Slop vs Craft

As AI tools become increasingly powerful, its easy to output a lot more output... but that doesn't mean the output is good. In this episode of Dalton + Michael, the two discuss the temptation of using the tools to create low quality software/content/startup ideas. They mention some case studies from the past, including SEO content farms as well as the risk of building a "turkey startup." There is also a higher risk for founders that being able to output reasonably sloppy prototypes has the side effect pushing more startups into pivot hell. Having high standards for what you put out in the world is a great signal for what good "taste" looks like. The way to win in a slop war is to not play, and to instead use these new tools to help solve problems for your customers better than anyone else. If you would like to see the "turkey graph" for yourself, here it is: https://x.com/paultoo/status/2028601344534454598 Dalton + Michael is brought to you by @Standard_Cap Dalton Caldwell on X: https://x.com/daltonc Michael Seibel on X: https://x.com/mwseibel

Dalton CaldwellhostMichael Seibelhost

Mar 2, 202618mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: March 2, 2026
Duration: 18m
Channel: Dalton + Michael
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

As AI tools become increasingly powerful, its easy to output a lot more output... but that doesn't mean the output is good. In this episode of Dalton + Michael, the two discuss the temptation of using the tools to create low quality software/content/startup ideas. They mention some case studies from the past, including SEO content farms as well as the risk of building a "turkey startup." There is also a higher risk for founders that being able to output reasonably sloppy prototypes has the side effect pushing more startups into pivot hell. Having high standards for what you put out in the world is a great signal for what good "taste" looks like. The way to win in a slop war is to not play, and to instead use these new tools to help solve problems for your customers better than anyone else. If you would like to see the "turkey graph" for yourself, here it is: https://x.com/paultoo/status/2028601344534454598 Dalton + Michael is brought to you by @Standard_Cap Dalton Caldwell on X: https://x.com/daltonc Michael Seibel on X: https://x.com/mwseibel

SPEAKERS

Dalton Caldwell
host
Startup founder and investor; co-host of Dalton + Michael.
Michael Seibel
host
Entrepreneur and startup accelerator leader; co-host of Dalton + Michael.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Dalton + Michael, featuring Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel, Slop vs Craft explores avoid the slop war: build craft, retention, and real user value They define slop as products that look good in demos, fundraising, or top-line graphs but fail to solve users’ problems or create lasting satisfaction.

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