When I look at the posts and content on this site, I can't help but think we're doing it wrong and heading straight for a wall. At the same time, I can't believe there isn't another way.
Don't get me wrong: This isn't a criticism of the authors or the knowledge shared, but of our way of communicating.
I have rarely seen so much energy, humility, and experience in a community, and yet... it sounds hollow.
In most replies, I see a textbook application of the "Mom Test," "Value Bomb" Trojan horses, PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solve), the "Socratic Coach," etc.
I see AI-generated response patterns that are so standardized and smooth that they end up "sounding hollow."
Believe me, I have nothing against AI, I use it too.
But I end up wondering if we are using it correctly.
Because in the end, if we use AI, it's to be more effective:
We want to be more convincing.
We want to sound more experienced.
We want to sound better in a language that isn't ours.
Etc.
So, if our replies and posts end up looking so much alike, none of these goals are achieved. The main message that emerges about the form and the author is simply: they are using AI.
"But the content remains," you might tell me.
I don't think so: because of the lack of sincerity.
The form is perfect, "by the book," but what does that tell me about the person writing? Almost nothing.
So why "believe" an author whose content is generated?
How can I buy into their point of view or be convinced of their sincerity when they haven't been convincing, haven't shown more experience, haven't shown a fine command of English, and when I'm not even sure the ideas expressed are theirs and not the AI's?
If I'm only looking for methods, data, or feedback, sincerity matters little (though even then...).
But if I'm looking for a partner, or user validation, an AI-generated response is counterproductive.
It passes the response through a filter that strips away everything I care about:
The biases, weaknesses, flaws, and unique qualities of my counterpart
The imperfect, emotional, and sometimes inaccurate vision of a real user
Finally, for me, the response lacks the "connection" that sincerity brings:
By "hiding" behind the perfect efficiency of a generated message, how can I convince you of my sincerity?
By showing myself as I am, with my imperfections in thought and writing style, I prove my sincerity.
Sincerity is a solid foundation for building something that lasts.
In short, this post is for those who want to try something else.
As for me, I am looking to connect with a non-technical entrepreneur who feels frustrated by their technical limitations, just as I feel frustrated by my sales and marketing limitations.
I have nothing to sell them, no business pitch in mind.
Just the desire to exchange ideas and make progress together.
NB: Post translated into English from French