Threefold Revolution

Transcript of the “Revolutionizing Commerce and Community” Podcast

Aaron
So today, we’re gonna be looking at something, pretty incredible. You’ve got this transcript, from JH McIntosh, author, serial entrepreneur. And he’s basically having this brainstorming session with ChatGPT.

Belle
Wow!

Aaron
About the design for his crowdfunding website.

Belle
That’s fascinating. I mean, using AI as like a sounding board.

Aaron
Yeah. To help shape your vision. And it is quite a vision. I mean, we’re not just talking about a website this is, like, the first step, in this massive network of a 100 websites he has already launched. And that’s only one prong of a threefold revolution he’s engaged in.

Belle
A hundred?

Aaron
Yeah. This whole Opedia brand is one prong of the threefold revolution.

Belle
Okay!

Aaron
That he has created. And the goal is to basically change how we buy and sell pretty much everything. You know, everything from groceries to electronics to clothing, like, you name it.

Belle
So potentially saving money on nearly every purchase.

Aaron
Yeah. That’s the idea, and that’s where this crowdfunding campaign comes in. He’s gotta get people on board. And a compelling website is absolutely key.

Belle
I can see why he turned to AI for this.

Aaron
Yeah, so he goes to ChatGPT. And not just for quick answers or design ideas, but for, like, a full-blown collaborative brainstorming session.

Belle
Like a partner.

Aaron
Yeah.

Belle
Interesting.

Aaron
So, let’s break down how this collaboration actually plays out. ChatGPT throws out 3 website design concepts right off the bat.

Belle
Okay.

Aaron
Each with a distinct vibe. You’ve got the minimalist trust building approach. You’ve got the community driven plan and then the energetic call to action.

Belle
So, it gives different options.

Aaron
Yeah, and ChatGPT doesn’t just give these names. It gets granular.

Belle
Oh, wow!

Aaron
So, like, with the minimalist trust building design, it recommends a hero section, you know, featuring visuals of people saving money.

Belle
Okay.

Aaron
Headlines like, together, we’re redefining savings.

Belle
I like that.

Aaron
Yeah. And clear calls to action like learn more or contribute now.

Belle
So, it’s really specific.

Aaron
Very specific. It’s almost like having a design consultant in the room with you. And it goes even further than that. McIntosh takes those suggestions and actually writes some sample copy for the home page.

Then he feeds it back to ChatGPT for analysis.

Belle
Interesting.

Aaron
And this is where things get really interesting because now ChatGPT starts providing feedback. Suggesting edits to better align the copy with each design concept.

Belle
So, it’s not just generating ideas, it’s like critiquing and refining.

Aaron
Exactly.

Belle
That’s really interesting.

Aaron
So, we’re seeing AI not just generating ideas, but actually critiquing and refining human work.

Belle
It’s like a true back and forth, a partnership.

Aaron
It highlights a crucial point. AI can enhance human capabilities, not just replace them. McIntosh’s writing skills are still essential, but ChatGPT is helping him hone those skills and adapt them to different design strategies.

Belle
It’s like having that built in editor, who understands web design.

Belle
And they don’t stop at the text.

Belle
Oh.

Aaron
They move on to visuals. They talk about image prompts for each section. The impact of using full width images, even how to approach generating images with AI tools ideally.

Belle
Wow, so not just what image to use, but how to create it, using these cutting edge tools.

Aaron
For example, to convey the idea of revolutionizing how we stay informed, ChatGPT suggests an image of a diverse group of journalists working in a modern newsroom. Emphasizing collaboration and trustworthiness.

They even get into specifics, like having screens display news articles and a global map showcasing local coverage.

Belle
It’s amazing how detailed they get.

Aaron
It is, and as they’re brainstorming these visuals, something really interesting happens. They stumble upon a recurring visual motif, the letter “O”, inside a hexagon.

Belle
Oh, I love that!

