By giving away an Aerogarden. Technically it's not buying your love, because you're already here. It's more of an appreciation gift for current subscribers who come to my site every day, week or even month to see what I have to say.
Being a reader, you're more important to the whole Internet wheelhouse than you think. If you weren't reading blog content, there would be no blogs. If there were no blogs, there would be no answers when you searched Google.
You would STILL be sitting there wondering whether dogs can eat strawberries.
They can.
If Google didn't have all those answers there would be no AI.
It just occurred to me that I should try growing strawberries in my Aerogarden.
Before I get to the giveaway I have some insider information about AI (artificial intelligence).
AI IS KILLING ALL CREATIVITY. And creatives.
And it's happening QUICKLY. Google is now spitting out AI generated content in the search results. I'm sure you've Googled something lately to have an answer come up that either had nothing to do with what you asked it, or was just plain wrong.
This kind of artificial intelligence is one of the things that has led to the writer's strike, the actor's strike and now ... content creators are on board with the war against AI.
AI IS DESIGNED TO MAKE THE OBSCENELY RICH RICHER
When the rich get richer, the poor get poorer and the middle class ... disappears.
My goal has always been to create entertaining information. There was a bit of a hiccup over the past couple of years when I was trying desperately to get more traction on Google and fell into the Google likes it this way trap.
The result was mediocre blog posts and an increase in my migraine medication intake. It was also WAY less fun to write posts that would appeal to Google.
I don't care how many fun colours and bouncing balls they use in their logo - Google doesn't know jack shit about fun. Google is the Internet cop insisting on: Just the facts ma'am.
Bloggers have been told over and over again that we could not succeed without Google. When the truth is - Google and AI couldn't succeed without us.
theartofdoingstuff
The folks at Google aren't figuring out what the best way to fix, grow, teach or learn something is. They're figuring out the best way to make money.
YES! Finally Google and I are in agreement. I want to find the best way to make money too! The difference?
I just want some of the money - Google wants all of it.
It is the 5th most profitable company in the world. In 2022, Google made an annual revenue of 279.8 billion U.S. dollars.
Would you like to save this stuff?
We'll email you this post, so you can refer to it later.
I, by comparison, contemplated performing my own dental surgery last month. Admittedly that was more of a curiosity thing than a money thing for me, but still.
It would have made a really good blog post.
Unlike this blog post which feels like a mound of depression buried under a recently vomited hairball.
Over the past couple of decades large tech platforms have gained enormous power and wealth by using the information provided by people. Humans. Content creators. Me.
You can support this and other human run websites you like by signing this open letter urging big tech and AI companies to reconsider their relationship with content creators.
By paying us.
Uch. What a gross post to have to write.
The Giveaway!
In appreciation of you sticking around, some of you for 13 YEARS, others just 'til the end of this horribly un-fun blog post, I'm giving away an Aerogaden.
Which sounds woefully inadequate when I phrase it that way.
O.K. I'll add in one of only 5 remaining Art of Doing Stuff tea towels to the prize package.
So one winner will receive both an Aerogarden and a tea towel hand screen printed by me.
THIS is the "Aerogarden" I'm giving away if you'd like to take a look at it.
To enter, all you have to do is make sure you are indeed subscribed to this blog (which I'm pretty sure you all are) and leave a comment below.
It will be a random draw from the comments and the WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT FRIDAY.
That's it! Thanks for listening.
Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I washed maggots out of a chicken's ass. Twice. I can handle this fight.
collins, ashley
I'm very skeptical of AI. There is now talk of how we can use it at work.... Why try working anymore when AI can write reports and analyze data for us!?
Tammy S
Always love your posts… I so look forward to each of your posts! AI has nothing on you!
Jennifer
I've been reading for a long time via Bazqux but have truly subscribed. Love it always.
Karen
Thank you! :) ~ karen!
Claire
Yay! I love your posts and Aerogardens!
Lolla
I'm in 100% . been here for so many years Ive forgotten count
Karen
Excellent. Glad to have you here. :) ~ karen!
Catherine Naulin
Hi Karen,
I love all your posts, the funny ones, the ones that tell stories of Betty, Pink too belt or installing a toilet, your chickens or your newest love: Phillip. I'm also very envious of your community garden, but of course, if I invested as much "blood sweat and tears" in my garden, I might get a better looking back yard. Oh well, I can just dream on. I love your house, kitchen, and the way you can just up and strip floors and trust your instinct to find GOLD underneath. You are my inspiration in so many ways. BTW, I have told many friends about your blog. It's the great Canadian secret: "The art of doing Stuff" compliments of Karen !
Karen
Thank you Catherine! :) Word of mouth is the best advertising. ~ karen!
Helen
"Karen Say..." comes out of my mouth way more than it should for someone I have never met, but feel that we must be related!
Helen
"Karen says....!!"
Karen
LOL. I figured that out. ~ karen!
Bonnie
Great post!
Karen
Thanks Bonnie! ~ karen
Kristin
Been a subscriber for years, I love the content & stories but your delivery is the icing! Next time I'm in Canada I'll swing by with our Airedale, grooming her should be a breeze after Philip!
Karen
Okey doke. I'll oil my blades. ~ karen!
Katie
I love you and have been here since your open-a-wine-bottle-without-a-corkscrew post (because I was looking for this answer and appreciated the scientific method approach so stayed). AI can bite me, no matter how useful it is.
Karen
Hi Katie. Yes. Exactly. AI can bite me too, lol. ~ karen!
Little Teeny Hills
Your blog and sense of humor make me literally burst out laughing every time I read them! I have told so many people about your blog and we all agree that we would definitely be best friends in real life ! Your blog , your sense of humor and your compassion has gotten me through some really rough times . I truly appreciate you ❤️
Karen
Thanks Little Teeny Hills! I appreciate you saying that. ~ karen!
Kirsten
Your writing educates while also entertaining! Curiosity about performing own dental surgery and washing a chicken’s ass ……. take that AI. Adore your blog! Keep up the good work, lady. We will all be here rooting for you.
Kirsten
Emily Cherry
Karen, I adore your posts, and AI doesn't come anywhere near the enjoyment I get from you. Also, AI never taught me to darn a sock, which granted me the title of Best Mama EVER for a whole ten minutes, so I am eternally grateful to you. And I love puzzles. So, even if I'm too late to win the Aerogarden, I DON'T CARE, I just want you to keep writing. Please. As long as it doesn't affect your mental health. ;)
Dianne
I am a subscriber - thanks for the often good tips and always entertaining presentation.
Joni Peth
If you can clean maggots out of a chicken's ass, you can do anything!
Kootenay Kat
ooo, exciting. Aero Garden! Thanks for the opp Karen
Leslie
I have always enjoyed your posts and hope to continue! I even prune my indeterminate tomatoes now.
Dianne
You are my one and only blogger. Have been for years. Loved you from way back when you had head bobbles on talking in between Jerry Springer segments.
Nancy MacKinnon
Keep up your good, informative and entertaining and often humorous blog. You are appreciated!!
Karissa
I've loved your blog for years, and as a fellow creative, AI gives me major pause too...