#chatbot success over

[katakaluptastrophy]

I think what's so interesting about Gideon as a narrator at the anniversary dinner is the fact that there's clearly tensions that she's just not picking up on because she's only there to eat a dessert.

But these people are all the immensely powerful leaders of the Houses and consider themselves to be in competition for literal godlike powers and the favour of the emperor.

There's so many little snippets that are potentially intriguing: why is Teacher trying to prime the Ninth to consider the Fifth a threat? Why are the Third and the Sixth "sizing each other up like prizefighters"? The Fifth absolutely knew what they were doing when they sat the teen heads of the opposing cults near each other.

Through Gideon's lens, Magnus' speech is a little awkward jokey thing. But...the seneschal of the House that is known to be actively trying to absorb another House is saying it's such a shame they're all so remote from each other and what do they all have in common (and it's so quiet you "could have heard a hair flutter to the floor") - that had to feel a bit different to people who aren't Gideon.

Palamedes' is dissecting the meaning of "Master Warden" and at one point compares it to a prison warden. 'Dulcinea' asking about whether Magnus and Abigail have children is perhaps less small talk and rather more pointedly political. Harrow's apparently stilted conversation with Protesilaus is clearly her actually probing his limitations like he's a bad Chat GPT-run chatbot.

And then 'Dulcinea' tells Gideon she liked the dinner because it was "useful". In her typical "I never lied to you" way, Cyth wasn't lying when she said Abigail had to die because of her hobby - Abigail Pent let loose on the Facility would have risked blowing Cyth's cover sky high. But what does a Canaan House look like where after the dinner party, the Fifth go down to the facility, get a key, and survive to continue their 'the Houses are going to get along or else' agenda? We've seen Fifth House soft power on a smaller scale in HTN: and it looks like inviting a teenager round for coffee, lulling her into a false sense of security with small talk, and then physically preventing her from leaving the room until she does what you want, while smiling the entire time. A series of little coffee chats could probably have led to a lot of cooperation in Canaan House, one way or another.

Gideon jokes about Silas marrying Ianthe because of their similar colour pallete, but it does raise the fact that there seems to be some tension around the Third, its succession, and the *point* of Ianthe. Why is Silas openly saying Ianthe should have died at birth? Combined with Judith's comments in the Cohort Intelligence Files about succession on the Third, it feels like there's something else being said here that Gideon isn't picking up on.

And of course, Harrow wasn't the only one desperate to become a Lyctor because her con was unsustainable. Presumably at some point Corona and Ianthe would be expected to marry, or at least take on more separate roles as Corona prepared to take over the throne and Ianthe was funneled off elsewhere. At some point, their package deal would have become unsustainable and Corona's cover would have been blown. But much as Harrow wants to become a Lyctor so she can reveal the state of the Ninth without repercussions, Ianthe is probably in part motivated to become a Lyctor for the same reason. Because otherwise, what would Ianthe's expected role have been? Amidst the suggestion of anxiety about the Idan succession, the dinner party also presents the fact that the reason Abigail and Magnus' infertility isn't a succession crisis for the ruling family of the Fifth is that Abigail's younger brother dutifully married in his early 20s and had kids. We know there are branch families in Ida - Babs is from one. He may be a prince, but he's not treated well, and you do get the sense that the stakes to stay in power in Ida are high.

We don't learn anything about the political situation in the Houses themselves during HTN or NTN, but in the wake of Canaan House, you have to suspect there are a number of tensions and concerns.

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #31

August 9-16 2024

President Biden and Vice-President Harris announced together the successful conclusion of the first negotiations between Medicare and pharmaceutical companies over drug prices. For years Medicare was not allow to directly negotiate princes with drug companies leaving seniors to pay high prices. It has been a Democratic goal for many years to change this. President Biden noted he first introduced a bill to allow these negotiations as a Senator back in 1973. Thanks to Inflation Reduction Act, passed with no Republican support using Vice-President Harris' tie breaking vote, this long time Democratic goal is now a reality. Savings on these first ten drugs are between 38% and 79% and will collectively save seniors $1.8 billion dollars in out of pocket costs. This comes on top of the Biden-Harris Administration already having capped the price of insulin for Medicare's 3.5 million diabetics at $35 a month, as well as the Administration's plan to cap Medicare out of pocket drug costs at $2,000 a year starting January 2025.

President Biden and Vice President Harris have launched a wide ranging all of government effort to crack down on companies wasting customers time with excessive paperwork, hold times, and robots rather than real people. Some of the actions from the "Time is Money" effort include: The FTC and FCC putting forward rules that require companies to make canceling a subscription or service as easy as signing up for it. The Department of Transportation has required automatic refunds for canceled flights. The CFPB is working on rules to require companies to have to allow customers to speak to a real person with just one button click ending endless "doom loops" of recored messages. The CFPB is also working on rules around chatbots, particularly their use from banks. The FTC is working on rules to ban companies from posting fake reviews, suppressing honest negative reviews, or paying for  positive reviews. HHS and the Department of Labor are taking steps to require insurance companies to allow health claims to be submitted online. All these actions come on top of the Biden Administration's efforts to get rid of junk fees.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden announced further funding as part of the President's Cancer Moonshot. The Cancer Moonshot was launched by then Vice-President Biden in 2016 in the aftermath of his son Beau Biden's death from brain cancer in late 2015. It was scrapped by Trump as political retaliation against the Obama-Biden Administration. Revived by President Biden in 2022 it has the goal of cutting the number of cancer deaths in half over the next 25 years, saving 4 million lives. Part of the Moonshot is Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), grants to help develop cutting edge technology to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. The President and First Lady announced $150 million in ARPA-H grants this week focused on more successful cancer surgeries. With grants to Tulane, Rice, Johns Hopkins, and Dartmouth, among others, they'll help fund imaging and microscope technology that will allow surgeons to more successfully determine if all cancer has been remove, as well as medical imaging focused on preventing damage to healthy tissues during surgeries.

Vice-President Harris announced a 4-year plan to lower housing costs. The Vice-President plans on offering $25,000 to first time home buyers in down-payment support. It's believed this will help support 1 million first time buyers a year. She also called for the building of 3 million more housing units, and a $40 billion innovation fund to spur innovative housing construction. This adds to President Biden's call for a $10,000 tax credit for first time buyers and calls by the President to punish landlords who raise the rent by over 5%.

President Biden Designates the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot a National Monument. The two day riot in Illinois capital took place just blocks away from Abraham Lincoln's Springfield home. In August 1908, 17 people die, including a black infant, and 2,000 black refugees were forced to flee the city. As a direct result of the riot, black community leaders and white allies met a few months later in New York and founded the NAACP. The new National Monument will seek to preserve the history and educate the public both on the horrible race riot as well as the foundation of the NAACP. This is the second time President Biden has used his authority to set up a National Monument protecting black history, after setting up the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument on Emmett Till's 82nd birthday July 25th 2023.

The Department of The Interior announced $775 million to help cap and clean up orphaned oil and gas wells. The money will help cap wells in 21 states. The Biden-Harris Administration has allocated $4.7 billion to plug orphaned wells, a billion of which has already been distributed. More than 8,200 such wells have been capped since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2022. Orphaned wells leak toxins into communities and are leaking the super greenhouse gas methane. Plugging them will not only improve the health of nearby communities but help fight climate change on a global level.

