AI Policy
As a writer and editor my creative labor is being undervalued, threatened, and replaced. In response, I’d like to be transparent on my stance and subsequent non-use of GenAI in my work.
To become a good writer, which is my intention, there are a few non-negotiables I honestly and regularly participate in. Yet before I get into that I want to begin by clearly stating that what I write is self-generated. Now I know this is ironic, as I’m writing and publishing online, thereby making my work available for large language model (LLM) products, in this case generative AI or chatGPT, to mine my work.
But here’s the thing. I want to do the work. I’d go as far to say that I like it. It’s satisfying. In the process my strength, intuition, insight, and skills expand. Writing is the Work. And I’d wager the same is true for any true artisan. I think anyone who finds fulfillment through their craft would choose to continue regardless and would be rightfully thrilled to be properly compensated. LLMs like GenAI make me question, what is it that we are eliminating? And what are we, in fact, gaining?
These tools come with audacious speed while simultaneously causing harm* which are in direct opposition to my values. Just one of the many reasons why I deliberately and consciously don’t use them.
Now back to my non-negotiables. As a writer and editor I’m all about the process. The only way through is in the practice, in participation, in making mistakes, and then somewhere along the line of accumulation, course correcting, if need be, and moving on. I’ve had to write, read, and edit (a lot) to find my voice. And I’m not inclined to give that voice away, especially while I’m still discovering and playing with it.
A bit on the process. First—I write. Write and write some more. This is the only way to discover your voice, tone, and cadence. Naturally this will adapt and change over time, like any other artistic expression. Things evolve. The more comfortable it becomes, the more it can stretch. Second—I read. You have to. Reading a diverse set of materials helps with understanding punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph structure. Reading builds architectural license as well as solidifies the basics: quotes, italics, commas, etc. Then once comfortable, one’s unique vernacular or lexicon emerges. Finally—edit. This is probably the most important characteristic. It’s the bravery and neutrality needed to dump, weed, cull, and tease out the best in the work.
The art, the writing, the creative act is the work
To reiterate, I don’t use GenAI because I like and value both contemplative and generative work. I love to write, illustrate, and paint…so why would I want it done for me, artificially? One may argue there’s no original thought but a recycling. I find that the movement of ideas benefits when I’m able to digest them fully, like any meal, musical score, or scent. It passes through my unique sense of being. We don’t do anything alone, yet I prefer to be all in, think, wonder, and then, come to my own conclusion. Regardless of time or mess.
I honor the depth, inquiry, investigation, and openness it takes to write and perpetuate all that is hand made. Frankly I consider GenAI a blatant, colossal smothering of smarts, intuition, and creative intelligence.
There you have it.
Erin
*(What to know about ‘AI psychosis’ and the effect of AI chatbots on mental health from PBS News)
*(It Was Never About Artificial Intelligence, from Art Review)