21 Comments
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Elizabeth H. Cottrell's avatar

This is incredibly helpful, and I agree with others that the “What NOT to use” section makes it even more valuable.

I am probably in the minority, and everyone has different learning styles, but I absolutely hate infographics. I see one it just feels overwhelming unless it’s very simple. I comment on this only to remind people to offer their content in a variety of ways to accommodate those different ways people like to consume information.

Kim Doyal's avatar

Thank you, Elizabeth,

AI moves so fast that I feel like we're missing deeper content when it comes to the fundamentals of using it (how-to content, the tools themselves, etc.).

Your point about infographics is gold - we all have different learning styles. And some infographics are so overly complex that they hurt my brain to look at, lol.

I made one with Gemini/Nano Banana and wanted it in my Pixar-style 3D version, and it turned out almost like the Keebler Elves tree, haha... I had it redone (as much as I love that style, it looked more like it belonged in a children's book).

Suhrab Khan's avatar

Incredible breakdown, Kim! NotebookLM’s approach to turning scattered resources into a “second brain” makes research, learning, and content creation so much more actionable. The visual, audio, and analytic features are game-changing for deep understanding.

I talk about latest AI trends and insights. Do check out my Substack, I am sure you’ll find it very relevant and relatable.

Kim Doyal's avatar

Thanks, Suhrab,

I’m already on your list 😊

Dallas Payne's avatar

Kim. I officially folded. I have this all set-up and a gazillion ideas for how to use it. It's all your fault 😂😂 I've been resisting it for months. The husband showed it to me ages ago and I eye-rolled then at the two AI hosts having a chat, now, I am here for it 😂😂

Kim Doyal's avatar

Hahaha… I’d apologize, but… it’s SOOOO good!

I can’t wait to see what you’re doing with it. I started playing with more style direction for the infographics.

I can only imagine where NotebookLM will be in 6 months!

Dallas Payne's avatar

I'm planning a whole overhaul of my Substack, lol. So fun!

Kim Doyal's avatar

OMG! I can’t wait to see it (the overhaul and how you’re using NotebookLM for it!).

Dallas Payne's avatar

It's on a screen and creating as we speak!! Although, I do think I broke the infographic thing... it's been spinning for about 20 minutes and no graphic yet... 😂

Kim Doyal's avatar

Haha... That happens with me & Gemini when I do video sometimes. Usually, a hard refresh and voila!

Dallas Payne's avatar

Well, what do ya know. There it is. Just needed a refresh 🤣🤣 Brain is clearly "Friday afternoon-level tired" 😂

Lee Drozak's avatar

As a visual learner, I find Notebook the best way to learn. I'm glad you touched on the difference from other AIs and walked us step by step to what makes Notebook LM so different.

Kim Doyal's avatar

Thanks so much, Lee,

This series has been fun to dig into the nuances of these tools.

Daria Cupareanu's avatar

Great breakdown, Kim! NotebookLM is such a gem. It’s one of the few tools I'd recommend to anyone no matter the profession. And it’s also perfect for people who refrain from using AI in their work because of hallucinations since it only uses your own sources.

Kim Doyal's avatar

Thanks, Daria,

I’m hoping this series helps people who have maybe heard of these tools but don’t really know where to start. I can get so caught up learning from people (looking at you 😉)- that it’s easy to develop a knowledge bias and assume everyone knows what you know.

It’s perfect for people at work - I hadn’t thought about that!

Elena | AI Product Leader's avatar

Incredible guide! I’ve used it most for the mind map infographics but this is more complete. Thanks, Kim! 🙏🏻

Kim Doyal's avatar

You’re so welcome, Elena 😊

There’s so much in each of these tools! I keep discovering new things!

Neela 🌶️'s avatar

WOWZA Kim.

I love that you included the 'when NOT to use this' section. So many AI tutorials are just like 'this tool does EVERYTHING' and then you waste time trying to use it wrong. This is actually helpful.

Thank you for putting this together.

Kim Doyal's avatar

My pleasure, I’m having so much fun doing this series!

The thought of one tool that does everything makes me a little nervous… I don’t trust any of them enough to put all my eggs in one basket, lol.

Neela 🌶️'s avatar

That is what I realized.

Kim is having fun putting this together.

I love that you keep things separated - you're not giving any one corporation the keys to your entire life. Very smart!