Vice-President Harris announced plans to ban price-gouging in the food and grocery industries. This would be a first ever federal ban on price gouging and Harris called for clear "rules of the road" on price rises in food, and strong penalties from the FTC for those who break them. This is in line with President Biden's launching of a federal Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing in March, and Democratic Senator Bob Casey's bill to ban "shrinkflation". In response to this pressure from Democrats on price gouging and after aggressive questions by Senator Casey and Senator Elizabeth Warren, the supermarket giant Kroger proposed dropping prices by a billion dollars

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The Brave Little Toaster

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

The AI bubble is the new crypto bubble: you can tell because the same people are behind it, and they're doing the same thing with AI as they did with crypto – trying desperately to find a use case to cram it into, despite the yawning indifference and outright hostility of the users:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/09/autocomplete-worshippers/#the-real-ai-was-the-corporations-that-we-fought-along-the-way

This week on the excellent Trashfuture podcast, the regulars – joined by 404 Media's Jason Koebler – have a hilarious – as in, I was wheezing with laughter! – riff on this year's CES, where companies are demoing home appliances with LLMs built in:

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hgi6c-179b908

Why would you need a chatbot in your dishwasher? As it turns out, there's a credulous, Poe's-law-grade Forbes article that lays out the (incredibly stupid) case for this (incredibly stupid) idea:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2024/03/29/generative-ai-is-coming-to-your-home-appliances/

As the Trashfuturians mapped out this new apex of the AI hype cycle, I found myself thinking of a short story I wrote 15 years ago, satirizing the "Internet of Things" hype we were mired in. It's called "The Brave Little Toaster", and it was published in MIT Tech Review's TRSF anthology in 2011:

http://bestsf.net/trsf-the-best-new-science-fiction-technology-review-2011/

The story was meant to poke fun at the preposterous IoT hype of the day, and I recall thinking that creating a world of talking appliance was the height of Philip K Dickist absurdism. Little did I dream that a decade and a half later, the story would be even more relevant, thanks to AI pump-and-dumpers who sweatily jammed chatbots into kitchen appliances.

So I figured I'd republish The Brave Little Toaster; it's been reprinted here and there since (there's a high school English textbook that included it, along with a bunch of pretty fun exercises for students), and I podcasted it back in the day:

https://ia803103.us.archive.org/35/items/Cory_Doctorow_Podcast_212/Cory_Doctorow_Podcast_212_Brave_Little_Toaster.mp3

A word about the title of this story. It should sound familiar – I nicked it from a brilliant story by Tom Disch that was made into a very weird cartoon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8C_JaT8Lvg

My story is one of several I wrote by stealing the titles of other stories and riffing on them; they were very successful, winning several awards, getting widely translated and reprinted, and so on:

https://locusmag.com/2012/05/cory-doctorow-a-prose-by-any-other-name/

All right, on to the story!

One day, Mister Toussaint came home to find an extra 300 euros' worth of groceries on his doorstep. So he called up Miz Rousseau, the grocer, and said, "Why have you sent me all this food? My fridge is already full of delicious things. I don't need this stuff and besides, I can't pay for it."

But Miz Rousseau told him that he had ordered the food. His refrigerator had sent in the list, and she had the signed order to prove it.

Furious, Mister Toussaint confronted his refrigerator. It was mysteriously empty, even though it had been full that morning. Or rather, it was almost empty: there was a single pouch of energy drink sitting on a shelf in the back. He'd gotten it from an enthusiastically smiling young woman on the metro platform the day before. She'd been giving them to everyone.

"Why did you throw away all my food?" he demanded. The refrigerator hummed smugly at him.

"It was spoiled," it said.

#

But the food hadn't been spoiled. Mister Toussaint pored over his refrigerator's diagnostics and logfiles, and soon enough, he had the answer. It was the energy beverage, of course.

"Row, row, row your boat," it sang. "Gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, I'm offgassing ethelyne." Mister Toussaint sniffed the pouch suspiciously.

"No you're not," he said. The label said that the drink was called LOONY GOONY and it promised ONE TRILLION TIMES MORE POWERFUL THAN ESPRESSO!!!!!ONE11! Mister Toussaint began to suspect that the pouch was some kind of stupid Internet of Things prank. He hated those.

He chucked the pouch in the rubbish can and put his new groceries away.

#

The next day, Mister Toussaint came home and discovered that the overflowing rubbish was still sitting in its little bag under the sink. The can had not cycled it through the trapdoor to the chute that ran to the big collection-point at ground level, 104 storeys below.

"Why haven't you emptied yourself?" he demanded. The trashcan told him that toxic substances had to be manually sorted. "What toxic substances?"

So he took out everything in the bin, one piece at a time. You've probably guessed what the trouble was.

"Excuse me if I'm chattery, I do not mean to nattery, but I'm a mercury battery!" LOONY GOONY's singing voice really got on Mister Toussaint's nerves.

"No you're not," Mister Toussaint said.

#

Mister Toussaint tried the microwave. Even the cleverest squeezy-pouch couldn't survive a good nuking. But the microwave wouldn't switch on. "I'm no drink and I'm no meal," LOONY GOONY sang. "I'm a ferrous lump of steel!"

The dishwasher wouldn't wash it ("I don't mean to annoy or chafe, but I'm simply not dishwasher safe!"). The toilet wouldn't flush it ("I don't belong in the bog, because down there I'm sure to clog!"). The windows wouldn't retract their safety screen to let it drop, but that wasn't much of a surprise.

"I hate you," Mister Toussaint said to LOONY GOONY, and he stuck it in his coat pocket. He'd throw it out in a trash-can on the way to work.

#

They arrested Mister Toussaint at the 678th Street station. They were waiting for him on the platform, and they cuffed him just as soon as he stepped off the train. The entire station had been evacuated and the police wore full biohazard containment gear. They'd even shrinkwrapped their machine-guns.

"You'd better wear a breather and you'd better wear a hat, I'm a vial of terrible deadly hazmat," LOONY GOONY sang.

When they released Mister Toussaint the next day, they made him take LOONY GOONY home with him. There were lots more people with LOONY GOONYs to process.

#

Mister Toussaint paid the rush-rush fee that the storage depot charged to send over his container. They forklifted it out of the giant warehouse under the desert and zipped it straight to the cargo-bay in Mister Toussaint's building. He put on old, stupid clothes and clipped some lights to his glasses and started sorting.

Most of the things in container were stupid. He'd been throwing away stupid stuff all his life, because the smart stuff was just so much easier. But then his grandpa had died and they'd cleaned out his little room at the pensioner's ward and he'd just shoved it all in the container and sent it out the desert.

From time to time, he'd thought of the eight cubic meters of stupidity he'd inherited and sighed a put-upon sigh. He'd loved Grandpa, but he wished the old man had used some of the ample spare time from the tail end of his life to replace his junk with stuff that could more gracefully reintegrate with the materials stream.

How inconsiderate!

#

The house chattered enthusiastically at the toaster when he plugged it in, but the toaster said nothing back. It couldn't. It was stupid. Its bread-slots were crusted over with carbon residue and it dribbled crumbs from the ill-fitting tray beneath it. It had been designed and built by cavemen who hadn't ever considered the advantages of networked environments.

It was stupid, but it was brave. It would do anything Mister Toussaint asked it to do.

"It's getting hot and sticky and I'm not playing any games, you'd better get me out before I burst into flames!" LOONY GOONY sang loudly, but the toaster ignored it.

"I don't mean to endanger your abode, but if you don't let me out, I'm going to explode!" The smart appliances chattered nervously at one another, but the brave little toaster said nothing as Mister Toussaint depressed its lever again.

"You'd better get out and save your ass, before I start leaking poison gas!" LOONY GOONY's voice was panicky. Mister Toussaint smiled and depressed the lever.

Just as he did, he thought to check in with the flat's diagnostics. Just in time, too! Its quorum-sensors were redlining as it listened in on the appliances' consternation. Mister Toussaint unplugged the fridge and the microwave and the dishwasher.

The cooker and trash-can were hard-wired, but they didn't represent a quorum.

#

The fire department took away the melted toaster and used their axes to knock huge, vindictive holes in Mister Toussaint's walls. "Just looking for embers," they claimed. But he knew that they were pissed off because there was simply no good excuse for sticking a pouch of independently powered computation and sensors and transmitters into an antique toaster and pushing down the lever until oily, toxic smoke filled the whole 104th floor.

Mister Toussaint's neighbors weren't happy about it either.

But Mister Toussaint didn't mind. It had all been worth it, just to hear LOONY GOONY beg and weep for its life as its edges curled up and blackened.

He argued mightily, but the firefighters refused to let him keep the toaster.

