The line has been crossed
Ian Yong Hoe Tan
I help people learn and grow through the power of words, visuals and AI. There is always a better way.
When you watched the original Star Wars, how did you feel when the evil Empire blew up the planet Alderaan?
"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened," said Obi-Wan.
There was much outcry this week when ChatGPT's latest imaging engine was released for paid users. Studio Ghibli-style selfies flooded the web as this engine has no IP guardrails. Yes, you can now generate copyrighted characters in infinite ways. While most folks were happy to reimagine themselves as Totoro's friends, many creatives responded with seething outrage and denial.
Why? Because this is the moment when design, marketing, and comms folks discovered that their shrinking moats may have finally dried up. Until now, the best AI imaging apps like Midjourney could not follow prompts or create text well.
But look at this newsletter visual made by ChatGPT! Is this AI power good or bad for our creativity? I have so much to say, but LinkedIn cuts off emails at about 300 words (grrr).
On ChatGPT's new imaging powers
A guide to image iteration (using Google Gemini before it got embarrassed by ChatGPT)
On other stuff
Why people don't like Literature (my theory)
The Gen X Career Meltdown, a poignant NYT piece (see comments for link)
OK, that's all, thanks for reading!
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Strategic Innovation Leader | I steward digital transformation with purpose | Practitioner-Scholar | Creator of the 5Cs Leadership Playbook | Business Coach | ACTA Professional | Community Builder | Blockchain Advocate
4moThanks for sharing this, Ian Yong Hoe Tan ! Over the past few days, I’ve noticed something… odd. My usual ChatGPT illustrations—once bright, crisp, and full of life—have started showing up a little dim, a little muted. It’s like someone quietly turned down the contrast and forgot to mention it. Gone are the HD vibes; in their place? Slightly sleepy visuals. Not sure if it’s a new imaging engine or just my eyes playing tricks after too much screen time. Would love to hear your thoughts—have you noticed the same? Or am I just being a pixel snob?