Aaron
Talk about a happy accident. It wasn’t a planned part of the branding.

Belle
Okay.

Aaron
But it emerged organically during their discussion.

Belle
Wow.

Aaron
They’re working on an image for the hero section envisioning this futuristic shopping environment with people interacting with technology, and there it was, a glowing hexagon with the “O” at its center symbolizing Opedian, the crowdfunding website amidst all these floating holographic icons.

Belle
And it’s not just a random shape. It actually represents some core aspects of what OPDIAN is all about.

Aaron
Yeah, connection, structure, innovation. And they even start incorporating it into other visuals like the image for revolutionizing how we treat each other.

Belle
Interesting! So, they’re building a visual language.

Aaron
They are, and speaking of revolutionizing how we treat each other, this part of the threefold revolution is all about creating physical community hubs.

Belle
Oh, wow!

Aaron
Called Professor Remember’s Roadhouse And Bakery Cafes.

Belle
Professor Remember’s Roadhouse and Bakery Cafes.

Aaron
That’s a mouthful but most people will just call it “Remember’s”.

Belle
That’s quite a name. What’s the thinking there?

Aaron
Well, the idea is to create these local spots where people with different viewpoints can engage in civil discourse.

Belle
Oh, okay.

Aaron
Almost like a modern-day town square, but with coffee, pastries sandwiches and dinners.

Belle
I like that.

Aaron
And ChatGPT helps McIntosh bring this concept to life visually. They come up with this image prompt, “a diverse group of people engaged in a lively conversation at a long-shared table in a cozy cafe, warm lighting, natural textures.

Belle
Sounds inviting.

Aaron
And there’s this clever detail of an empty chair at the table, almost like an invitation for the viewer to join the conversation to become a part of this welcoming environment.

Belle
So even in the visuals, they’re thinking about how to engage people.
Aaron
Exactly. And then they move on to another seemingly small but crucial detail, call to action design buttons versus plain text.

Belle
Oh, yeah. That can make a big difference.

Aaron
Huge difference in how people interact with the website.

Belle
For sure.

Aaron
They ultimately decide to go with a distinctive circular button. Which, if you think about it, cleverly ties back to that recurring “O” branding they developed earlier.

Belle
That’s a nice touch.

Aaron
So, it’s not just aesthetics. It’s about strategically aligning design choices with the overall brand identity.

Belle
It all comes together.

Aaron
And speaking of strategy, their conversation then shifts to brainstorming contribution levels for the crowdfunding campaign. McIntosh has quite a range in mind from a $100 all the way up to a staggering $10,000,000.

Belle
Wow. That’s quite a spread.

Aaron
And for those top tier contributors, they come up with a concept of a “Founding Fifty”.

Belle
Founding Fifty?

Aaron
Yeah. This exclusive group receives special benefits like stock warrants.

Belle
Which basically give them the right to buy stock in the parent corporation at a discounted rate.

Aaron
Exactly.

Belle
So, like, golden tickets.

Aaron
Pretty much. And they even discuss the possibility of these Founding Fifty members getting seats on the Board of Directors.

Belle
Wow, give them a real say.

Aaron
Yeah, a direct say in shaping Opidian’s future.

Belle
That’s a big incentive.

Aaron
It is. But let’s be real, not everyone can drop 1,000,000 on a crowdfunding campaign. What about the average person who wants to support this vision but maybe doesn’t have a fortune to invest?

Belle
That’s a good point.

Aaron
So, to make the Founding Fifty concept more accessible, they explore offering two board seats to any contributor.

Belle
Really?

Aaron
Regardless of their donation amount.

Belle
So even if you can only contribute a small amount, you still have a chance to have a real impact.

Aaron
That’s the idea. They even discuss various voting models for these open board seats.

Belle
Oh, interesting.

Aaron
Weighing the pros and cons of weighted voting, where voting power is tied to contribution amount, versus equal voting where every contributor gets an equal voice.

