The Copywriter Club Podcast: Episode #423 – Copy, Originality, and A.I. with John Gillum
Released on November 26, 2024
Hosts: Kira Hug and Rob Marsh
Guest: John Gillum, Founder of Originality AI, Co-founder of Ad Bank, Motion Invest, and Content Refined
Introduction
In Episode #423 of The Copywriter Club Podcast, hosts Rob Marsh and Kira Hug delve into the evolving landscape of copywriting amidst the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Their guest, John Gillum, founder of Originality AI, brings invaluable insights into AI detection tools, the challenges posed by generative AI, and strategies for maintaining originality and integrity in copywriting.
John Gillum’s Journey and Originality AI
Background and Entrepreneurship:
John Gillum began his career as a mechanical engineer before transitioning into the online content space. He founded several ventures, including Ad Bank, Motion Invest, and Content Refined, before establishing Originality AI. His transition was driven by a passion for creating content that ranks on Google and monetizes effectively.
Founding Originality AI:
Originality AI was born out of the need for transparency between writers, agencies, and clients in the wake of the generative AI boom. As Rob Marsh explains:
“Originality AI is the most accurate AI detector available today, and what's more, it’s also a fact checker, which is something that tools like Gemini and ChatGPT have struggled to do.” ([09:39])
The Rise of AI in Copywriting
AI’s Impact on Writing:
Rob Marsh highlights that AI has transformed copywriting, not just as a tool but as a fundamental shift in how content is created and evaluated. He notes,
“AI was a game-changing technology that would impact almost everything writers do.” ([00:34])
Early Adoption of AI Tools:
John shares that even before the widespread popularity of ChatGPT, tools like GPT-3 and Jasper AI were integral to his content marketing strategies. This early adoption provided significant efficiency gains but also raised concerns about originality and the displacement of human writers.
Originality AI: Features and Functionalities
Comprehensive Content Quality Assurance:
Originality AI serves as a multi-faceted tool designed to ensure content integrity through various checks:
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AI Detection:
- Utilizes advanced classifiers to predict whether content is AI-generated with high accuracy.
- John emphasizes its precision:
“AI detectors are trying to predict whether a piece of content is AI-generated... Originality AI can detect it with 99% accuracy.” ([11:50])
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Fact Checking:
- Goes beyond traditional AI detectors by verifying factual accuracy, addressing the notorious issue of AI hallucinations.
- John explains:
“We created a fact-checking aid that identifies facts in content and verifies them against trusted sources, assisting human editors in the process.” ([18:17])
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Plagiarism Detection:
- Ensures that content is original and free from unintentional plagiarism, providing an additional layer of security for writers and clients.
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Readability Analysis:
- Evaluates content against optimal readability scores tailored for web performance, differing from generic tools like Grammarly or Hemingway.
- John notes:
“We aim to align readability scores with what top-ranking Google articles exhibit, providing data-backed recommendations.” ([23:45])
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Editorial Guideline Compliance:
- Helps ensure that content adheres to specific editorial standards set by companies, enhancing consistency and quality.
Upcoming Features:
Originality AI is expanding to include smarter content optimization tools that surpass traditional SEO methods by integrating more nuanced data analysis.
Challenges in AI Detection
Accuracy and False Positives:
While Originality AI boasts high accuracy, John acknowledges the inherent limitations:
“AI detectors are similar to weather predictions—they’re highly accurate but not perfect. Originality AI calls AI-generated content with 99% accuracy, but there’s still a 1-3% false positive rate.” ([11:50])
Human vs. AI Detection Capabilities:
Rob observes that humans are often misled by cognitive biases and pattern recognition, leading to only 50-60% accuracy in detecting AI-generated content. In contrast, Originality AI maintains consistent high accuracy across various content styles.
Impact of AI on Writers and the Industry
Erosion of Trust:
The proliferation of AI-generated content has led to skepticism about the originality of writers’ work. John highlights:
“Generative AI has created a lack of trust around what writers have done and haven’t done, complicating client relationships.” ([32:29])
Protecting Human Writers:
Originality AI aims to restore trust by providing verifiable proof of human-generated content. John recommends writers use tools like their Chrome extension to visualize the creation process, ensuring transparency and safeguarding against false accusations.
Future Outlook:
John is optimistic about AI’s role in expanding GDP and creating new jobs, despite the disruption it causes. He likens AI’s integration to that of spreadsheets—essential yet disruptive, fundamentally altering workflows but ultimately beneficial.
“I’m optimistic, but I do think there will be disruption along the way.” ([38:45])
Future Developments and Final Thoughts
Enhancing Content Optimization:
Originality AI plans to introduce advanced content optimization features that provide smarter, data-driven recommendations beyond existing SEO tools like Surfer SEO or Market Muse.
Editorial Efficiency:
The tool aims to streamline the copyediting process, handling up to 90% of a copy editor’s tasks, which allows human editors to focus on nuanced aspects of content quality and compliance.
Call to Action:
John encourages writers and publishers to adopt Originality AI to navigate the challenges posed by AI-generated content, ensuring integrity and maintaining trust with clients.
“We’re trying to be that tool that provides transparency from the client to the writer, ensuring fair compensation and preserving the writer’s reputation.” ([31:11])
Conclusion
Episode #423 of The Copywriter Club Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between copywriting and AI. John Gillum’s insights into Originality AI provide valuable perspectives on maintaining originality, ensuring content integrity, and navigating the evolving landscape of AI in the writing industry. For copywriters seeking to uphold their craft amidst technological advancements, adopting robust tools like Originality AI is essential for future-proofing their careers.
Connect with John Gillum and Originality AI:
- Website: Originality AI
- Chrome Extension: Search for "Originality AI Chrome Extension"
- LinkedIn: John Gillum
- Email: Available through Originality AI’s contact page
Hosts’ Resources:
- AI for Creative Entrepreneurs Podcast: Available on copywriterclub.com
- AI Bullet Writing Prompt: Downloadable for free at copywriterclub.com
Join the conversation and ensure your copywriting remains authentic and impactful in the age of AI.