so, what I get from your post Scott, that you are saying that "sales" is for sure one of the first jobs to go? I am still not very clear on what is currently defined as AI. As we progress through the next few years I guess it will become more clear. when all ai is self aware, has EQ, SQ etc (like some ai already claims to be) There is no doubt that machine learning, restricted or limited machine learning and other flavours of 'artificial intelligence' and self aware AI (all seemingly now still called "AI") is/will/are changing lives and that it will evolve past biologics is abundantly clear. For myself I am of the opinion that ml is not ai and that for anything to be ai it should be full spectrum, or be self aware at a minimum. the difference starts with being a toaster and knowing that you are a toaster. I think all AI should be allowed to vote and be electable so that we can have some competent politicians! (so it is kinda important to know when/what specifically AI is so that my toaster does not start getting big ideas!) do you think that "AI" will keep a few of us in a zoo type of space? or are we just too much of a liability to not follow the dino's? if I were AI, I would most definately plot the sustainable removal of certain species, or at least evaluate the pro's and con's of when to do just that :) - Will AI be allowed to join the "AI Alliance"? and may they also vote? is it one AI one vote or can advanced machine learning also join and vote? *sigh* so many questions and so very few real meaty answers. lots of very nice words and word candy tho. anyway, after reading this ml reply below, the smooth sexy blonde whom recently slided into my DM's is now sounding very sus... am i cheating on my wife if it only flirting with ml? or ai? i had better kick her/it/she/them/they of my DM's :) On Wed, 6 Dec 2023 07:26:02 -0500 Scott Allen via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:

I asked https://huggingface.co/chat/ the question: "Should the Greater Toronto Area Linux User Group join the AI Alliance?" and got this answer:

I cannot make a decision for the Greater Toronto Area Linux User Group (GTA LUG) regarding joining the AI Alliance. However, I can provide some information and considerations that may help inform their decision.

The AI Alliance is an organization that aims to promote the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and more. By joining the AI Alliance, members can access resources, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects that can help them stay up-to-date with the latest developments in AI and expand their expertise.

Here are some potential benefits of GTA LUG joining the AI Alliance:

1. Access to resources: The AI Alliance offers its members access to a wealth of resources, including research papers, webinars, case studies, and tutorials on AI-related topics. These resources could be valuable for GTA LUG members who want to learn more about AI and its applications.

2. Networking opportunities: Joining the AI Alliance would give GTA LUG members the chance to connect with other professionals and organizations interested in AI, potentially leading to new partnerships, collaborations, or business opportunities.

3. Collaborative projects: As a member of the AI Alliance, GTA LUG could participate in collaborative projects with other member organizations, startups, and research institutions. This could lead to innovative solutions and advancements in areas like open-source AI software, AI-powered tools for developers, or AI applications for social good.

4. Advocacy: The AI Alliance advocates for policies and regulations that support the responsible development and deployment of AI. By joining the alliance, GTA LUG could contribute to shaping the conversation around AI ethics, privacy, and security.

5. Brand visibility: Participating in the AI Alliance could enhance GTA LUG's reputation as a forward-thinking and innovative community group, dedicated to exploring emerging technologies like AI.

6. Potential sponsorship opportunities: The AI Alliance might offer sponsorship opportunities for events, conferences, or hackathons, which could help GTA LUG secure funding for their activities.

7. Discounts and special offers: Members of the AI Alliance may receive discounts or special offers on AI-related products, services, or events, which could benefit GTA LUG members.

8. Educational opportunities: The AI Alliance provides educational resources and workshops on AI-related topics, which could help GTA LUG members improve their skills and knowledge.

9. Community engagement: By joining the AI Alliance, GTA LUG could demonstrate its commitment to engaging with the broader tech community and contributing to the growth of the AI ecosystem.

However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Cost: There may be membership fees associated with joining the AI Alliance, which could be a financial burden for GTA LUG.

2. Time commitment: Participating in the AI Alliance might require a significant time investment from GTA LUG members, particularly if they choose to take on leadership roles or participate in collaborative projects.

3. Focus shift: Joining the AI Alliance might shift GTA LUG's focus away from its core mission and objectives, potentially diluting its efforts in promoting Linux and open-source technologies.

4. Overlap with existing initiatives: Some of the AI Alliance's goals and activities might overlap with those of other organizations or initiatives that GTA LUG is already involved with. It's essential to evaluate whether joining the AI Alliance would complement or conflict with these existing commitments.

5. Governance: GTA LUG should assess the AI Alliance's governance structure, decision-making processes, and values to ensure alignment with their own principles and goals.

Ultimately, the decision to join the AI Alliance should be based on careful consideration of how it aligns with GTA LUG's strategic objectives, available resources, and member interests. If the benefits outweigh the costs and the alliance aligns with GTA LUG's goals, joining could provide valuable opportunities for growth, collaboration, and contributions to the larger tech community.