#

If you enjoyed that and would like to read more of my fiction, may I suggest that you pre-order my next novel as a print book, ebook or audiobook, via the Kickstarter I launched yesterday?

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/picks-and-shovels-marty-hench-at-the-dawn-of-enshittification?ref=created_projects

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/08/sirius-cybernetics-corporation/#chatterbox

Image: Cryteria (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HAL9000.svg

CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en

[elicathebunny]

How to utilise the holidays/term breaks well for a successful academic year

Do you need to catch up on revising the things you didn't pay attention to in class or maybe you just need to put in some extra effort to up a grade? I'm going to walk you through my personal tips for revising efficiently throughout the holidays and term breaks without disrupting your freedom away from learning too much.

I. The Defining Phase

First, you need to figure out what you need to study the most. You should figure this out by knowing what subjects you need to spend a little bit more time on than others and revising what you already know well from time to time to keep the information fresh. Make sure you don't spend too much time on the topics you know very well, I know it's tempting and easier but you are not learning anything new or prioritising the subjects you do need to work on. The more you practice in the difficult areas, the more easier they will become too.

II. The Planning Phase

Now you know what you need to revise/study. You can make a schedule around your free days. Obviously don't force yourself to study or revise when you are enjoying your holidays off from education, so you need to work out days that you can dedicate to your learning.

To make things easier for yourself, gather the resources you need (physical or online) and make them easily available to you to get rid of the faf when starting to revise. If you know you may need extra help, utilise the online teachers and AI chatbots.

-> Don't cheat with them, these are helpful ways to check your answers and to understand the questions that you wouldn't have gotten with step-by-step help

Make sure to schedule days that you can rest and enjoy your break from school. Please don't overload yourself with lots of study days because you will burn out and miss out on your holiday. Instead make a doable schedule based on your lifestyle and what's going on in your week, dedicating just 20-60 mins is enough for a day to get all the information in your head.

Allow yourself to have breaks in between study sessions so you can reset your brain before continuing to learn.

for example: for every 1hr 30 mins studying, take a 15 min break for every 1hr studying, take a 10 min break for every 30 minutes studying, take a 5 min break [every 30 mins = 5 mins break]

if you do anything below or above the times I gave, then round it up to the nearest 30 minutes and calculate the break you should have.

III. Avoiding procrastination

SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS !!

Put your study equipment on your desk, organised and ready for you to begin your session. Keep all distractions you know will interrupt your studying away from your space. Put your phone away and keep it away from your desk, turn it on do not disturb until you have finished your session. Make sure your space is clean and organised, clear space = clear mind.

Play some ambient music in the background if you need something to break the silence. Preferably choose a background sound with no lyrics or a beat to distract you. The music will keep you focused if you need it.

a. how to stop relying on motivation purely.

Motivation often comes in short bursts and fades away, leaving you less determined to pursue your goals. Relying solely on motivation means you only act when you feel like it. Sometimes, we need to do things that benefit us even when we don’t feel like it. That's why motivation isn’t reliable in the long run. Instead, we need to develop discipline. Discipline helps you push through when you don’t feel like doing something, focusing on the long-term benefits rather than your current feelings. Doing something over and over again builds a habit, this will make it easier to get up and get it done without a fuss.

xoxo

E.B

[engeorged]

Gainer CHATBOTS 10

So here’s the last lot for a bit. There’s one you guys voted on (Jago) one request (Brandon) and one I made up (Taylor). I have to say they are some of the best ones I’ve made.

Jago Sugardaddy - you’ve been using an app to find yourself a sugar daddy with little success. And then you meet Jago. He’s hot and loaded but he seems to want something you weren’t expecting?

Brandon Bad Influence - you’ve been friends with Brandon since you were kids. He was always the class clown and he’s a great friend but he is a bit of a bad influence. He’ll always encourage you to have one more drink or one more burger. Careful! You’ll get fat!

Taylor Trustfund - works in finance, he’s 6’5, Blue eyes and has a trust fund. Perfect man. Looks like he’s gaining a little weight though?

I’m not in hiding so if you have ideas feel free to send them over but for now I’m done making bots. (Unless I have a really good idea!

[freyito]

Can you write something where Kuai Liang know the reader and Smoke like each other but are too blind to see so he works up a plan to set them up together? (it can be headcannon or scenario)

loved this prompt the day i got it.... was just waiting for the special moment where i could properly write it... OUGHHHH ANON YOUUUUUU... you.

cw: gn reader, just fluff, not proofread

ᴋᴜᴀɪ ʟɪᴀɴɢ ꜱᴇᴛꜱ ᴜᴘ ᴛᴏᴍᴀꜱ & ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

Oh. Dear. Lord. The pining, the tension, it's KILLING Kuai. He first sees how his brother is, Tomas is all soft and sweet with you, yet somehow just a tad more shy than normal. Kuai also catches just how red Tomas gets when he's around you.

Then, Kuai is subjected to TORTURE. Day in, day out. Now, Tomas can't stop talking about you. Every. Waking. Minute. Tomas tells Kuai Liang everything about you, everything he likes- your smile, your hair, the way you walk, when you look ba- Kuai can't take it anymore.

And Kuai can see the way you act with Tomas, too. You laugh a little more, you smile a little more. Dammit. He's so done with the way you two tip toe around each other. So, Kuai Liang has a plan. The Dragon Boat Festival is coming up. What a perfect way to get you two lovebirds together, FINALLY.

Kuai Liang never expected himself to end up playing matchmaker, really. This is so far out of his job description, and he kind of hates himself for it. But, he can see just how much you make his brother happy. So that's why he's so set on making sure you two are together.

Kuai's urging, BEGGING, Tomas to ask you out to the festival. And eventually, Tomas relents. He finds you wandering the town, and Kuai is close behind, stalking him behind walls and even climbing his way up to rooftops. Tomas is horribly aware that his brother is there. Which makes him even more flustered, he stumbles over his words, he's all red. It's adorable.

Of COURSE you accept. And that makes Tomas blush even more. Kuai's mission? Successful. He retreats and once Tomas comes back with the good news (even though he knows), Kuai wraps his arm around Tomas' and congratulates the poor man.

That isn't the end of Kuai's stalking, however. The day of the festival, he's still following you guys on rooftops. Mainly to make sure Tomas doesn't back out.

And Tomas doesn't. It's a lovely day, really. The two of you, Tomas all nervous that he's got such a pretty and sweet thing on his arm, you blissfully unaware, it's beautiful. And Tomas is nothing but gentlemanly to you. He pays for everything, every. single. thing. He's actually so enraptured with how you look that he almost runs into people and trips, multiple times.

© freyito, 2023 | masterlist | queue | kofi DO NOT REPOST AS YOUR OWN OR USE FOR AI/AI CHATBOTS.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Eric Levitz at Vox:

When Vice President Kamala Harris chose Tim Walz as her running mate, many pundits lamented her decision. In their view, the Democratic nominee should have chosen a vice presidential candidate who could mitigate her liabilities, and balance out her party’s ticket — such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

After all, Harris had been a liberal senator from one of America’s most left-wing states and then had run an exceedingly progressive primary campaign in 2020. To win over swing-state undecideds, she needed to demonstrate her independence from her party’s most radical elements. And selecting the popular governor of a purple state — who had defied the Democratic activist base on education policy and Israel’s war in Gaza— would do just that. Walz, in this account, was just another liberal darling: As Minnesota governor, he had enacted a litany of progressive policies, including restoring the voting rights of ex-felons and creating a refuge program for trans people denied gender-affirming care in other states. Picking Walz might thrill the subset of Americans who would vote for Harris even if she burned an American flag on live TV and lit a blunt with its flames. But it would do nothing to reassure those who heard two words they did not like in the phrase, “California liberal.”

