I spent over 40 professional years learning to be a skillful writer. I never fooled myself, I knew I did not have a gift. I’m good enough to recognize people that do have a gift. And as a result, I know that writing is an art not a simple formula; not something that can be turned out by a bunch of bits. Keep up the great work Alex. Thank you.
AI is a tool -- a powerful tool. But two issues: it mesmerizes us into ascribing human elements to it because, well, it acts human in how it interacts with the user. Seecond, like computers, the concept of "GIGO" applies -- garbage in, garbage out. You have to properly input queries or formulate the questions to get appropriate answers. If you're time strapped, or stuck on finding information, it can help you get to the finish line. But to have it do everything?? No -- we are ceding our humanity and intelligence to the artificial. Properly used, I see the analogy to the printing press or the typewriter -- it helps the writer produce a product that others will want to and be able to read.
It's also a pretty good editor (spelling, grammar, context, rewording suggestions).
It is not the creator. Never lose sight of that and AI will not supplant human writers.
Now, if we could just be confident that readers can figure out real vs. AI.
AI is going to turn us into the next Roman Empire (the one that fell). Kids already can't write or do math (and these are the ones graduating HS with honors in many situations). They're not taught cursive writing anymore. Now we'll let AI 'think' for them because they're too intellectually challenged to create a logical thought stream and express it in such a way that a thinking mind can understand it. Just listen to the talk - like, like, like, like - without that one word, they're lost.
It will drive for them, think for them, argue for them. At some point, replicate for them????
And the economics of what you're doing may not be as dire as you think. If there's 1000 genetically modified oranges on the shelf, but only a few dozen that aren't, I'm thinking the non-GMO oranges are going to carry a premium. (Of course, AI will have to explain to the vast majority of the purchasers what GMO means and why it's not as good - unless the GMO companies get into the AI platform business to skew the 'facts' their way, then it becomes a Do Loop).
Keep on keeping on Alex. Other than you're periodic minimal TDS outbursts, you're one of the best out there.
AI is a solid research tool in preparation for writing but I pay for your creativity and non-linear analysis. Of course, if you tire of journalism, I look forward to another John Wells novel.
Re sourcing from the Atlantic -- as a believer in absolute truth (i.e., God), I believe truth can be found in the most unlikely sources, so must be willing to acknowledge it even though it can come from a source I otherwise despise. So, good for you!
I am to the right on you on some issues, but I value your insight even if it differs from my perspective, in order to sharpen my viewpoint. AI cannot replace your writing, because you're searching for the truth with heart, soul, and mind.
The same way they’ve learned basic math skillz with a calculator, penman/penwomanship with word processors, spelling with autocorrect and personal writing style with a grammar checker.
🤔 I’m sorry, I don’t think that made any sense - must’a run it through my personal internal A.I.
I'm an administrator in several history related Facebook groups. Several times a day I see articles posted written with AI which I find super annoying. They're like People magazine versions of history. As an administrator, if I think a post is seriously AI problematic, I do not allow its posting.
Keep writing Alex. You’re one of the few I trust. One of my sons and I have been building a library, with real books. It’s been fun-I even read them! I have less and less certitude about online sources of information. We appreciate your commitment to write for yourself.
One thing AI is not is human. I heard a Hollywood script writer on a radio program today comment how awful AI script writing attempts are. They lack the most human elements and nuances, and they can’t come close to expressing our human aspects - it’s a machine, for God‘s sake. Sometimes I feel like we’re in a Fahrenheit 451 state in which the powers that be were trying to destroy books/writing. I just don’t want to have to escape from the city to a place where we can find people who share our love of books - written by humans. Thankfully we have writers such as you Alex, to keep the sacred art of human writing accessible. Thank you.
It sounds like your commitment to not use AI is only temporary, Alex——as long as it works out. If resolve isn't solid at the outset of a long hike, it won't go well when the going gets tough.
I spent over 40 professional years learning to be a skillful writer. I never fooled myself, I knew I did not have a gift. I’m good enough to recognize people that do have a gift. And as a result, I know that writing is an art not a simple formula; not something that can be turned out by a bunch of bits. Keep up the great work Alex. Thank you.
Of course we don’t .
Maybe you can help educate your readers on how to identify AI articles and we can all push back on this .
