Bill Franks, 2023 Articles & Publications

Why Prompt Engineering Won't Be A Thing

12/12/2023

While the concept of prompt engineering as a career has received attention, this blog explains why it would be wise to avoid betting your career on prompt engineering.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

Rethinking Human Intelligence In The Age Of AI

11/14/2023

Is human intelligence much more similar to today's AI architectures than we realize? This blog explores that possibility as well as its implications for how we view ourselves.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

Often Misunderstood: Generative AI’s Value Proposition

10/9/2023

Like with big data a decade ago, many people are misunderstanding what is driving the excitement around generative AI today. This blog explains what makes generative AI unique and valuable.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

Using Generative AI: When Is It Fair Or Foul?

9/12/2023

This blog discusses my personal thoughts on when using generative AI for creating content is fair and when it is not. As with many situations, things are not always clear cut and some reflection is required.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
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No, That Is Not A Good Use Case For Generative AI!

8/8/2023

This blog discusses a common misunderstanding about how generative language models work and why they should not be used for use cases like customer service chat bots. It also offers an alternative approach that solves the concerns.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
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Is Generative AI a Pandora's Box?

8/7/2023

I was quoted in this article from Psychology Today by author Po Chi Wu.

Psychology Today
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The Case That Generative AI Will Create Jobs

7/11/2023

This blog provides several examples of how generative AI specifically can lead to new jobs, rather than just taking them, while providing other benefits too. The key is that it isn’t a zero-sum game.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

Survey Results: 2023 Data Science & AI Professionals Hiring in Q3/Q4

7/10/2023

Outlines the key results of a hiring survey targeting mid-2023 current trends and expectations moving forward to see how market uncertainty is playing out in the data science, analytics, and AI job market.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Gaining a Realistic Perspective: Addressing the Concerns of ChatGPT and Generative AI

7/5/2023

Discusses why the best way to help people to understand the limitations of tools like ChatGPT is to encourage them to use the tools in ways that will force them to see for themselves. Trying to limit usage will only lead to ongoing confusion and misunderstanding.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
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On Generative AI. Q&A with Bill Franks

6/26/2023

A Q&A that touches on a range of thoughts about generative AI and its strengths, weaknesses, and implications.

ODBMS.Org
Full Article

Three Stages for Mastering the Art of Data Storytelling To A Live Audience

6/20/2023

Unlike discussing technical details with peers or creating written reports, presenting to a largely non-technical audience requires a different approach. It is essential to enable your audience to understand the findings, grasp the implications, and take action.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Taking Large Language Models To The Next Level

6/13/2023

The distinction between a large language model (LLM) and an application that sits on top of it is a critical step to seeing where the future lies. This post talks about using a combination of application layers and ensemble models to help LLMS reach their full potential.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

What NOT to Do During Your Next Data Science & Analytics Interview

6/12/2023

When it comes to interviews, there is an abundance of advice available on what one should do to succeed. However, it is surprisingly easy to mishandle a couple of small nuances that then derail your interview process.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
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The Moral Compass of Artificial Creativity: Efficiency and Ethics in Image and Video Generation

6/5/2023

The use of generative AI in business is increasing. This blog outlines some guidelines around effective, ethical, and appropriate use of image and video generation within a work setting.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
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Exploring The Odds: What Will ChatGPT Get Right And Wrong?

5/16/2023

Are there patterns to what ChatGPT gets right and wrong? Yes! Keep reading to learn of a few ways to gauge the likelihood of getting an accurate answer even before you enter your prompt.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
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Employers: How to Win the Battle for Top Data Science & Analytics Talent

5/10/2023

Just because there are more candidates available does not mean that companies can feel entitled to the best talent. The competition for top-notch employees is still fierce.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Degrees and Experience: Are They Enough to Land a Data Science & Analytics Role?

5/6/2023

While academic qualifications and past experience are valuable, they are not the only factors that employers consider when making hiring decisions.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
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Creating a Safety Net Through Career Cushioning

5/1/2023

Talks about proactive steps to take to be ready to act and have a safety net if a layoff or other unexpected career disruption occurs.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Generative AI: It’s All A Hallucination!

4/13/2023

Talks about a common misconception about how generative AI algorithms work and explains why the answers you get from tools like ChatGPT aren't as solid as you might think.

CXO Tech Magazine (you can also see the LinkedIn version here)
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What Data Science Can Learn From Blacksmiths

4/11/2023

Discusses a potential approach that will make today's analytics and data science graduates much more ready for the workplace than they are today.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

From Good to Great: The Recipe for Building a High-Performing Team

4/10/2023

Discusses how a new analytics leader can assess, plan, and execute to ensure they are able to build a strong team.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Beyond the Standard Benefits of Data Governance

4/3/2023

Discusses some of the ways that strong data governance helps an organization outside of the typical focal areas of security and privacy.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Why You Stil Need To Know Statistics

3/20/2023

Talks about how statistics and math underpin much of machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

Exploring the Legal Implications of Generative AI: Is it Fair Use?

3/14/2023

An exploration of why generative AI applications aren't necessarily generating content any different than humans do from a copyright and intellectual property perspective.

Monthly Analytics Matters Blog
Full Article

Is Your AI Hallucinating?

3/7/2023

A discussion about what AI hallucinations are, the implications of them, and how to mitigate the risks

Burtch Works blog (written in conjunction with Burtch Works)
Full Article

​Articles & Publications 2023

Articles & Publications 2023