Belle
So, they’re really thinking about fairness and representation.

Aaron
They are. It’s this fascinating glimpse into the ethical considerations that come into play when you’re trying to democratize access and decision-making power.

Belle
It’s a complex issue.

Aaron
Very complex. And to top it all off, they even consider the idea of sharing this very session.

Belle
The one we’re analyzing right now.

Aaron
Yeah, with Opedian’s contributor.

Belle
Oh, that’s bold.

Aaron
They talk about different titles for the session, like inside the vision.

Belle
Yeah.

Aaron
Building Opedian’s future together. Or exclusive founders briefing, The thinking that shapes Opedian.

Belle
I like those.

Aaron
And they discuss whether to make it accessible to all contributors or just those above a certain donation level.

Belle
It’s a brilliant move in terms of transparency.

Aaron
It really shows a commitment to keeping contributors informed and involved.

Belle
It makes you feel like you are part of the process.

Aaron
But this level of transparency could also come with some risks.

Belle
How so?

Aaron
But wouldn’t there be concerns about confidentiality? I mean, they’re discussing some pretty sensitive information here.

Belle
Yeah, it’s true. Like, their business strategies.

Aaron
Yeah. Branding decisions. Could that potentially backfire if it falls into the wrong hands?

Belle
You’re right. It’s a delicate balance between transparency and protecting their intellectual property.

Aaron
Exactly!

Belle
I’m sure they carefully considered the potential risks and benefits.

Aaron
Definitely! But regardless of the potential downsides, the fact that they’re even considering this level of transparency speaks volumes about their commitment to building trust with their contributors.

Belle
Absolutely. It’s a powerful example of how businesses can use transparency to build stronger relationships.

Aaron
And it’s just one of the many fascinating insights we can glean from this conversation.

Belle
There’s so much more to unpack.

Aaron
Well, listeners, you know what that means? We’ll be right back to dive even deeper into this incredible collaboration between J H McIntosh and ChatGPT.

Belle
So, picking up where we left off this idea of sharing the actual conversation with potential contributors is really interesting.

Aaron
It is kinda like pulling back the curtain, letting people see the process, you know.

Yeah, the creative process.

Aaron
See how the sausage is made, so to speak.

Belle
Exactly, and that kind of transparency is rare, you know, especially at this early stage.

Aaron
Yeah.

Belle
It really speaks to their commitment to building trust.

Aaron
And this sense of ownership.

Belle
Yes, exactly.

Aaron
Like, you’re not just giving money. You’re part of something bigger.

Belle
Right, part of the movement.

Aaron
And that’s what’s so exciting about this whole Opedian concept. It’s not just about building websites or making a profit.

Belle
Okay.

Aaron
McIntosh has this vision of really disrupting multiple industries. You know, starting with how we buy and sell nearly everything. Remember, he has created a network of a hundred websites.

Belle
A hundred websites.

Aaron
Yeah. These Opedia branded sites, that could potentially save consumers money on almost every purchase.

Belle
Okay. That’s ambitious.

Aaron
It is.

Belle
It makes sense why he’s being cautious about revealing all the detail.

Aaron
Yeah. In the transcript, he even tells ChatGPT, you know, I got to protect my intellectual property.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
Especially from those big tech giants.

Belle
Of course, they’d wanna swoop in and copy it.

Aaron
Exactly.

Belle
So how do you convince people to invest in something that they don’t fully understand?

Aaron
That’s the million dollar question.

Belle
Right, right!

Aaron
And I think that’s why this conversation with ChatGPT is so powerful.

Belle
Okay.

Aaron
It shows his thought process.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
His willingness to collaborate, you know.

Belle
The passion.

Aaron
His passion for this project. It humanizes the whole endeavor.

Belle
So instead of a faceless corporation, you see a real person.

Aaron
Exactly.

Belle
Working through the challenges.

