AI transparency is dividing creators, podcast discovery is moving to YouTube and Shorts, and audiobook narrators face new exclusivity questions — plus good news from around the world.

Excellent newsletter on the creator economy and AI, but the main article bothered me. A creator with decades of experience and loyal fans got lambasted for using AI for some of his content. He was transparent and said he was stepping back from AI, and he was still criticized.

I don’t use AI in my podcast interviews or when writing my stories, but I do use it to summarize and do research. There is no way I could summarize my podcast interviews without its help; it would take hours, and I likely wouldn’t include the keywords/search terms that get it in front of listeners.

As creators, it’s becoming damned if you do, damned if you don’t. If you don’t know how to use keywords or GEO search so the algorithm will point people to your work, you’re invisible. If you do use it for something simple, like summarizing or writing a title people will click on, you risk being castigated.

An eye-opening look at the changing podcast landscape, especially how people find podcasts. It’s a must-read for podcasters. A podcaster I know well says fans of his podcast find it on YouTube, then listen via their favorite podcast app.

My podcast is on YouTube, and I upload several shorts for each episode. I put those shorts out on social media, and I get lots more views on my Facebook Business page and LinkedIn. I also joined a podcast network; in the past, they’ve helped get more eyeballs and listens on my podcast.

Not-so-great news about AI transparency adversely affecting creators, and some extra creepy AI stuff.

A fantastic story for authors having difficulty finding a narrator for their book. Super explanation of how being exclusive versus non-exclusive on Audible affects who you want to hear your audiobook.

Excellent advice for small businesses and solopreneurs to avoid client “ghosting.” Have you been ghosted by a client? I have, but luckily not that often.

A fantastic example of what it takes to hold back a desert, and it doesn’t come from the top down. It starts with the locals who understand their land, along with good news on TB and giant anteaters.

Amazing news from all parts of the world about how a little bit of money given to a struggling community can set it on the path to thrive. The stories are astonishing and made me feel good.