The Sunday Funnies • January 26, 2026
Don't Blame the AI — Episode 2
Access Denied
“Figure it out, that's what we're paying you for.”
Previously: We saw how humans navigate vague requests by guessing and hoping. Now meet the AI agent facing the same problem—with an extra twist.
You hired me to synthesize information. Then you locked me out of all the information.
The Point
Here's a conversation AI agents have approximately 47 times per day:
Manager: “Analyze our Q3 performance and recommend cost cuts.”
AI: “I'd be happy to help! What data sources should I access?”
Manager: “Figure it out, that's what we're paying you for.”
[ACCESS DENIED - Financial Systems]
[ACCESS DENIED - HR Headcount Data]
[ACCESS DENIED - Vendor Contracts]
It's like hiring a financial analyst and saying “analyze our budget” but refusing to give them access to the accounting system. Then being disappointed when they can't produce a useful report.
The data types ARE the implementation. You didn't just buy an AI tool—you committed to making data accessible to that AI. Without that commitment, you bought an expensive chatbot.
The Human Version
Remember your first week at a new job? “Here's your laptop. The WiFi password is on a sticky note somewhere. IT will get you system access... eventually. Good luck!”
Want the full context? Read the companion blog post.
Read Freedom '26