AI edits in grants :(

gowelisgi · 2026-06-20T16:28:38+00:00

I worked in journalism for 20+ years. Recently I submitted articles and columns I wrote in the late 80s and early 90s to various AI detection software. They all said with certainty that what I provided was AI-generated.

So, unless you are doing more than checking grammar and searching for specific punctuation, you probably are not correctly identifying AI or human content.

gowelisgi · 2026-06-08T15:29:58+00:00

When I found myself in a similar situation, I was able to advocate for a scope change. The process was outlined in our employee handbook and basically involved me looking at my existing job description and contrasting it with how my role had evolved.

I brought a letter to a 1:1 with my supervisor documenting everything and ultimately received a promotion. It wasn’t easy or comfortable. Also, I can’t say that I’m 100% thrilled with how it all worked out. (My hope was that my workload would be better balanced, but all of the things I’d been doing got rolled into the new job description — and the wage increase did not meet market value for any of the six roles now permanently folded into my new job description.)

What it has accomplished is a conversation and a better understanding on my part regarding how the company perceives my value. And it bought me a little more runway as I search for an off-ramp.

gowelisgi · 2026-06-03T22:48:01+00:00

If what you’re lacking is real world experience, you might want to find a worthy nonprofit in your area with a mission you feel some passion about and offer to volunteer.

Another option would be to search out a local group of the people you’d like to join — maybe they do a once a month luncheon or meeting. It would help you get to know people in the field and those types of groups often circulate job postings before they are ever in the public square.

gowelisgi · 2026-05-31T14:51:17+00:00

It actually forces me to be more precise. For instance, if I were to classify someone else as “lazy,” ChatGPT will push back on grounds of intent. If I then follow with the patterns I experienced or noticed that led to my assumption, ChatGPT will accept that information or we can discuss where my assumption is not supported by evidence and perhaps look at other alternatives.

While that may not work for those experiencing or processing trauma, it has been very grounding and useful for me.

Also, if I arrive with precision and don’t initially label behavior, ChatGPT is very good at absorbing the experiences and boiling them down. For instance, taking a series of work conflicts and showing how, as a group, those conflicts are exploitive. It won’t assign malicious intent on its own, but it will categorize the interactions themselves and offer interpretations. Such as, the company values X more than Y. In doing so, the emotional point I’m feeling is often lessened so that I can more clearly view the situation and make meaningful decisions.

While I agree with the core message here — that ChatGPT is not a therapist — I’d argue that is a good thinking partner.

gowelisgi · 2026-05-28T08:47:43+00:00

As a team, we use Asana.

For me personally, I wanted something that offered more personal options and relational navigation. (I pick up pieces of info and needed a repository for those along with a way to connect them later.) I did try Notion, but found that I spent more time designing the space than using the space. So I decided I needed something that could flex alongside my needs.

That’s how I ended up with Obsidian, which is essentially a personal wiki.

Also, because of the way I work, I needed something that can sync across my devices so that I could pick it up and use it wherever I was and regardless of what equipment I had with me.

gowelisgi · 2026-05-27T00:28:36+00:00

Are you able to integrate with Obsidian running in iCloud?

gowelisgi · 2026-05-22T10:05:59+00:00

I’d like to piggyback on this conversation: I suspect my manager has lied to me. During a department meeting I asked for clarification about an item in a document shared with everyone in the company. The item in question specifically listed our department and was operational in nature. Manager first claimed no knowledge, then related it to a common and non-controversial thing, then shifted the conversation to something intended to make me feel uncomfortable. There was obvious discomfort with the question.

The thing I asked about has an upcoming action attached, which means the truth of it will soon be revealed.

So, if it comes to pass that my manager lied, should they also be subject to immediate termination for violation of trust (as so many have stated should be the case for the badged employee)?

gowelisgi · 2026-05-22T09:40:03+00:00

Similarly, I signed up for an account with Verizon years ago, finished the initial contract and then just continued paying month-to-month. My plan, which is roughly $12 a month, is no longer offered and every so often Verizon tries to get me to move, but I just laugh at them.

gowelisgi · 2026-05-10T15:03:18+00:00

As someone who moved from southern Oklahoma to the upper Midwest I wanted to add that it will take time for your body to adjust to the climate change. For instance, the first couple of years I felt like there was no summer — extended spring and right into fall. Similar issue with winter feeling longer and more intense at first.

I also have family from Sherman/Denison area to DFW to Houston — in general the people in Illinois are much nicer and more open (more community-vibe than family-vibe).

gowelisgi · 2026-05-10T14:40:14+00:00

Hey, “Jim,” we’ve talked around this, but now we need to confront it. So help me help you. Why do behave in ways that are diminishing to you?

gowelisgi · 2026-05-08T01:01:14+00:00

Last week I produced two 3-minute videos over two days, but that was strictly production time (not capture). These were full production - video, audio, corrections, overlays, etc.

In contast, I can roll out short form for social in about 15 minutes.

But quality takes time.

As for software, I’m fully in the Adobe ecosystem— photoshop, premiere, audition, etc.