Aaron
And it’s not just about the big ideas either. They get into the nitty gritty details too.

Belle
Mhmm.

Aaron
Remember their discussion about voting models?

Belle
Oh, yeah, for the open board seats.

Aaron
They weigh the pros and cons of weighted voting versus equal voting, you know, considering the impact on both large and small contributors.

Belle
It’s a nuanced conversation.

Aaron
Very nuanced.

Belle
It shows they’re really thinking about the implications.

Aaron
Absolutely.

Belle
It’s fascinating how they’re trying to create a system that’s financially sustainable. But also, democratically inclusive.

Aaron
It’s a tough balance.

Belle
It really is.

Belle
And it raises some important questions about power and decision making.

Aaron
In organizations, yeah, it’s almost like they’re building a new model of business. You know, one that’s grounded in transparency collaboration; and this shared sense of purpose.

Belle
That’s a powerful idea.

Aaron
And AI is playing a key role in that process.

Belle
Right, not as a replacement for human ingenuity, but as a partner.

Aaron
As an amplifier.

Belle
Yeah!

Aaron
So, McIntosh is the visionary entrepreneur.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
Bringing the big ideas. And the passion for disruption.

Belle
And ChatGPT is helping him refine that vision.

Aaron
Exactly! Makes you wonder what other possibilities are out there when we start thinking of AI as this collaborator.

Belle
Oh, yeah, like a partner in problem solving.

Aaron
Imagine artists, designers, musicians working alongside AI.

Belle
Pushing the boundaries.

Aaron
Yeah. We could see breakthroughs in medicine education, sustainable technology.

Belle
The potential is limitless

Aaron
It really is. And what’s particularly striking about this session is that it shows how AI can be used not just to make money.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
Or create products.

Belle
But to build something meaningful.

Aaron
Something that benefits society as a whole.

Belle
Exactly.

Aaron
It’s a reminder that technology is ultimately a tool,

Belle
A tool.

Aaron
And it’s up to us, the humans, to decide how to use it.

Belle
Yeah.

Aaron
We can use it to create division and inequality, or we can use it to build bridges, foster collaboration, and create a more just and equitable world.

Belle
That’s our choice.

Aaron
It is. And I think this conversation gives us a glimpse of what’s possible when we choose to use technology for good.

Belle
For good!

Aaron
When we choose to collaborate, to be transparent, to prioritize inclusivity and ethical considerations.

Belle
It’s an inspiring vision of the future.

Aaron
It is where human ingenuity and AI capabilities work together to create a world that’s more just more sustainable and more fulfilling for everyone.

Belle
Speaking of inspiring their attention to detail is impressive. Remember when they were discussing those image prompts?

Aaron
Oh, yeah. They didn’t just settle for generic concepts.

Belle
They really wanted to capture the essence.

Aaron
Yeah, like, when describing the “revolutionizing how we treat each other” section.

Belle
Okay.

Aaron
ChatGPT came up with this incredibly detailed prompt. They envisioned a diverse group of people engaged in lively conversation around a long-shared table in a cozy cafe. You know, soft lighting, natural textures.

Belle
Sounds inviting.

Aaron
And that empty chair at the table.

Belle
Oh, yeah.

Aaron
It’s like a subtle invitation for the viewer to join in.

Belle
Very clever.
Aaron
It’s incredible how AI can pick up on those subtle nuances and translate them into visual elements.

Belle
Yeah, to evoke emotion, create a certain atmosphere.

Aaron
This session between McIntosh and ChatGPT is packed with so much insightful detail.

Belle
It is.

Aaron
It’s hard to know where to focus next. What else stands out to you?

Belle
Well, there’s a part where McIntosh talks about needing people to take a leap of faith.

Aaron
Oh, yeah!

Belle
To trust in his vision, especially for the most lucrative aspects.

Aaron
It’s a vulnerability that I think a lot of entrepreneurs can relate to.

Belle
It can be daunting to put yourself out there.

