Manhattan. However, in recent times, a new controversy has arisen among magicians regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their acts. Some believe that AI can bring a new level of wonder and excitement to magic performances, while others argue that it goes against the ethics of the art.

At the forefront of this debate is the “Ask AI Guy,” a former filmmaker, marketer, and a New Yorker since 1988, has been using AI in his mentalism and magic acts. On the “Ask AI Guy” website there is a delving in on this “AI is Magic?” topic. The “Ask AI Guy” argues that AI can enhance the experience for audiences by allowing them to witness seemingly impossible feats, such as predicting someone’s thoughts or emotions. However, the “Ask AI Guy” also points out that some magicians are concerned that using AI in this way could be seen as cheating or taking away from the craft of traditional magic.

The question that arises is where does AI end and magic entertainment begin? Many traditional magicians believe that the art of magic is about the performance and showmanship, rather than the tricks themselves. They argue that using AI to perform mentalism goes against this ethos, as it takes away from the personal connection between the magician and their audience.

And yet, the “Ask AI Guy’s” use of “AI is Magic” empowers him to do things like read people’s minds and predict the future. And yet, ironically, his mentalism achieves baffling experiences for audiences that go to an extent far beyond what AI as a digital intelligence is currently capable of! An in fact the “Ask AI Guy” points this out in what he says, or as magicians call it, “patter.” So, if a magician’s repertoire out paces technology when it comes to magic and illusion, is it actually unjustly leaning on AI in the first place?

On the other hand, proponents of AI in magic argue that it is simply another tool in a magician’s arsenal. They say that using AI allows them to create effects that would be impossible using traditional methods, and can add a new level of excitement and intrigue to their performances. They also point out that using technology in magic is not a new concept, with magicians throughout history using various gadgets and props to enhance their acts.

Another concern that arises is the potential for AI to take over the role of the magician entirely. While AI can currently only perform specific tasks or respond to pre-programmed prompts, some worry that in the future, it could become advanced enough to perform entire magic acts on its own. This would fundamentally change the nature of magic as we know it and could have significant implications for the entertainment industry as a whole. Some magic aficionados are fine with this though, and sees this as a natural future transition for many forms of entertainment. They are also quick to point out that as long as one recognizes the first of the the ten pillars which is AI Do Good, then everything is fine.

One way that some magicians are using AI in their performances is by incorporating it into their props and illusions. For example, a magician may use a smartwatch or other wearable device that can detect specific movements or actions, triggering a particular effect in their act. This allows them to create unique and memorable illusions that would be impossible using traditional methods.

However, others argue that using AI in this way can be a double-edged sword. While it may create some impressive effects, it could also take away from the personal connection between the magician and their audience. Instead of being awed by the skill and artistry of the magician, the audience may simply be impressed by the technology being used.

Ultimately, the debate around AI in magic raises significant questions about the ethics of entertainment and the role of technology in our lives. Some argue that using AI in magic is no different from using other forms of technology, such as lighting or sound effects, while others see it as a fundamental shift in the nature of the art.

Regardless of where one falls on this issue, it is clear that AI is already having a significant impact on the entertainment industry as a whole. From virtual concerts to AI-generated art, technology is changing the way we experience and consume entertainment. As such, it is likely that the debate around AI in magic will continue for some time to come. And who knows, soon we might have Chatbots doing magic per the “Ask AI Guy’s” recently answered question.

In the end, the decision of whether to use AI in magic performances ultimately comes down to the individual magician’s ethical code and personal beliefs. Some will embrace the technology and use it to create new and exciting illusions, while others will stick to traditional methods. Or in the case of magician and mentalist the “Ask AI Guy” use AI to do things that AI itself is not yet capable of doing?

Whatever the outcome, it is clear that the art of magic will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing times, just as it has for more than one hundred years here in the Big Apple, also known as Manhattan, NYC where “AI is Magic!”