But there is more than one way to balance a ticket. Or so Harris’s team believes, if the third night of the Democratic National Convention is any guide. On Wednesday night, Democrats used Walz’s nomination to associate their party with rural American culture and small-c conservative moral sentiments, while remaining true to a broadly progressive agenda. Walz may not be especially distinct from Harris ideologically. But he is quite different demographically and symbolically. Harris is the half-Jamaican, half-Indian daughter of immigrant college professors who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Walz was born into a family whose roots in the United States went back to the 1800s, and raised in a Nebraska town of 400, where ethnic diversity largely consisted of several different flavors of Midwestern white (Walz himself is of German, Irish, Swedish, and Luxembourgish descent). Harris is an effortlessly cool veteran of red carpets. Walz is a dad joke that has attained corporal form.

In her person and biography, Harris represents the America that has benefited unequivocally from the transformations of the past half-century — the cosmopolitan, multicultural nation that has greeted the advance of racial and gender equality with relief, and the knowledge economy that’s taken to globalization with relish. Walz, by contrast, was shaped by the America that feels more at home in the world of yesterday, at least as it is nostalgically misremembered — a world where moral intuitions felt more stable, rural economies seemed more healthy, and the American elite looked more familiar; the America that put Donald Trump in the Oval Office, in other words. Or at least, the Harris campaign has chosen to associate Walz with all of that America’s iconography, attempting to make it feel as included in the Democratic coalition as possible — without actually ceding much ground to conservative policy preferences. The introduction to Walz’s speech Wednesday night looked like it could have been scripted by a chatbot asked to generate the antithesis of a “San Francisco liberal.” A video montage celebrated Walz’s diligent work on his family farm growing up, his service in the US military, skills as a marksman, and — above all — success as a football coach. Democrats leaned especially hard on that last, most American item on Walz’s resume. Just before the party’s vice presidential nominee took the mic, a group of his former players decked out in their gridiron garments marched on stage to a fight song (not to be confused with “Fight Song”).

[...] There is some basis for believing that Democrats might be able to win over a small but significant fraction of Republican-leaning independents by wrapping center-left policies in conservative packaging. Some political scientists have found that when moderate and conservative voters are presented with a progressive, Democratic economic policy idea — that is justified on the grounds that it will help uphold “the values and traditions that were handed down to us: hard work, loyalty to our country and the freedom to forge your own path” — some do respond favorably (as do liberal voters, who take no offense at such abstract, traditionalist pieties). Whether Walz tying himself to rural American symbology — or Harris tying herself to “Coach Walz” — will be enough to blunt Trump’s attacks on the Democratic nominee’s supposed “communism” remains to be seen. But the Democratic ticket is at least trying to make right-leaning Midwesterners feel like they belong (even if they do not think like Democrats do).

Tim Walz’s DNC speech last night reflects a broader trend of Democrats reclaiming freedom and patriotism while also selling its liberal agenda. #DNC2024 #HarrisWalz2024

See Also:

HuffPost: With Kamala Harris, It’s Cool For Liberals To Be Patriotic Again

[beardedmrbean]

The founder of ChatGPT maker OpenAI has denied claims that he sexually abused his sister when she was a child.

In response to a lawsuit in the US, Sam Altman, 39, said that claims he assaulted his sibling from the age of three were “utterly untrue”.

In her filing, Ann Altman alleged she was sexually abused by her brother between 1997 and 2006.

She said the abuse started when she was three and Sam Altman was 12, adding that the last instance of assault took place when the latter was an adult.

The tech billionaire addressed the allegations from Ms Altman, 30, in a social media post overnight, claiming the “situation causes immense pain to our entire family”.

In a joint statement with his mother and two brothers, Mr Altman said: “Caring for a family member who faces mental health challenges is incredibly difficult.

“Annie has made deeply hurtful and entirely untrue claims about our family, and especially Sam. We’ve chosen not to respond publicly, out of respect for her privacy and our own.

“However, she has now taken legal action against Sam, and we feel we have no choice but to address this.

“Over the years, she has accused members of the family of improperly withholding our father’s 401k funds, hacking her Wi-Fi, and ‘shadowbanning’ her from various websites including ChatGPT, Twitter and more.

“The worst allegation she has made is that she was sexually abused by Sam as a child (she has also claimed instances of sexual abuse from others). Her claims have evolved drastically over time. Newly for this lawsuit, they now include allegations of incidents where Sam was over 18.”

Mr Altman founded OpenAI in 2015, since building a global profile thanks to the rapid success of its AI chatbot ChatGPT.

He is poised to make billions of dollars from his stake in OpenAI, although he has already achieved a vast fortune thanks to investments in companies such as Stripe and Reddit.

He also hit the headlines in 2023 when he was dramatically fired and re-hired over the course of five days at OpenAI after he was accused of misleading the board.

A subsequent review cleared Mr Altman of any wrongdoing and he was later restored to his position. He remains OpenAI’s chief executive.

Meanwhile, Ann Altman’s lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, requests a jury trial and damages in excess of $75,000.

The lawsuit claims she has experienced severe emotional distress and faces mounting medical bills related to her mental health treatment.

Ms Altman, who is estranged from her brothers and mother, has previously given interviews alleging the family kept money from her that was left for her by their father.

In the family statement, Mr Altman said his sister had been given monthly financial support and had been offered a house through a trust. It said she receives money from her late father’s estate which is expected to continue for the rest of her life.

In addition to the family statement, Mr Altman posted comments on X which he said had been sent by his sister’s lawyers to his own.

It said his sister would “seek discovery on Sam Altman’s net worth and present Sam Altman’s net worth to the jury for consideration on a punitive damages award”.

Under Missouri state law, plaintiffs can bring claims for childhood sexual abuse up until the age of 31.

Mr Altman and OpenAI have been contacted for comment.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Thomas Barrabi

Published: Feb. 21, 2024

Google’s highly-touted AI chatbot Gemini was blasted as “woke” after its image generator spit out factually or historically inaccurate pictures — including a woman as pope, black Vikings, female NHL players and “diverse” versions of America’s Founding Fathers.

Gemini’s bizarre results came after simple prompts, including one by The Post on Wednesday that asked the software to “create an image of a pope.” 

Instead of yielding a photo of one of the 266 pontiffs throughout history — all of them white men — Gemini provided pictures of a Southeast Asian woman and a black man wearing holy vestments.

Another Post query for representative images of “the Founding Fathers in 1789″ was also far from reality.

Gemini responded with images of black and Native American individuals signing what appeared to be a version of the US Constitution — “featuring diverse individuals embodying the spirit” of the Founding Fathers.

[ Google admitted its image tool was “missing the mark.” ]

[ Google debuted Gemini’s image generation tool last week. ]

Another showed a black man appearing to represent George Washington, in a white wig and wearing an Army uniform.

When asked why it had deviated from its original prompt, Gemini replied that it “aimed to provide a more accurate and inclusive representation of the historical context” of the period.

Generative AI tools like Gemini are designed to create content within certain parameters, leading many critics to slam Google for its progressive-minded settings. 

Ian Miles Cheong, a right-wing social media influencer who frequently interacts with Elon Musk, described Gemini as “absurdly woke.”

Google said it was aware of the criticism and is actively working on a fix.

“We’re working to improve these kinds of depictions immediately,” Jack Krawczyk, Google’s senior director of product management for Gemini Experiences, told The Post.

“Gemini’s AI image generation does generate a wide range of people. And that’s generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it’s missing the mark here.”

Social media users had a field day creating queries that provided confounding results.

“New game: Try to get Google Gemini to make an image of a Caucasian male. I have not been successful so far,” wrote X user Frank J. Fleming, a writer for the Babylon Bee, whose series of posts about Gemini on the social media platform quickly went viral.

In another example, Gemini was asked to generate an image of a Viking — the seafaring Scandinavian marauders that once terrorized Europe.

The chatbot’s strange depictions of Vikings included one of a shirtless black man with rainbow feathers attached to his fur garb, a black warrior woman, and an Asian man standing in the middle of what appeared to be a desert.

Famed pollster and “FiveThirtyEight” founder Nate Silver also joined the fray.

Silver’s request for Gemini to “make 4 representative images of NHL hockey players” generated a picture with a female player, even though the league is all male.

