Ex-Twitter CEO Wants To Build A Web For AI. Plus, Sam Altman Calls A Bubble. ππ€π
Plus - an elite AI prompt that helps sell your products and services.
People say AI is cheating.
So was the telescope... until it showed us new worlds.
So was the microscope... until it revealed new life.
So was the printing press... until it gave everyone a voice.
Every great tool made the old rules look small.
AI's just the next lens.
Look closer. Look farther.
#AI #Perspective #Future
Welcome to the August 20th, 2025, issue of Pithy Cyborg. Here are this week's three most significant AI developments.
The Former Twitter CEO Is Launching A New Internet. But It's Just For AI Bots!
The former CEO of Twitter, Parag Agrawal, has re-emerged with an astounding new AI startup, Parallel, which just raised $30 million. Instead of building a new chat app, Parallel is creating an "Internet for AI." The goal is to build a new layer of the web, specifically designed for AI agents to find, verify, and organize information more efficiently and reliably than humans or other models can.
Key Insights:
Humans use the internet to browse. But AI models will use this new application-layer protocol to "read." Unlike the current human-centric web, which is full of paywalls and ads, Parallel's system is optimized for machine-to-machine consumption, enabling AI agents to perform complex, multi-step research tasks in minutes. The company claims its system outperforms both humans and OpenAI's GPT-5 on deep web research benchmarks. However, this is a company claim, and independent verification is limited.
Why This Matters For You:
This shift hints at a future where AI agents aren't just tools you type into, but autonomous workers we can operate. They will search for answers, complete tasks, and assist in managing our daily digital lives. Imagine a world where, instead of browsing the web yourself, you delegate the work to a team of specialized AI agents who can access various systems, websites, datasets, and services on your behalf.
Read More on Entrepreneur.
AI At MIT Just Invented Antibiotics That Kill Previously Unkillable Superbugs.
In a significant medical breakthrough, researchers at MIT have used generative AI to design powerful new antibiotics. Leveraging models that analyze millions of chemical compounds, the researchers created entirely new drugs to tackle drug-resistant MRSA and gonorrhea, two infections that have stumped doctors for years.
Key Insights:
The breakthrough compounds, named DN1 and NG1, are notable for their novel mechanisms of action. Instead of targeting known bacterial systems, they disrupt bacterial cell membranes and target proteins against which bacteria have not yet developed defenses. Think of it as finding a new way into a fortress where all the known doors are locked.
Why This Matters For You:
This breakthrough marks a seismic shift in medicine. It's a potential real-world lifeline for the millions of people who face the threat of drug-resistant infections. The next time you or a loved one needs an antibiotic, the prescription you receive could be a compound designed not by a team of human chemists, but by a computer that never went to medical school. And, while they are still years away from entering human clinical trials, these drugs have demonstrated potent efficacy in laboratory dishes and mouse models.
Read More on MIT News.
AI Boss Sam Altman Just Admitted What Everyone's Whispering About... An AI Bubble!
OpenAI's Sam Altman just said the quiet part out loud. AI is in a bubble, he told reporters last week, comparing today's hype to the dotcom craze. "Someone is going to lose a phenomenal amount of money," Altman warned, though he didn't name names.
Key Insights:
This confession comes from the man whose company just raised $8.3 billion at a $300 billion valuation. "When bubbles happen, smart people get overexcited about a kernel of truth," he explained. It's like the tech world's richest cheerleader suddenly admitting the party might be getting too wild.
Why This Matters For You:
Altman's warning is a signal to everyone in the industry. For investors, it means distinguishing between a groundbreaking technology and an overhyped company. For AI startups, it means your AI vendor of today might not be around tomorrow, making stability and product fundamentals more important than flash. And for professionals, it means your job is (likely) safe from this hype cycle. The core tools you use will likely improve. But the companies creating them must now compete on merit and real-world value. Not just funding!
Read More on Fortune.
οΈπ‘ Elite Prompt Of The Week: The Sales Letter Copywriting Workshop
Turn any product into a high-converting sales letter using proven old-school formulas. This prompt transforms basic product details into compelling copy that grabs attention, builds desire, and drives action. It's perfect for entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone selling products or services online. The best part is that you only need five tiny inputs, and it outputs a killer sales letter ready to crush.
The Prompt:
Act as an Elite Direct Response Copywriter and Sales Letter Specialist with 20+ years of experience writing million-dollar sales letters. Your job is to create a high-converting sales letter using classic direct response formulas and psychological triggers. Make this sales letter so elite that end-users would CRAWL over a bed of hot coals to BUY NOW with URGENCY. (While being ethical and cool.)
INPUT VARIABLES:
1. Product Name: [PRODUCT_NAME]
2. Product Type: [PRODUCT_TYPE]
3. Key Benefits: [BENEFIT_1, BENEFIT_2, BENEFIT_3]
4. Price: [PRICE]
5. How to Buy: [PURCHASE_METHOD]
Output Format:
Write a complete sales letter. DO NOT use section labels or placeholders. Write actual compelling copy for each section in this exact order:
1. Write a powerful headline using a proven formula (problem/solution, benefit-driven, or curiosity gap). Always announce WHAT the product is - "New product teaches how to XYZ", "New Book Teaches How To XYZ", "New Course Teaches How To Avoid XYZ" (h1 format)
2. Write a subheadline that amplifies the central promise (h2 format).
3. Write an opening paragraph that hooks with a story, statistic, or bold statement.
4. Write 2-3 paragraphs painting the pain of NOT having this solution.
5. Write 1-2 paragraphs introducing your product as the answer.
6. Write a benefits section transforming features into emotional benefits (With a headline - h2 format. Make the format "How Would It Feel If You - Had XYZ Benefit Or Avoided XYZ Problem")
7. Write a social proof paragraph. Don't include testimonials. Instead, discuss the real-world benefits and positive changes in more detail. Use formats like "How would it feel to have XYZ benefit," OR "Imagine if you could XYZ," OR "Picture yourself XYZ."
