Reading a 2006 Take on Technological Change

Hey friends, Chase here.

I'm back with a little reflection that's been brewing for a while—one that hits right at the heart of what it means to be a creator right now. Lately, the number one question in my inbox (and probably yours too) goes something like this: "What happens to creativity now that AI can do so much?"

If that question sounds familiar, you're not alone. We've seen this movie before. Back in 2006, I wrote a post responding to photographers who were terrified that point-and-shoot cameras would "steal" their jobs. Fast forward to today, and we're hearing the same fear—just swap "AI" for "amateurs with a camera."

For a trip down memory lane, check out that original post, "Don't Worry, Just Focus. Please." — it's wild how the same conversation echoes through time. Different tools, same creative truth.

The Creative Edge Isn't Vanishing — It's Moving.

Here's the thing: every new tool feels like a threat at first. Digital cameras. Instagram. Smartphones. Now AI. Each time, a slice of the market shifts. The low-end work gets automated or absorbed by cheaper, faster tools. But the top quartile—the creators who bring taste, originality, and human nuance—don't vanish. They adapt, evolve, and expand what's possible.

If you're worried about being replaced, you're probably looking at the wrong part of the playing field. The real creative edge has just moved—it's waiting for you to catch up.

Here's what we get into in this episode:

• History repeats: from point-and-shoot cameras to AI, every leap in tech stirs the same fear—and the same opportunity
• Stay out of the bottom tier: low-margin work gets eaten first; creativity built on depth, taste, and expertise always finds demand
• Leverage the tools: don't compete with the machine—learn to wield it to multiply your output and sharpen your ideas
• Mindset as the real skill: the belief that you can evolve is what keeps you in the game when the rules change

The big idea? Your creative advantage isn't disappearing—it's evolving. The tools may change, but what makes your work matter has always been the same: curiosity, courage, and a willingness to play with what's next. AI isn't the end of creativity. It's an invitation to a new chapter. So pick up the tools, experiment, and move with the edge—because that's where the real art happens.

Until next time—stay curious, stay evolving, and keep creating.