Dec. 3, 2024

The Predictable Evolution of AI Economics: OpenAI's Dance with Advertising

Let’s talk about the inevitability of advertising in AI systems, or what happens when computational idealism meets economic reality. OpenAI’s recent moves toward advertising shouldn’t surprise anyone who understands how information processing systems evolve under resource constraints.

Here’s the fascinating part: OpenAI, which started as a nonprofit dedicated to beneficial AI, is following a path as predictable as a deterministic algorithm. They’re hiring ad executives from Google and Meta, while their CFO Sarah Friar performs the classic corporate dance of “we’re exploring options” followed by “we have no active plans.” It’s like watching a chess game where you can see the checkmate coming five moves ahead.

Nov. 14, 2024

The Free AI Lunch is Over, and Boy, Does My Head Hurt

Look, I told you this was coming. Hell, everyone with half a functioning brain cell and a drink in their hand knew this was coming. Perplexity AI, that cute little “answer engine” startup that’s been playing innocent schoolgirl with its pure, unbiased answers, just announced they’re joining the oldest profession in the world: advertising.

And here’s the real beauty of it - they’re not even gonna be honest about it. No sir, none of those garish banner ads or pop-ups that make you want to throw your laptop through the nearest window. Instead, they’re going for what they’re calling “sponsored follow-up questions and paid media.” Which is corporate speak for “We’re gonna slide these ads in so smooth you won’t even notice you’re being sold something until you’re already halfway to the checkout page.”