Springboard LTD is here — why I’ve launched a business with zero AI
I don't like AI. More specifically, generative AI. It helps no one, it exposes those who use it, while stifling imagination and creativity for future generations as they watch on. Before I left my job in 2024, I began to see a lot of it being hyped, and, to quote the kids, I got the ick.
I've also been noticing articles that speak of 'Apple making a comeback' in regards to AI, following its disappointing performance in the category so far with Apple Intelligence.
But what comeback, I ask? There was nothing to come back to. When Apple Intelligence launched in 2024, it was a disappointing mess. Image Playgrounds and Genmoji feel wrong to use, Siri is still useless, and Visual Intelligence feels pointless. There was also an advertising campaign starring actor Bella Ramsay that showcased features not present on its latest iPhone — and still doesn't, at the time of this issue. This resulted in the ad being pulled, a rare move for Apple. Now that WWDC, the company's yearly developer conference, has wrapped up, there was barely a mention of it. But I did like videos where some of its executives were, finally, put on the spot about it all.
There's also LinkedIn incessantly shouting about how AI is transforming the workplace and replacing jobs outright (no) on my feed. It also began to show obvious posts and articles that were made with AI, or completely made(up) by another LLM (Large Language Model).
So, after a while, I snapped. Surely, businesses don't want to be associated with generative AI. It's boring, it's distracting, and it dilutes any good nature a company wants to put across to potential customers.
On June 9, I set up a copywriting/consultancy business that will feature no AI — all written and advised by me.
Why?
I've always wanted to own a business, but I was never sure what it would involve. You almost get conditioned by the media, seeing shows like Dragon's Den, Shark Tank, and even Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares in what people do and shouldn't do, and it potentially muddles your own aims.
But, ironically, the idea for Springboard as a company came from the emergence of AI and how many I know have been singing its praises. I want to help businesses and sole traders out there who need help with their blogs, landing pages, and more, without having to ask ChatGPT.
To note, this newsletter will keep going, but it'll now be on a fortnightly basis at least. But having the same name for both will help build some coherence for what I have planned.
What Now?
I've completely redone this page to showcase what the business can offer you, which also includes some lovely testimonials from folk I've worked with in the last 10 years. I'll still be freelancing as before — it'll just be part of Springboard from now on. So too will the books and times when I'll be at gaming markets, selling a bunch of things.
So, shorter newsletter this week, but I hope you can understand why. I've also been working on a couple of other things, including the secret project, which will have its own issue soon.
Ultimately, this is essentially stage one in what I've been wanting to set up for years. If you see any posts about Springboard, a share would be much appreciated. It's never too late to start something new.
If you'd like to find out directly about how I can help you or your business, please get in touch here.
Thanks for reading.