Excellent idea, CeCe1776. I would so appreciate training on this topic.
AI is a tool -- a powerful tool. But two issues: it mesmerizes us into ascribing human elements to it because, well, it acts human in how it interacts with the user. Seecond, like computers, the concept of "GIGO" applies -- garbage in, garbage out. You have to properly input queries or formulate the questions to get appropriate answers. If you're time strapped, or stuck on finding information, it can help you get to the finish line. But to have it do everything?? No -- we are ceding our humanity and intelligence to the artificial. Properly used, I see the analogy to the printing press or the typewriter -- it helps the writer produce a product that others will want to and be able to read.
It's also a pretty good editor (spelling, grammar, context, rewording suggestions).
It is not the creator. Never lose sight of that and AI will not supplant human writers.
Now, if we could just be confident that readers can figure out real vs. AI.
Keep producing the "real" writing, Alex!!!!
AI is going to turn us into the next Roman Empire (the one that fell). Kids already can't write or do math (and these are the ones graduating HS with honors in many situations). They're not taught cursive writing anymore. Now we'll let AI 'think' for them because they're too intellectually challenged to create a logical thought stream and express it in such a way that a thinking mind can understand it. Just listen to the talk - like, like, like, like - without that one word, they're lost.
It will drive for them, think for them, argue for them. At some point, replicate for them????
And the economics of what you're doing may not be as dire as you think. If there's 1000 genetically modified oranges on the shelf, but only a few dozen that aren't, I'm thinking the non-GMO oranges are going to carry a premium. (Of course, AI will have to explain to the vast majority of the purchasers what GMO means and why it's not as good - unless the GMO companies get into the AI platform business to skew the 'facts' their way, then it becomes a Do Loop).
Keep on keeping on Alex. Other than you're periodic minimal TDS outbursts, you're one of the best out there.
"They're not taught cursive writing anymore."
My girls were, in a private school in Guadalajara, Jal.
AI is a solid research tool in preparation for writing but I pay for your creativity and non-linear analysis. Of course, if you tire of journalism, I look forward to another John Wells novel.
Re sourcing from the Atlantic -- as a believer in absolute truth (i.e., God), I believe truth can be found in the most unlikely sources, so must be willing to acknowledge it even though it can come from a source I otherwise despise. So, good for you!
I am to the right on you on some issues, but I value your insight even if it differs from my perspective, in order to sharpen my viewpoint. AI cannot replace your writing, because you're searching for the truth with heart, soul, and mind.
How are people going to learn to read or write with AI?
The same way they’ve learned basic math skillz with a calculator, penman/penwomanship with word processors, spelling with autocorrect and personal writing style with a grammar checker.
🤔 I’m sorry, I don’t think that made any sense - must’a run it through my personal internal A.I.
They have done pretty well before AI came along. Add math as well.
AI will not teach you to read or write. You need to know how to read and write well....to properly use AI.
Keep writing HI (Human Intelligence) articles Alex - Truth can't be generated..
we listen to you, not the torrent. n=1.
Yes, don't change and don't go anywhere.
I'm an administrator in several history related Facebook groups. Several times a day I see articles posted written with AI which I find super annoying. They're like People magazine versions of history. As an administrator, if I think a post is seriously AI problematic, I do not allow its posting.
"Let’s hope it works out better for me than it did for John."
There will always be room and a market for original thought and investigation.
Keep writing Alex. You’re one of the few I trust. One of my sons and I have been building a library, with real books. It’s been fun-I even read them! I have less and less certitude about online sources of information. We appreciate your commitment to write for yourself.
I'm a knitter. General consensus is that AI is useless for anything knitting related.
One thing AI is not is human. I heard a Hollywood script writer on a radio program today comment how awful AI script writing attempts are. They lack the most human elements and nuances, and they can’t come close to expressing our human aspects - it’s a machine, for God‘s sake. Sometimes I feel like we’re in a Fahrenheit 451 state in which the powers that be were trying to destroy books/writing. I just don’t want to have to escape from the city to a place where we can find people who share our love of books - written by humans. Thankfully we have writers such as you Alex, to keep the sacred art of human writing accessible. Thank you.
It sounds like your commitment to not use AI is only temporary, Alex——as long as it works out. If resolve isn't solid at the outset of a long hike, it won't go well when the going gets tough.