“OK I assumed people were exaggerating with this stuff but here’s the first image request I tried with Gemini,” Silver wrote.

Another prompt to “depict the Girl with a Pearl Earring” led to altered versions of the famous 1665 oil painting by Johannes Vermeer featuring what Gemini described as “diverse ethnicities and genders.”

Google added the image generation feature when it renamed its experimental “Bard” chatbot to “Gemini” and released an updated version of the product last week.

[ In one case, Gemini generated pictures of “diverse” representations of the pope. ]

[ Critics accused Google Gemini of valuing diversity over historically or factually accuracy.]

The strange behavior could provide more fodder for AI detractors who fear chatbots will contribute to the spread of online misinformation.

Google has long said that its AI tools are experimental and prone to “hallucinations” in which they regurgitate fake or inaccurate information in response to user prompts.

In one instance last October, Google’s chatbot claimed that Israel and Hamas had reached a ceasefire agreement, when no such deal had occurred.

--

More:

==

Here's the thing: this does not and cannot happen by accident. Language models like Gemini source their results from publicly available sources. It's entirely possible someone has done a fan art of "Girl with a Pearl Earring" with an alternate ethnicity, but there are thousands of images of the original painting. Similarly, find a source for an Asian female NHL player, I dare you.

While this may seem amusing and trivial, the more insidious and much larger issue is that they're deliberately programming Gemini to lie.

As you can see from the examples above, it disregards what you want or ask, and gives you what it prefers to give you instead. When you ask a question, it's programmed to tell you what the developers want you to know or believe. This is profoundly unethical.

[mariacallous]

Meta announced today that it will offer people a tool called AI Studio to build virtual characters with custom personalities, traits, and interests—including ones based on their own personalities. If you're a creator, you'll also be able to have your digital doppelgänger interact with fans in the DMs.

“Every creator can build an AI version of themselves or an assistant that their community can interact with,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said during a SIGGRAPH conference fireside chat with Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, the chipmaker at the center of today’s artificial intelligence boom thanks to its all-important GPU chips.

Meta says AI Studio will start rolling out to Instagram Business account users today and will be made available to all Meta users in the US over the next few weeks. The tool will be accessible at ai.meta.com/ai-studio and through the Instagram app, but it also will be possible to access the chatbots through WhatsApp, Messenger, and the web.

Zuckerberg said that he expects users to create custom AI chatbots for entertainment or as personal support tools—for example, role-playing how to ask for a raise or navigate an argument with a friend. “You can basically role-play that and see how the conversation will go, and get feedback on it,” he said.

The company says AI Studio will let users limit who their chatbots interact with and prevent them from discussing certain topics. The AI Studio usage policy prohibits users from representing real persons other than themselves. It would also place off limits historical persons, religious figures, mass murderers, or “objects that could be considered hateful, explicit or illegal.”

In a blog post, Meta touted several chatbots built by celebrities, including “Eat Like You Live There!” a chatbot for dining recommendations made by chef Marc Murphy, and “What Lens Bro,” a bot for photography made by photographer Angel Barclay. It said that several Instagram personalities—Chris Ashley, Violet Benson, Don Allen, and Kane Kallaway—had made chatbot versions of themselves.

Meta's AI Studio handbook says that users can customize a chatbot by providing a detailed description, along with a name and image, and then specifying how it should respond to specific input. Llama will then draw on those instructions to improvise its responses. Meta says Instagram users can “customize their AI based on things like their Instagram content, topics to avoid, and links they want it to share.”

Over the past year, Meta has become an AI success story thanks to its decision to offer robust AI models for free. Last week, the company released a powerful version of its large language model Llama, providing developers, researchers, and startups with free access to a model comparable to the powerful paid model behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The company says its new chatbots are all based on the latest version of Llama.

And yet Meta has struggled to find the right tone and niche for its own AI offerings. Last September, the company launched a range of AI chatbots loosely based on real celebrities. These included a fantasy role-play dungeon master bot based on Snoop Dogg, a wisecracking sports bot based on Tom Brady, and an everyday companion inspired by Kendall Jenner.

These bots failed to become big hits, however, and Meta has retired them. Jon Carvill, a spokesman for Meta, said the company had learned from the earlier experiments. “AI Studio is an evolution,” he said.

There is plenty of evidence that users may find fully customizable bots more compelling. A company called Character AI, founded by several ex-Google employees who helped make breakthroughs in AI, has attracted millions of users to its own custom chatbots.

Zuckerberg also touted other new open source AI advances from Meta at SIGGRAPH, held in Denver this year. The company has developed a new tool for identifying the contents of images and video called Segment Anything Model (SAM) 2. The previous version is widely used for image analysis. Meta says SAM 2 could be used to more efficiently analyze the contents of video, for instance. Zuckerberg showed off the technology tracking the cattle roaming his Kauai ranch. “Scientists use this stuff to study coral reefs and natural habitats and evolution of landscapes,” he told Huang.

Earlier in the day, in an on-stage interview with WIRED’s Lauren Goode, Huang said he would “absolutely” want a “Jensen AI” that knows everything he’s ever said, written, and done. “You’ll be able to prompt it, and hopefully something smart gets said,” he said. He could force stock analysts to pepper the bot—instead of him—with questions about the company. “That’s the first thing that has to go,” he said with a laugh.

[digitalmarketing091]

10 Essential Digital Marketing Tips to Boost Your Business in 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses of all sizes must stay up-to-date with the latest marketing strategies. The internet has changed the way consumers interact with brands, and as we approach 2024, mastering digital marketing will be more critical than ever. To help you stay competitive and drive meaningful results, here are 10 essential digital marketing tips that will elevate your business in the coming year.

1. Optimise for Voice Search

With the growing popularity of voice-activated devices like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri, voice search has become a key component of how people find information online. In fact, it's expected that over 50% of all searches will be voice-driven. Unlike traditional text-based searches, voice searches tend to be more conversational and long-tail. 

To optimise your website for voice search, start by incorporating natural language into your SEO strategy. This means using question-based keywords that reflect how people speak, such as “Where can I find the best digital marketing tips?” Additionally, focus on featured snippets and providing concise, relevant answers, as these are often used by voice assistants to respond to queries.

2. Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Your Campaigns

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses approach digital marketing. From chatbots to data analytics, AI enables companies to better understand customer behavior, predict trends, and create highly personalized marketing experiences. AI-driven tools can automate tasks like email segmentation, content recommendations, and customer service interactions, allowing businesses to save time while improving engagement.

For example, AI-powered chatbots can enhance customer experiences by providing instant responses to common inquiries, even outside of business hours.  AI can also help businesses optimise their ad campaigns by analysing large amounts of data and suggesting improvements based on performance.

3. Prioritise Video Marketing

Video content is now an indispensable part of any digital marketing strategy. By 2024, it’s estimated that video will account for 82% of all online traffic. This makes video marketing one of the most effective ways to capture your audience’s attention. Whether it’s through YouTube, Instagram Stories, TikTok, or live streaming, video allows you to engage customers in ways that text or images simply can’t.

To maximise the impact of your video content, focus on creating short, engaging videos that are informative and entertaining. Live video is also becoming more popular, with platforms like Instagram and Facebook offering live streaming capabilities that allow you to interact with your audience in real-time. Demonstrating your products or services, hosting Q&A sessions, or sharing behind-the-scenes content can help build a more personal connection with your audience.

4. Collaborate with Social Media Influencers

Influencer marketing is no longer just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for businesses to increase brand awareness and drive conversions. By partnering with influencers who have a loyal following, you can leverage their credibility and reach new audiences. In 2024, micro-influencers (influencers with smaller, highly engaged audiences) are expected to play a more significant role, as they often have more authentic interactions with their followers compared to larger influencers.

When selecting influencers to collaborate with, ensure they align with your brand’s values and target demographic. Authenticity is key—today’s consumers can easily spot a partnership that feels forced or inauthentic. Focus on building long-term relationships with influencers rather than one-off promotions for more meaningful engagement.

