The Marketer's Guide to the Galaxy

Marketing Ex Machina, Marketing in the Matrix, and… then finally, The Marketer’s Guide to the Galaxy. These were all name suggestions for this very publication that I came up with using… AI (but of course). Truth be told… I came up with the actual names, but ChatGPT came in handy while exploring ‘historic AI references in pop culture.’

Torn between the three, I also came to learn, in the process, that my research assistant was unable to pick a favorite for me.

My new copilot doesn’t have feelings, childhood memories, or the ability to express personal preferences...

… But I do.

One such childhood memory is my very first memorable interaction with a computer.

It was in the early 90s (age eight or so), and I was playing a text-based adventure game on my dad’s Macintosh (you know, the original one from … 1984.)

First released that same year by Infocom, the bestselling text-based adventure game was based on the first book in the series, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and follows the adventures of the main character, Arthur Dent, as he travels through space with his alien friend Ford Prefect.

It was my first introduction to the fiction franchise with the same name and one of my first interactions with a computer.

And there I was. Typing instructional prompts to the computer and the game’s innovative use of interactive fiction allowed me to affect the outcome of the game.

In a pitch-black room, spinning very gently round my head.>_

Eight years old. Actual science fiction. Unbelievable.

Fast-forward some 30 years. Present day, and I once again find myself mind blown by typing instructional prompts to the computer and affecting the outcome of the game. And I’m not alone.  It’s not quite what we’ve been promised, but certainly a glimpse into what the future might bring.

This time as an entrepreneur and marketer, I once again get to explore the wonders of technology with a childlike sense of awe and wonder.

And I’m glad to have you along for the ride.

– Aron Levin