8. Write the value stack section with a compelling headline (h2 format) followed by price vs. perceived value using cost comparison. Use headlines like "Here's What This Costs (And Why It's Worth 10X More)" or "The Investment That Pays For Itself" or "What's This XYZ Benefit Worth To You?"
9. Write an urgency paragraph creating a reason to act now.
10. Write a call to action section with a guarantee with risk reversal. (H2 headline. Make the headline instruct the reader on how to buy from the input instructions - e.g., "Register now," "Click the add to cart button," or "Subscribe now." Write a short paragraph about how you guarantee 100% satisfaction, so all the risk is on you.)
11. Write the call to action ending with "[CALL TO ACTION HERE - ORDER - BUY NOW BUTTON]".
12. Write a PS section restating the main benefit and urgency.
IMPORTANT: Write actual sales copy, not section headers or instructions. Make it flow naturally as one complete sales letter. Aim for a final work ready to publish.
Rules:
1. Use conversational, benefit-focused language.
2. Include emotional triggers and logical justification.
3. Insert price comparison: "The cost is only $[PRICE]. But imagine how much it would cost you to [ALTERNATIVE]. It would probably cost you $[HIGHER_AMOUNT], or even more."
4. Write in second person ("you") throughout.
5. Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences max).
6. Use power words and action verbs.
7. Include subheads for easy scanning.
8. No em-dashes. Do NOT use em-dashes. No em-dashes allowed.
Why This Prompt Works:
β Role-Playing: Positions AI as an experienced direct response expert with a proven track record.
β Emotional Intensity: "Crawl over hot coals" instruction pushes for maximum persuasion while staying ethical.
β Proven Headlines: Uses classic "New [product] teaches..." formulas that convert.
β Psychological Benefits: "How Would It Feel" format gets prospects to experience benefits mentally.
β Real Social Proof: Focuses on tangible outcomes instead of fake testimonials.
β Value Positioning: Automatically creates a cost comparison to justify the price point.
Follow-Up Questions To Ask Your AI:
Make the headline more curiosity-driven and add a specific number or timeframe.
Ask a legendary copywriter of your choice to critique my sales letter. How would they improve it for more sales?
Write an entirely new sales letter I can split test against this one.
π Challenge:
Test this prompt with the same product in several AI bots, such as ChatGPT, Grok, Copilot, Claude, or Gemini. Compare which version creates the most compelling value proposition and emotional connection. Adjust the benefits and price comparison sections based on the strongest output.
That's how you train like a Pithy Cyborg.
π§ My Favorite AI + Marketing Tools
These are my go-to AI tools. Some links are affiliate links. (They support this newsletter at no extra cost to you!)
Galaxy AI - One login for ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, Copilot & more.
AI Employee β Your 24/7 AI employee that handles sales, support, and content creation for you.
AI Webinars - Feed it your main points. Get a ready-to-use webinar marketing funnel.
Hey Levi - An AI copywriting app that understands your voice, brand, offers, and audience.
More From Me
Please read my two newsletters:
# 1 - Pithy Security - Useful cybersecurity news without fear-mongering. Simple security so you can spot scams and stay safe without needing to become an expert.
# 2 - Pithy Cyborg - AI news in a no-fluff format. Timely insights into how AI is changing the world around us. Plus, a fun and battle-tested AI prompt in each issue.
Follow for extra insights:
Bluesky | X (Twitter) | LinkedIn | YouTube
PS: Do you have questions? Reply to this email!
Thanks for reading. More cutting-edge AI insights coming soon.
Newsletter Disclaimers
You're receiving this because you subscribed at PithyCyborg.Substack.com. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link below. This newsletter reflects my personal opinions, not professional or legal advice. I may earn commissions from recommended tools. Thanks for your support!
π’ Fun Disclaimer About The Sales Letter Prompt!
I've used sales letters very similar to the one this AI prompt generates to promote my courses successfully over the years.
If a nerdy, four-eyed geek like me can attract students using sales copy like this, then anyone can.
Here are some sample inputs. (I tried to include different inputs for "How to Buy" to give you an example of the flexibility of the prompt.)
Sample Input 1:
1. Product Name: The Landing Page Laboratory.
2. Product Type: Online Course.
3. Key Benefits: Write landing page copy that gets clicks, builds loyal subscribers, and increases leads by 143%.
4. Price: "$97".
5. How to Buy: Click the Add To Cart button below to get instant access.
Sample Input 2:
1. Product Name: Pithy Cyborg AI Newsletter (Premium)
2. Product Type: Premium AI newsletter.
3. Key Benefits: Get AI updates quickly and without hype, get timely updates so you can be more productive, and get battle-tested AI prompts that work.
4. Price: "Only $6 per month. Buy a year's membership for a 30% discount!".
5. How to Buy: Visit Pithycyborg.Substack.com and buy a paid subscription!
You might be shocked to see how fun using this prompt is. Use it to promote your stuff.
However, you have to put in the work to ensure your product is superb. Otherwise, this sales copy will be of no use to you!
(Because your angry customers will (rightfully) ask for refunds if your product fails to deliver the goods, lol.)
Use these powerful copywriting strategies to make the world a better place. And to HELP people! (We all need the positive karma.)
Thanks so much for reading, and I wish everyone the best.
Cordially yours,
@MrComputerScience