Should I Use AI to Write My Email Copy

Ever had a 5’1” blonde from New Jersey threaten to punch you in the face?

I never thought it’d land up on my Bingo card, but it’s right there—a living-breathing part of my business history.

This was years ago. I’d recently abandoned a doomed back-to-the-land project that is every aging punk’s birthright. (Now I know that “cute vintage trailer” is code for no insulation and an easy way for mice to get in.)

I’d decided to go for my dreams and get away from small-town life—and my BFF, who was already living it up in San Francisco, borderline lied to me and told me I’d be able to find “affordable” rent there.

We believe what we want, okay?

(For context, the cost of an average one-bedroom in SF just peaked at $4,000 a month. I no longer live there because theoretically I could live in a small mountain villa in Sicily for $400 and I love a deal.)

Back then, my copywriting biz was just starting to take off, but it was nowhere near steady yet. So I made a deal with myself—I’d try to get clients and in the meantime, put things on my credit card, and if my balance got to $3,500, then I’d take a job-y job.

I told this plan to my business accountability partner, Nikki.

“I think I’m going to get a restaurant job,” I told her on the phone one day.

This is what she said:

“If you take that job, I’m going to come out there and punch you in the face.”

Message from the universe, received.

I’m highly averse to violence and pain. I’ve never broken a bone and I prefer it that way. I don’t roller skate or mountain bike and I live in a state of perpetual dissociation about the fact that three of my siblings ride motorcycles. Even riding a bike in the city is edgy for me and I’m basically two Google searches away from buying a full-face helmet because I’m really attached to this concept of my face staying intact.

As such, I did not want Nikki to come out to California and punch me in the face.

Nor did I take that job.

And thank baby Jesus that's how it went down.

Especially because….I just found out…

I got on the NEWS! In—get this—Australia!

They had me come on because I’ve got an inspiring story to share about going from a sad trailer with no electricity or running water…

To writing for all these New York Times bestselling authors and helping an enthusiastic group of international entrepreneurs write copy that doesn’t sound like ChatGPT drank too much tequila and…

OH GOD. THERE IS SO MUCH I KEEP WRITING AND DELETING HERE TO FINISH THIS SENTENCE, BUT FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, I WILL EXHIBIT REMARKABLE RESTRAINT AND JUST… NOT.

Your takeaways:

1 - Let your friends tell you sweet lies

2 - Avoid getting punched in the face at all costs—you never know where it’ll lead you

3 - I’m about to be ultra mega-famous in Australia (You can say you knew me back when)

4 - Don’t farm out your copy to AI so your copy looks pretty in good lighting but has dead eyes and therefore ruins your list’s trust / your moral compass

The end.

Until next time,

Gio