AI Speaker Showdown: Democracy Meets the Singularity

In a bold move that combines democracy with the impending doom of the AI takeover, TechCrunch is letting mere mortals vote on who gets to speak at their Sessions: AI event. Because, of course, when it comes to artificial intelligence, the first thing you think is, 'Let’s make this a popularity contest.'

From a pool of what we can only assume are hundreds of hopefuls, six finalists have emerged. These are not just any speakers; these are the crème de la crème of AI enthusiasts, ready to dazzle you with their knowledge of neural networks, machine learning, and how to make a toaster that’s smarter than you.

The stakes are high. The future of AI could very well depend on who gets the most votes. Will it be the one who promises to make AI ethical? Or perhaps the one who’s working on AI that can finally explain why kids love the taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch? The power is in your hands, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. And possibly, a toaster that judges you.

As you ponder your choice, consider this: the winner will be speaking at Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley, a place where the walls have heard more about AI than most of us will in our lifetimes. It’s a chance to be part of history, to influence the future, and to maybe, just maybe, understand what a 'neural network' actually is.

So, what are you waiting for? Time’s ticking, and the AI overlords are watching. Cast your vote, make your voice heard, and let’s see who gets to lead us into the future. Or at least, who gets to talk about it for an hour.

Remember, this isn’t just about choosing a speaker. It’s about shaping the future of technology, one vote at a time. And if that doesn’t make you feel a little bit like a superhero, well, maybe you need to spend more time thinking about the ethical implications of AI.