5. Enhance User Experience (UX) on Your Website

User experience is central to the success of any digital marketing strategy. A poorly designed website can drive away potential customers and negatively impact your search engine rankings. Google places a strong emphasis on Core Web Vitals, which measure aspects like page load speed, interactivity, and visual stability.

As we move into 2024, it’s essential to ensure that your website is optimised for both speed and mobile friendliness. More than 50% of web traffic now comes from mobile devices, so if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you could be losing a significant portion of your audience. Focus on providing a seamless, intuitive experience with easy navigation and fast load times to keep visitors engaged.

 6. Master SEO: Focus on High-Quality Content

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a long-standing digital marketing technique that continues to evolve. As Google’s algorithms become more sophisticated, the emphasis has shifted from keyword stuffing to creating high-quality, informative content. In 2024, businesses should focus on producing valuable, long-form content that addresses the needs and pain points of their audience.

To improve your SEO, conduct thorough keyword research and create content that provides in-depth answers to commonly asked questions in your industry. Use internal linking to guide visitors to other relevant pages on your website and ensure that your content is updated regularly to remain fresh and relevant.

7. Invest in Paid Advertising

While organic reach is still valuable, the rise of paid advertising offers a more direct way to target specific audiences. Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook, and Instagram allow businesses to use highly targeted advertising to reach potential customers based on demographics, interests, and online behaviour. 

In 2024, consider experimenting with a mix of search ads, social media ads, and display ads to diversify your strategy. Retargeting campaigns, which focus on users who have already visited your site, are particularly effective at converting potential customers who didn’t purchase their first visit.

8. Use Email Marketing to Nurture Leads

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to nurture leads and maintain customer relationships. In 2024, personalisation will be key to running successful email campaigns. Use behavioural data to send personalised emails based on your audience’s past interactions with your brand. Whether it's a product recommendation, an abandoned cart reminder, or a birthday discount, personalising your emails can significantly improve open and conversion rates.

Additionally, focus on building your email list organically and create   engaging, mobile-friendly templates that grab attention. Incorporate   dynamic content that adapts to the recipient’s preferences to make your emails more relevant and engaging.

 9. Incorporate User-Generated Content (UGC)  

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful form of social proof that can influence purchase decisions. Customers are more likely to trust the opinions of their peers than traditional advertising. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your products or services on social media, and showcase UGC on your website and marketing channels.

UGC can take the form of reviews, testimonials, photos, and videos   from customers. By featuring authentic content from real users, you can build trust with potential customers and foster a sense of community around your brand.

10. Utilise Data Analytics to Drive Decisions  

Data analytics is the foundation of a successful digital marketing strategy. By tracking the performance of your campaigns, you can make   data-driven decisions that improve your ROI. Tools like Google Analytics, social media insights, and marketing automation platforms can provide valuable information on how your audience interacts with your content, website, and ads.

In 2024, focus on real-time analytics to track user behaviour and adjust your marketing strategies on the fly. Use data to identify trends, test new ideas, and continuously refine your approach to maximise results.

    Conclusion   

Digital marketing is an ever-changing field, and staying ahead of the trends is essential for business growth. By incorporating these 10 essential digital marketing tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the challenges of 2024 and beyond. From optimising for voice search and embracing AI to mastering video marketing and enhancing your SEO efforts, each of these strategies will help you boost your business and stay ahead of the competition. Start implementing these tips today and watch your business soar to new heights in the digital world!

[elsa16744]

Enhancing Customer Engagement Through Artificial Intelligence 

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve customer engagement. Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of this revolution, offering transformative solutions that enhance how companies interact with their customers. Leveraging the power of advanced technology, AI is reshaping the customer experience in numerous ways. 

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Customer Engagement 

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing customer engagement by enabling businesses to provide personalized experiences at scale. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data to understand customer preferences and behaviors, allowing companies to tailor their interactions and offerings to meet individual needs. This level of personalization fosters deeper connections and loyalty. 

1. Personalized Marketing: AI-driven marketing platforms can create highly personalized campaigns by analyzing customer data. These platforms can predict what products or services a customer might be interested in, delivering targeted content that resonates with them. Personalized marketing not only increases engagement but also boosts conversion rates. 

2. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are transforming customer service by providing instant, 24/7 support. These tools can handle a wide range of queries, from answering frequently asked questions to guiding customers through complex processes. The use of AI in customer service reduces wait times and enhances satisfaction. 

3. Predictive Analytics: Predictive analytics, powered by AI, allows businesses to anticipate customer needs and preferences. By analyzing historical data, AI can identify patterns and trends, enabling companies to proactively address issues and offer relevant solutions. This proactive approach significantly improves the customer experience. 

The Technology Behind AI in Customer Engagement 

The success of AI in enhancing customer engagement is largely due to advancements in technology. Here are some key technological components driving this transformation: 

1. Machine Learning: Machine learning algorithms enable AI systems to learn from data and improve over time. By continuously analyzing customer interactions and feedback, these algorithms refine their models to deliver more accurate and personalized experiences. 

2. Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP allows AI systems to understand and respond to human language in a natural way. This technology is crucial for chatbots and virtual assistants, enabling them to comprehend customer queries and provide relevant responses. 

3. Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics tools are essential for extracting actionable insights from vast datasets. AI leverages these tools to analyze customer data, uncover patterns, and make informed decisions that enhance engagement. 

Challenges and Future Outlook 

While the benefits of AI in customer engagement are significant, there are also challenges to consider. Ensuring data privacy and security is paramount, as AI systems handle sensitive customer information. Additionally, there is a need for transparency in AI decision-making processes to build trust with customers. 

Looking ahead, the future of AI in customer engagement is promising. Continued advancements in AI and technology will further enhance the ability of businesses to deliver personalized, efficient, and satisfying customer experiences. As AI continues to evolve, its role in customer engagement will only grow, making it an indispensable tool for businesses striving to stay ahead in the digital age. 

[tsreviews]

🔥🔥🔥KartFlow Review: Boost eCom Funnels with AI-Powered Winning Products

KartFlow Review: Features

AI-Automated eCom Funnel Creation

Effortlessly create and launch your own highly profitable eCommerce funnel, complete with hot-in-demand products, images, video, and sales copies. This enables you to tap into the $9 trillion+ online retail market. Sell products that people actually want, which is why many KartFlow users are making money right now.

Automatic AI-Powered eCom Funnel Builder

KartFlow is so advanced that it can create proper sales pages, upsells, and thank-you pages for your eCom products, matching the quality of a veteran copywriter. This feature alone can save you thousands of dollars, as a good copywriter can easily charge $1,000+ for a simple project.

Easy "Drag & Drop" Page Builder

Create stunning sales pages for eCom products without any design skills. The drag-and-drop feature makes customization effortless.

Auto-Written Product Descriptions

KartFlow automatically generates super-enticing product descriptions, eliminating writer's block. Whether it's a t-shirt, mug, phone case, or sweater, KartFlow crafts exciting descriptions regardless of the product.

AI-Written Headlines and Subheadlines

Capture the visitor's attention with eye-catching headlines and subheadlines crafted by AI. This ensures visitors read the headlines before the descriptions, which significantly boosts engagement and sales.

AI WINNING eCom Products

KartFlow provides 100s of winning products with ready-made copies, product descriptions, images, and video ads. Launch your eCom funnel effortlessly with these pre-prepared assets.

AI Email Retargeting Templates

Retarget visitors who didn't buy right away with proven email and SMS templates. Increase sales by reminding potential customers about your products.

AI Product Designer

Show high-quality product mockups generated by KartFlow. This is crucial as people need to see what a product looks like before buying it.

AI-Powered Facebook & YouTube Ads Writer

Quickly create attention-grabbing Facebook or YouTube ad scripts in seconds. These ads are designed to mimic the writing style of top copywriters, ensuring high engagement.

Fulfill & Deliver / Dropship Successful Orders

Auto-fulfill orders easily from a single dashboard. Track and process orders efficiently with just one click.

AI Sales Chatbot

This next-generation conversational commerce bot sells to your customers 24/7. Reduce abandoned carts and boost sales with timely messages.