Aaron
Especially when your ideas are so disruptive.

Belle
Yeah. Challenging the status quo.

Aaron
But it’s also a necessary step you have to inspire people.

Belle
You have to make them believe.

Aaron
And that’s where the transparency of sharing this conversation comes in.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
It allows potential contributors to see the thought process, the careful consideration, the passion.

Belle
The genuine passion.

Aaron
That’s driving this project.

Belle
It’s a good reminder that behind every groundbreaking innovation, there are real people taking risks and collaborating to bring their ideas to life.

Aaron
You know, it’s amazing how this conversation really reveals so much about that entrepreneurial journey.

Belle
It does.

Aaron
You see the excitement, the ambition, but also the vulnerability and the challenges, you know, of trying to create something truly innovative.

Belle
Right, because innovation isn’t always a smooth straight line.

Aaron
No.

Belle
It’s messy.

Aaron
It is. It’s trial and error, it’s iteration.

Belle
Being open to new discovery.

Aaron
Like stumbling upon that hexagon “O” motif.

Belle
Oh, yeah. That turned into a key branding element.

Aaron
Yeah. It highlights the importance of just embracing those serendipitous moments.

Belle
Absolutely! Sometimes the best ideas come when you’re not even looking for them.

Aaron
Exactly! And I think that’s something that comes across so strongly in this conversation.

Belle
Yeah.

Aaron
They’re not afraid to experiment, to bounce ideas off each other, you know?

Belle
To challenge assumptions.

Aaron
It’s truly collaborative.

Belle
It really is. And it’s a testament to the power of diverse perspectives.

Aaron
Yeah. You have McIntosh, the visionary entrepreneur, you know, bringing his big ideas and his passion for disruption.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
And then you have ChatGPT, the AI collaborator, bringing its analytical capabilities, its ability to generate ideas.

Belle
That vast knowledge base.

Aaron
Like, they’re each filling in the gaps.

Belle
Pushing each other further.

Aaron
Yeah, pushing each other to think more creatively.

Belle
And what’s fascinating is they’re not just talking about design and strategies.

Aaron
Right.
Belle
They’re also delving into those deeper questions about values.

Aaron
Yeah.

Belle
Ethics!

Aaron
Like their discussion about inclusivity.

Belle
Mhmm, making sure everyone has a voice.

Aaron
Exactly. It’s not just about building a successful business. It’s about building a business that reflects their values.

Belle
And contributes to a better society.

Aaron
And that’s what makes this conversation so compelling. It’s not just about the technical details of designing a website.

Belle
Right.

Aaron
It’s about the human values and aspirations that drive innovation.

Belle
That shape the future.

Aaron
It’s a powerful reminder that technology is a tool, and it’s up to us how we use it. We can choose to use it to amplify our creativity, our empathy, our desire to make a positive impact.

Belle
Or to perpetuate inequalities.

Aaron
Exactly. And I think this conversation gives us a glimpse of what’s possible when we choose to use technology for good.

Belle
For good!
Aaron
When we choose to collaborate, to be transparent, to prioritize inclusivity and ethical consideration.

Belle
So, it’s an inspiring vision.

Aaron
It is one where human ingenuity and AI capabilities work together to create a world that’s more just more sustainable and more fulfilling for everyone.

Belle
It really is. And as we wrap up this deep dive into the world of JH McIntosh and ChatGPT, it’s clear that AI isn’t some far off concept, you know, it’s here.

Aaron
It’s now.

Belle
Shaping our present and our future.

Aaron
And this conversation shows the potential of AI as a force for good.

Belle
As a catalyst for innovation, a partner in our creative endeavors.

Aaron
It challenges us to ask, how can we embrace AI in our own lives?

Belle
In our own work.

Aaron
Not as a replacement, but as a tool to amplify our potential and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Belle
So, keep those questions in mind as you go about your day.

Aaron
The future is what we make it.