Writing Beyond the Pay Wall
Why I took my latest article out of the Medium Partner Program
So,
I recently wrote an article, “The AI Prompt Engineering Gold Rush,” which looks critically at the meteoric rise of AI Prompt Engineering as a niche in the job market. It’s a phenomenon which is creating an avalanche of excitement in the media, but whose consequences we can only begin to guess.
I wrote it because I’m worried that we’re jumping into a new form of gold rush without really thinking about what we’re putting at risk. It’s part of a larger set of questions I’m asking myself (and readers) about the ethics of Artificial Intelligence development, and it’s as important to me as I think it should be for our society.
While I usually contribute my work to Medium’s Partner Program, this time I made a conscious decision to publish my article outside the pay wall. The Medium Partner Program has been good for me, and I do take my writing seriously as work with real value. At the same time, I felt a need to bring this article out otherwise, and I want to take a moment to explain to you, my readers, why.
Well, damn, this is important!
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a fancy of the most far-fetched science fiction — it’s here, and it’s transforming our world at a rapid pace. The arrival of AI Prompt Engineering is one such transformation. As AI grows increasingly sophisticated, it’s totally reshaping the job market, creating new roles, redefining old ones, while totally eliminating others. This shift will impact us all, whether we’re on the job market itself, navigating these changes, or if we’re employers integrating new technology, or still students, trying to chart our future careers.
Given the wild and unpredictable impact this topic will have on our collective future, I am convinced it’s essential for as many people as possible to be thinking about it. It’s not just about being aware of the change, but recognizing its nuances, potential ramifications, and real risks, in addition to the opportunities it presents. By making my article freely accessible, my hope is to contribute to that understanding, helping us navigate the future with informed foresight, instead of mindless optimism for an AI-driven world.
A Wider Readership Means Wider Discussion
Another reason, I’ll admit, for sharing my article freely was to reach a broader audience. As you probably know, with Medium’s Partner Program, only paying subscribers can access the full content. By removing the paywall for this particular article, I wanted to open the door to anyone interested in the subject, regardless of their financial ability or inclination to subscribe to Medium. I understand that Medium needs revenue to survive, but in this case I wanted to take away the economic barrier that could limit readership.
This wider reach doesn’t just mean more eyeballs on the article. It also means more perspectives engaging with the content, more voices adding to the conversation, and a richer, more diverse dialogue around AI’s impact on our job market. Also, more engagement can lead to wider sharing of the article, further extending its reach and the conversation it sparks, or at least I can hope.
It’s Modest, Yes, But It’s Also My Thanks
Another significant reason behind this decision is my way of expressing concrete gratitude to you, my readers. Your support, your engagement, and your comments have all played a crucial role in my development as a writer. Offering this article freely is a very modest way of giving back to this community, a token of appreciation for your continued interest and involvement.
Furthermore, I truly believe that sharing knowledge and encouraging open discussions about such critical topics helps in building a more informed and connected community. We’re all heading towards this AI-shaped future together, and the more we can learn from each other’s perspectives, the better equipped we’ll be to deal with it. By stepping beyond the paywall, I hope to foster that sense of community and collective learning.
And Future Thinking Is About AI and More
Making “The AI Prompt Engineering Gold Rush” freely accessible is also a way to encourage future interactions with my work. If you’re new here, this open-access piece can serve as an introduction to my writing style, the topics I cover, and the perspectives I bring. If you find it insightful and engaging, you might be inspired to explore my other pieces, join the conversation, or even become a part of Medium’s subscription program to access more in-depth content.
Even for those who choose not to subscribe, I believe in providing a taste of the discussions we’re having here. After all, every conversation about the future of AI and our society benefits from a broader variety of voices and perspectives. And who knows, today’s free reader could be tomorrow’s most engaged subscriber (not to mention AI Apocalypse Survivor…)!
Let Me Know What You Think!
To wrap it up, I have to say that choosing to share “The AI Prompt Engineering Gold Rush” freely wasn’t a decision I took lightly. It was a strategic choice, absolutely, but one driven by a desire to make the conversation around AI and the job market as inclusive, engaging, and far-reaching as possible. Because I really do believe this is critical for our continued survival.
I am also a believer in the power of shared knowledge, open dialogue, and community engagement. By making this piece available to all, I hope to have taken a small step towards these goals.
As always, I’m eager to hear your thoughts and perspectives, whether you’re a long-time subscriber or someone who’s just stumbled upon this article. So, let’s keep the conversation going!
By the way, if you like what you read here, feel free to follow me on Medium or subscribe to my free (and fun) newsletter on preparing to survive the AI Apocalypse!