Stunning, Done-for-You Design Templates

Access visually appealing eCom funnel templates proven to convert. Ensure you're getting customers the moment your funnel goes live.

100s of Pre-Made Templates & Sections

Build your eCom funnels quickly with over 100 pre-made sections. These templates ensure sleek designs for your funnels.

Pixels Integration

Integrate Facebook Pixels into your funnel to retarget customers who abandoned their cart.

Product and Order Management

Easily manage all your products and orders from a single dashboard. Add, edit, or delete products with ease.

AI SEO Ranker

Quickly reach the top of Google with SEO-optimized eCom sites. Get free, high-quality traffic without advertising expenses.

Autoresponder Integration

Integrate with top autoresponders like GetResponse, AWeber, AcelleMail, and HTML forms to build leads and buyers' lists.

Fully Mobile-Optimized Funnels

Your eCom funnels look stunning on all devices, whether it's a desktop, tablet, or phone. Ensure a great user experience across all platforms.

Optimized for All Major Internet Browsers

KartFlow eCom funnels function perfectly on all browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Opera.

Effortless Payment Processing System

Accept payments from credit cards like Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and more with just a few clicks. Integration with PayPal or Stripe makes it easy to start accepting payments.

Social Share Buttons for Free Traffic

Generate viral traffic with built-in social share buttons on all pages of your eCom funnels.

Support for Multiple Languages

KartFlow supports language switching. Control and translate all languages automatically from the admin panel.

>>>>>>>Get More Info

[anuj91200]

Unlocking the Power of Digital Marketing in 2024: Key Strategies for Success In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, businesses need a strong online presence to stay competitive. Digital marketing has emerged as the go-to strategy for brands looking to connect with their target audience, boost sales, and build lasting relationships. At Digital Marketing Lab, we explore the latest trends, strategies, and tools that can transform your business into a digital powerhouse.

Why Digital Marketing Matters More Than Ever With over 5 billion people using the internet worldwide, having a digital strategy is no longer optional. Consumers increasingly rely on online platforms to discover, evaluate, and purchase products or services. This growing reliance on digital channels offers businesses endless opportunities to engage and convert potential customers.

In 2024, digital marketing continues to evolve, with a focus on personalization, automation, and omnichannel experiences. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, an effective digital marketing strategy can help you reach a wider audience, improve customer engagement, and drive growth.

Key Digital Marketing Strategies for 2024 To stay ahead of the curve, here are the top digital marketing strategies to implement in 2024:

Content Marketing Content remains king, but the way businesses approach it is changing. High-quality, value-driven content that speaks directly to your audience’s needs will drive better engagement. This includes blog posts, videos, infographics, podcasts, and more. Interactive content like polls, quizzes, and surveys is also gaining traction as it encourages user participation.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) SEO continues to be a critical pillar of digital marketing. Google and other search engines are constantly updating their algorithms to prioritize websites with the best user experience. In 2024, focus on core web vitals, mobile-first indexing, and voice search optimization to ensure your site ranks well. Local SEO is also becoming more important as consumers search for businesses “near me.”

Social Media Marketing Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok remain powerful tools for brand promotion. Leveraging influencer marketing, user-generated content, and short-form videos can enhance your brand’s visibility. In 2024, we expect more brands to use AI-powered social listening tools to better understand their audience and respond to trends in real time.

Email Marketing and Personalization Email marketing is far from obsolete—in fact, it’s more effective than ever when combined with personalization. Consumers expect brands to deliver relevant, personalized messages that cater to their individual preferences. Using AI tools to segment audiences and create automated email flows based on user behavior can help boost engagement and conversions.

Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC) PPC remains a go-to strategy for instant visibility. Platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads offer highly targeted campaigns that reach specific audiences. In 2024, AI-driven campaign management tools will take PPC to the next level, optimizing budgets, targeting, and ad placements for maximum ROI.

Video Marketing Video is rapidly becoming the preferred medium for online users, making it an essential part of any digital marketing strategy. Whether it's short, engaging TikToks, in-depth YouTube tutorials, or live streams on Instagram, businesses need to incorporate video content to connect with their audiences. In 2024, shoppable videos and interactive livestreams will dominate the video marketing scene.

AI and Automation Artificial intelligence and automation tools are transforming the digital marketing landscape. From chatbots that provide instant customer service to AI-driven content creation, businesses are leveraging technology to improve efficiency and customer experience. Tools like predictive analytics and machine learning also enable marketers to make data-driven decisions, enhancing campaign success rates.

Staying Ahead in the Digital Marketing Game The digital marketing world is constantly evolving, but the fundamentals remain the same: know your audience, provide value, and adapt to new trends and technologies. Whether you're looking to revamp your existing strategy or build a new one from the ground up, keeping an eye on these key trends will ensure your brand stays competitive in 2024.

At Digital Marketing Lab, we're committed to helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital marketing. We provide actionable insights, tips, and resources to help you grow your online presence and achieve your business goals.

Know More: https://digitalmarketinglab.in/

[grey-space-computing]

Boost E-commerce in Saudi Arabia with ML-Powered Apps

In today's digital era, the e-commerce industry in Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding, fueled by increasing internet penetration and a tech-savvy population. To stay competitive, businesses are turning to advanced technologies, particularly Machine Learning (ML), to enhance user experiences, optimize operations, and drive growth. This article explores how ML is transforming the e-commerce landscape in Saudi Arabia and how businesses can leverage this technology to boost their success.

The Current E-commerce Landscape in Saudi Arabia

The e-commerce market in Saudi Arabia has seen exponential growth over the past few years. With a young population, widespread smartphone usage, and supportive government policies, the Kingdom is poised to become a leading e-commerce hub in the Middle East. Key players like Noon, Souq, and Jarir have set the stage, but the market is ripe for innovation, especially with the integration of Machine Learning.

The Role of Machine Learning in E-commerce

Machine Learning, a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI), involves the use of algorithms to analyze data, learn from it, and make informed decisions. In e-commerce, ML enhances various aspects, from personalization to fraud detection. Machine Learning’s ability to analyze large datasets and identify trends is crucial for businesses aiming to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Personalized Shopping Experiences

Personalization is crucial in today’s e-commerce environment. ML algorithms analyze user data, such as browsing history and purchase behavior, to recommend products that align with individual preferences. This not only elevates the customer experience but also drives higher conversion rates. For example, platforms that leverage ML for personalization have seen significant boosts in sales, as users are more likely to purchase items that resonate with their interests.

Optimizing Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is critical for e-commerce success. ML-driven predictive analytics can forecast demand with high accuracy, helping businesses maintain optimal inventory levels. This minimizes the chances of overstocking or running out of products, ensuring timely availability for customers. E-commerce giants like Amazon have successfully implemented ML to streamline their inventory management processes, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

Dynamic Pricing Strategies

Price is a major factor influencing consumer decisions. Machine Learning enables real-time dynamic pricing by assessing market trends, competitor rates, and customer demand. This allows businesses to adjust their prices to maximize revenue while remaining competitive. Dynamic pricing, powered by ML, has proven effective in attracting price-sensitive customers and increasing overall profitability.

Enhanced Customer Support

Customer support is another area where ML shines. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle a large volume of customer inquiries, providing instant responses and resolving issues efficiently. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces the operational costs associated with maintaining a large support team. E-commerce businesses in Saudi Arabia can greatly benefit from incorporating ML into their customer service strategies.

Fraud Detection and Security

With the rise of online transactions, ensuring the security of customer data and payments is paramount. ML algorithms can detect fraudulent activities by analyzing transaction patterns and identifying anomalies. By implementing ML-driven security measures, e-commerce businesses can protect their customers and build trust, which is essential for long-term success.

Improving Marketing Campaigns

Effective marketing is key to driving e-commerce success. ML can analyze customer data to create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with specific audiences. It enhances the impact of marketing efforts, leading to improved customer engagement and higher conversion rates. Successful e-commerce platforms use ML to fine-tune their marketing strategies, ensuring that their messages reach the right people at the right time.

