Free starter guide

AI, explained in plain English.

Everybody's talking about AI. Hardly anybody explains it. This free guide does, in about 15 minutes, with big print and no jargon.

Free. No credit card. Unsubscribe any time.

Cover of the guide AI in Plain English: a man with glasses at a table with a coffee mug, a laptop and Dot, a smiling blue chat helper.

In 15 minutes, you'll know

What AI actually is

In one sentence, with no math.

Where you already use it

Your spam folder, your map app and your bank's fraud alerts have run on it for years.

What's new about chatbots

What ChatGPT, Claude and the others do, and why people can't stop talking about them.

How to try it safely

Four simple rules, then three easy things to type on your first go.

If you can send a text, you can do this

You type a question in everyday words. It writes back in everyday words. That's the whole trick.

The guide shows you what that looks like before you ever sign up for anything.

What a conversation looks like

My neighbor shoveled my driveway after the storm. Can you help me write a short thank-you note?

Of course! Here's one:
"Dear Ed, I woke up to a clear driveway and a big smile. Thank you for shoveling it. You're the best neighbor on the block. Cookies are on their way! Rosa"
Want it shorter, funnier or more formal?

This guide is for you if

  • You nod along when people talk about AI and quietly wonder what they mean.
  • You'd like to try it but don't know where to start.
  • You want to know what's safe to type and which new scams to watch for.
  • You'd rather not wait for your kids or grandkids to explain it.

Meet the people you'll see along the way

Dot

Patiently answers every question. Dot stands in for any AI helper.

F

Frank

Asks the skeptical questions you're too polite to ask.

R

Rosa

Busy, and wants the shortcuts.

M

Maya

Frank's granddaughter. Thinks she knows everything.

Coming soon

Guide 1: How AI Thinks

Why it sounds so sure, and how to tell when it's wrong.

Get the free guide and I'll email you when Guide 1 is ready.

Common questions

Is it really free?

Yes. The starter guide is free and stays free. Later guides are sold separately, and you are never signed up to pay for anything automatically.

Do I need to install anything?

No. The guide is a PDF. Read it on a phone, tablet or computer, or print it.

I'm not good with computers. Will I be lost?

If you can send a text message, you can follow this guide. Every new word is explained the first time it appears.

What do you do with my email address?

I use it to send you the guide and an occasional tip. I don't sell it or share it, and every email has an unsubscribe link.

Who writes these?

I do. I'm Gary, and you can read about me here.

Pour a cup of coffee and find out what the fuss is about

Free. No credit card. Unsubscribe any time.