Why you're getting this
You're on this list because we've worked together, talked, or crossed paths somewhere along the way. Here's what Field Notes is and what to expect.
Hey — David here.
You're getting this because we've worked together, talked about a project, or crossed paths somewhere in the last couple of years. I figured rather than pinging people one at a time when something interesting ships, I'd start sending the same note to everyone at once.
This is Field Notes. It comes from inside Automatic, the AI studio I run out of Nashville. Every couple of weeks I'll send something short and specific from the work — a case study, a new AI capability that actually matters, a shorter note from an active build. The kind of thing I'd otherwise text you about.
Why now
AI moved a lot in the last year, and most of what's getting written about it is either hype or theory. The stuff I find useful — what's now possible, what it costs, what it actually looks like running in someone's business — isn't getting written about much. So I'm going to write about it. Mostly through the lens of what we're shipping for real clients.
If you're an owner or operator at a small or mid-sized business and you've been curious where AI actually fits for you, this is for you. If you're someone I've worked with before, you'll get a sense of what's changed since we last talked.
What's coming up
The next two issues are already in draft:
- What "managed agent" actually means — and why the shift from "AI tool you use" to "AI system that works for you" matters.
- A real case study from a recent build, with the details that actually matter.
If this isn't for you
No pressure either way. If you'd rather not get these, just hit the unsubscribe link at the bottom — I won't know who you are and there are no hard feelings. If you want to stick around, even better.
And if something I send ever resonates or you want to talk shop, just hit reply. Replies come straight to me.
Talk soon.
David
Automatic — automatic.so · Book a call