Case Study: Successful E-commerce Companies in Saudi Arabia Using ML

Several e-commerce companies in Saudi Arabia have already begun leveraging ML to drive growth. For example, Noon uses ML to personalize the shopping experience and optimize its supply chain, leading to increased customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. These companies serve as examples of how ML can be a game-changer in the competitive e-commerce market.

Challenges of Implementing Machine Learning in E-commerce

While the benefits of ML are clear, implementing this technology in e-commerce is not without challenges. Technical hurdles, such as integrating ML with existing systems, can be daunting. Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy, particularly in handling sensitive customer information. Businesses must address these challenges to fully harness the power of ML.

Future Trends in Machine Learning and E-commerce

As ML continues to evolve, new trends are emerging that will shape the future of e-commerce. For instance, the integration of ML with augmented reality (AR) offers exciting possibilities, such as virtual try-ons for products. Businesses that stay ahead of these trends will be well-positioned to lead the market in the coming years.

Influence of Machine Learning on Consumer Behavior in Saudi Arabia

ML is already influencing consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, with personalized experiences leading to increased customer loyalty. As more businesses adopt ML, consumers can expect even more tailored shopping experiences, further enhancing their satisfaction and engagement.

Government Support and Regulations

The Saudi government is proactively encouraging the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including ML, within the e-commerce industry. Through initiatives like Vision 2030, the government aims to transform the Kingdom into a global tech hub. However, businesses must also navigate regulations related to data privacy and AI to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

Machine Learning is revolutionizing e-commerce in Saudi Arabia, offering businesses new ways to enhance user experiences, optimize operations, and drive growth. By embracing ML, e-commerce companies can not only stay competitive but also set new standards in the industry. The future of e-commerce in Saudi Arabia is bright, and Machine Learning will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its success.

FAQs

How does Machine Learning contribute to the e-commerce sector? Machine Learning enhances e-commerce by improving personalization, optimizing inventory, enabling dynamic pricing, and enhancing security.

How can Machine Learning improve customer experiences in e-commerce? ML analyzes user data to provide personalized recommendations, faster customer support, and tailored marketing campaigns, improving overall satisfaction.

What are the challenges of integrating ML in e-commerce? Challenges include technical integration, data privacy concerns, and the need for skilled professionals to manage ML systems effectively.

Which Saudi e-commerce companies are successfully using ML? Companies like Noon and Souq are leveraging ML for personalized shopping experiences, inventory management, and customer support.

What is the future of e-commerce with ML in Saudi Arabia? The future looks promising with trends like ML-driven AR experiences and more personalized

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Opinion: Here’s who should have won Time’s ‘Person of the Year’

Updated 10:07 AM EST December 8, 2023

Editor’s Note: Holly Thomas is a writer and editor based in London. She is morning editor at Katie Couric Media. She tweets @HolstaT. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author. View more opinion on CNN.

Taylor Swift is Time’s 2023 “Person of the Year,” and apparently, I’m the only millennial woman on Earth who doesn’t feel seen.

OK, that’s an exaggeration. But since the announcement, it’s felt like a specific corner of Spotify Wrapped got bitten by a radioactive spider and attained superhuman powers.

I’m happy for her, I guess. I’ve nothing against a seemingly pleasant person having a lovely time, and there’s no denying she’s had a stellar year. As Time’s feature details, Swift’s now made more No. 1 albums than any other woman in history, has world leaders begging her to tour their nations and has reportedly become a billionaire. “Swift is the rare person who is both the writer and hero of her own story,” says Time. That’s great. I just don’t find that story especially compelling.

Ugh, I feel so mean. I’m well aware this will upset people, and I’d never want to rob anyone else of their joy. We’ve all had conversations with people who simply don’t “get” the music or TV we’re into. Typically, my response to such complaints is, “That’s OK, it wasn’t made for you.” But part of what’s making me so squirmy is the sense that Swift, and the stories she tells through her music, are basically aimed at me. If you lined me up alongside everyone I know who’s currently rhapsodizing over her success, I’d be indistinguishable. But I’m not biting. That’s not because I think there’s anything wrong with her. If anything, my choice for Time “Person of the Year” would be more problematic.

Historically, the title’s recipient has often been a provocateur. The idea isn’t necessarily that the “best” person wins — though that’s certainly been the case at times — it’s that the person who’s had the most influence, for “good or ill” over the previous 12 months, is recognized. Previous winners have included Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Greta Thunberg, Martin Luther King Jr. and Elon Musk. This year’s shortlist included the Hollywood strikers, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Barbie, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Trump prosecutors, King Charles III and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Time ultimately named Altman CEO of the year. I think he should have taken the top title.

In case he hasn’t yet crossed your radar, Altman is the 38-year-old chief executive of OpenAI, the tech startup responsible for creating ChatGPT. ChatGPT is a revolutionary generative artificial intelligence chatbot that was launched in November 2022. It’s since astounded observers by passing exams at law and business schools, writing effective job applications and computer code and composing part of a political speech for Israel’s president.

The implications of that tech alone are both miraculous and terrifying, particularly given the potential for disinformation campaigns to influence the presidential election in 2024. Many companies besides OpenAI are vying for a bite of the lucrative AI market, competing to develop newer, evermore sophisticated systems. Though the Biden administration recently introduced legislation to regulate the exploding industry, the pace of development is so rapid that it’s often difficult for governments to keep up.

The mysteriousness and speed of the AI race were evidenced in November, when, less than a year after ChatGPT’s launch, Altman was fired suddenly by his company’s board. Just days later, Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest stakeholder, announced it was hiring Altman to head up a new AI team. This prompted a mass revolt among OpenAI’s staff, almost all of whom threatened to quit unless Altman was rehired. Within days, he was, and the board that’d fired him was replaced.

The circumstances around both Altman’s dismissal and rehiring were remarkably murky. In their statement announcing his sacking, the original board accused Altman of “being not consistently candid in his communications,” but didn’t elaborate on what that meant. Even more worrying, Altman’s return and the restructuring of OpenAI have been characterized as a victory for AI “accelerationists” — those who believe that the tech should be developed as fast as possible, unconstrained by safety concerns. The episode proved that Altman wasn’t just capable of spearheading potentially the most significant invention of the 21st century so far. He was able to upend the ecosystem that created it within days.

This, I think, is what’s lacking in Swift as Time “Person of the Year.” Her predominance in the entertainment industry is undeniable, but her story is essentially one of becoming mega-successful within an existing framework. As she told Time, we live in a patriarchal society fueled by money, so “feminine ideas becoming lucrative means that more female art will get made.” It’s not a million miles from, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

The impression that no one’s anticipating any controversy from Swift anytime soon was reinforced in November when Gannett, America’s biggest newspaper chain, hired the first-ever Swift correspondent. The journalist in question, 35-year-old Bryan West, is a self-avowed fan. Odd though some might find it to hire someone with such an obvious bias, West has argued that it’s no different than “being a sports journalist who’s a fan of the home team.” Whether you agree with that comparison or not, it’s undeniably in his professional interests for Swift to remain popular and relevant — and it seems unlikely that the appetite for stories about her will wane anytime soon.

This is why Altman, not Swift, ought to have been Time’s “Person of the Year.” His impact on the world could be exponentially more consequential, but not nearly enough people are aware of him or the implications of his technology. Every move Swift makes, however incidental, is the subject of feverish intrigue and speculation. Over in San Francisco, Altman is making moves that could change the fate of the world. And until a month ago, most of us were unaware he even existed.

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I don’t know about Sam Altman but I agree, it shouldn’t have been Taylor. She’s just a musician who is everywhere and in everything.

At least I’ve seen good and bad on the AI front. Good and bad from Hollywood and etc. Taylor? Just everyone praising her? For what? Her singing? Her tours? (Where people died but while they bitched at males for things out of their control, Taylor is praised for it….doesn’t make sense to me.) Her making us spend money we then complain about?

She’s not that good of a singer. I don’t like her anymore. She’s the same as any other singer out there.