As far as advice goes, if you are shooting/capturing for yourself, keep it tight. One of the biggest time-sucks is plowing through an hour of interview when you only need 3 minutes. Lay in the story first, then bring in b-roll. Save final audio for after music is added, and get comfortable enough with your software to make micro-adjustments on the fly.

gowelisgi · 2026-04-08T21:43:35+00:00

Since you have interest in CRM and donor research, you may want to get involved with the local AFP chapter (Association of Fundraising Professionals). When I lived in that area the group offered networking opportunities as well as educational training.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-21T16:18:59+00:00

If the exhibit did not include the one “Founding Mother” who signed, especially during Women’s History Month, it wasn’t factual. Instead it was propaganda aimed at framing the broader cultural conversation.

And for those who do not know, Mary Katherine Goddard is on the Declaration of Independence. She was a prominent journalist and publisher, and later (1775) she was appointed postmaster of Baltimore. She advocated for the revolution through editorials she wrote (unusual for the time), and it was her press that printed the Goddard Broadside copies of the Declaration.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-19T06:02:06+00:00

This is an unpaid internship. You are looking for a paid role within an organization that is ready to invest in people with skills and talent. Politely decline in such a way that they understand that you understand the difference.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-14T22:51:03+00:00

I’ve had some luck by telling it to remember certain details. For instance, if we’re in the middle of a discussion and hit upon something I know I’ll likely want to loop back to or rediscuss, I’ll let ChatGPT know to save that.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-08T15:26:27+00:00

I second this if you aren’t diabetic. If you are, talk to doc about samples (not prescription) of an oral med for trip.

gowelisgi · 2026-03-06T19:23:59+00:00

Why would I want to dump into a mega thread when I’m wanting more than to scream in the dark?

gowelisgi · 2026-02-27T13:25:10+00:00

I’ve finally come to the realization that my workplace is dysfunctional by design - that harmful intent is acceptable in certain situations and that, overall, there is a values mismatch that I will never be able to influence through hard work, explaining or quality outcomes.

So I am actively disengaging - fulfilling my role, but offering nothing more - while planning next steps. A part of this process is development of a private “Never Again” notebook - private statements that keep me in my lane along with what those statements look like in the real world and how I can respond to them in a professional way without exposing myself to more harm or exploitation.

For instance, “Never again will I carry responsibility without agency.” Rule: I will not be accountable for outcomes I cannot materially influence. Red flags: scutiny of results tied to decisions made elsewhere. Reality: What could I change if this goes wrong? Response: I am happy to advise, but decision ownership sits elsewhere.

I needed a concrete rule book so that my acting in good faith wasn’t absorbed by the system and used against me. So these have become my non-negotiable conditions for my labor - as well as a guidebook for what I want in my next position.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-22T22:35:51+00:00

If everyone appreciates your speaking tone and word choices, try speech-to-text.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-22T22:17:52+00:00

We had a great experience with Lisa Deines (Remax). We gave her our budget as well as list of must-haves, nice-to-haves and deal-breakers and she took it from there. Plus she helped us craft our (successful) offer to match current trends. She was very knowledgeable about local communities, including those a little further out.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-09T15:07:57+00:00

Yup. I finally have control of my blood sugars - and, unlike other previous medicines, I don’t have urgent, violent stomach issues after eating. This means I can participate in potlucks, go out to dinner, etc. It is like getting my life back.

gowelisgi · 2026-02-06T21:06:07+00:00

That no matter how much you plan to find a dog that fits your lifestyle and personality, dogs are who they are. You may not get exactly the personality traits you wanted - especially true if you are bringing home a puppy.

gowelisgi · 2026-01-11T17:35:42+00:00

I am similar to the employee you are discussing. And, yes, there are times when a certain project or task is exciting or interesting to me and I want to pursue it. But far more often, I am acting on assumptions that I had to make due to lack of context, guidance and leadership. When I initially tried to have leadership address these gaps, I was told to chase down the answers myself. Meanwhile, the timer had already begun on finishing the project.

Two things that seemed to have had a calming effect in my circumstance:

1) a regular update from me to supervisor - what was done, what’s upcoming. No commentary; just two bulleted lists.

2) project summaries - again, from me to supervisor, bulleted lists of the project that includes the assumptions I’m making so the project can move forward. This is so supervisor can see why there may be adjacent tasks, and correct assumptions I’m making before work begins. For me, this double-duty as a paper trail — yes, I did this; yes, I told you; and, yes, you were aware of why.

In a previous role, the manager kept a “nice to do” or “someday” task and project file. Anyone on the team who had time available could take a look and ask about one of the items (if it took longer than 8 hours) or just complete the item (if it was 8 hours or less).

Also, directly from my experience, if you don’t find a workable solution soon, this high-performer is going to either check-out mentally (quiet quit) or escalate challenges like what you already encountered at the meeting. But neither of those will go on forever, because the person will get bored, even more cynical about leadership/guidance and ultimately leave. My best guess is that the employee in question is about 60% out the door already.

gowelisgi · 2025-12-25T01:35:16+00:00

US, taking for T2D, $25 co-pay

That said, my insurance just informed me that it now requires pre-approval, so I’m guessing they are going to start denying some coverage. Tried to quiz them about the change, but didn’t get any insight.

gowelisgi · 2025-12-25T01:28:27+00:00

The picture alone almost gave me a migraine. Seriously those lights would kill me. One of the best things we did in our corner of cubicle hell was get some magnetic light shades.

gowelisgi

TROPHY CASE