Michael I just read your latest post about art and AI. The first image of this post, with two people looking at screens but facing opposite directions, is a great example of your argument! Without generative AI, I guess you would either have skipped putting an image altogether, or lifted one from a google image search. Generative AI has enriched your post.
It's always really interesting to see how words are interpreted after I loose them. Text being the form of communication with the most context stripped from it, I don't think that it should replace call, video, or face-to-face for anything substantive.
Text is better for routine tasks and notifications - or else you really have to finesse it to get your message across.
“We are imperfect humans, using imprecise language, to communicate incomplete ideas. Grace, humbleness, and forgiveness in all dimensions are crucial to weaving successful communication.”
This article reminds me why I stopped “doing email” years ago. Meaning, i stopped debating / discussing anything that required nuance on most electronic platforms. I left Facebook. Email now, for me. is a in / out box -- a delivery mechanism for documents or action items, not a communication medium. Same with group slack channels. DM and text are closer to conversations.
Now, my algorithm is: if it’s important, let’s talk about it.
I don’t know if this communications taxonomy makes sense, but it’s how I’ve retracted from tools that, to me, are destructive not constructive with respect to communication.
It’s been liberating--the less you respond on email, the less you get provoked on email. People call more. It seems to attract better behavior.
I'm so torn because I consume most of my material via text. I'd rather read than listen, and listen than watch especially as just an observer. I do love the interactions of wrangling with complex topics in person but I feel I can compose myself well in writing. Also, because I learned long ago to control 'voice' I interpret when reading, I can read contentious topics without the vocal bias you often hear (in the news for example.
But I totally see so many people who need the other cues. Fundamentally, that was the problem with that manager I mentioned.
Therefore, I like to blend the options. I can't spend all my time talking, but if we can super power the conversation because you've read my ideas and background, we can jump start the conversation. I also like that method because I really like talking about nothing important for a few minutes before we 'get to business'.
Ionically those first minutes become the MOST important because it brings the human to the table.
Great point, and I agree--that’s why I’m liking Substack, there’s pretty thoughtful commentary... I just find that at work there aren’t too many people who write well enough to engage that way. Maybe we work with different types of folks!
Your point on writing well is key. I think that when you learn to write well, you learn to read well. When you know the effort it takes to craft a thought cogently, you read differently.
Your brain is designed to move your body in order to perpetuate life. Your pre frontal cortex can contemplate communication.
Michael I just read your latest post about art and AI. The first image of this post, with two people looking at screens but facing opposite directions, is a great example of your argument! Without generative AI, I guess you would either have skipped putting an image altogether, or lifted one from a google image search. Generative AI has enriched your post.
It's always really interesting to see how words are interpreted after I loose them. Text being the form of communication with the most context stripped from it, I don't think that it should replace call, video, or face-to-face for anything substantive.
Text is better for routine tasks and notifications - or else you really have to finesse it to get your message across.
It can be so powerfull and so misunderstood
You stuck that landing:
“We are imperfect humans, using imprecise language, to communicate incomplete ideas. Grace, humbleness, and forgiveness in all dimensions are crucial to weaving successful communication.”
This article reminds me why I stopped “doing email” years ago. Meaning, i stopped debating / discussing anything that required nuance on most electronic platforms. I left Facebook. Email now, for me. is a in / out box -- a delivery mechanism for documents or action items, not a communication medium. Same with group slack channels. DM and text are closer to conversations.
Now, my algorithm is: if it’s important, let’s talk about it.
I don’t know if this communications taxonomy makes sense, but it’s how I’ve retracted from tools that, to me, are destructive not constructive with respect to communication.
It’s been liberating--the less you respond on email, the less you get provoked on email. People call more. It seems to attract better behavior.
I'm so torn because I consume most of my material via text. I'd rather read than listen, and listen than watch especially as just an observer. I do love the interactions of wrangling with complex topics in person but I feel I can compose myself well in writing. Also, because I learned long ago to control 'voice' I interpret when reading, I can read contentious topics without the vocal bias you often hear (in the news for example.
But I totally see so many people who need the other cues. Fundamentally, that was the problem with that manager I mentioned.
Therefore, I like to blend the options. I can't spend all my time talking, but if we can super power the conversation because you've read my ideas and background, we can jump start the conversation. I also like that method because I really like talking about nothing important for a few minutes before we 'get to business'.
Ionically those first minutes become the MOST important because it brings the human to the table.
Thanks for the great comment and feedback!
Great point, and I agree--that’s why I’m liking Substack, there’s pretty thoughtful commentary... I just find that at work there aren’t too many people who write well enough to engage that way. Maybe we work with different types of folks!
Your point on writing well is key. I think that when you learn to write well, you learn to read well. When you know the effort it takes to craft a thought cogently, you read differently.