Powerful essay. I really enjoy, benefit from, hearing you read it. Your voice, rhythm, intonation adds much to what you write , that I might otherwise have missed.
For me, writing is like cooking … it’s the opportunity to be in touch with my muse and release her from the cage of my thoughts … what greater joy is there than letting our creativity flow …. Generative AI is like a big Iron Lung for those who have lost the ability to breathe. I refuse to give up my joy.
I don't have a kid in college, but so much about the rest of this really resonates with me. The analogy to plastic is really fitting. Thank you for writing it!
Well I wrote twice. The first time I asked to opt out of the generic stuff. They told me that it's there for people who may not have as much familiarity with college etc. I wrote back and clarified — that's the email I'm referring to. They have not replied to that, and in fact this morning I got a fresh batch of steaming hot content. Time for another email, I guess!
Yes, AI produces a lot of slop, at great cost in many ways. Also, is it spying on us, as it reads every email we compose? Big brother is watching, the question becomes, is he/it listening, or just suggesting likely tokens? How to be sure Stephen Miller and Todd Blanche aren't getting lists of subversive email writers? I shudder at the potential for misuse. By creating slop, Generative AI also may be the biggest waste of resources yet.
The temptation to use generative AI is powerful, especially to us who find writing a struggle. But trying to write helps me think. And thinking is so necessary. As you say, “…Writing is funny that way.” Yes! Thank you for a great essay.
One of the best commentaries I've read on this topic -- your daughter's school is my alma mater, and I will send this to it if you haven't already.
Ah thank you! I did send it but got no answer. Can't hurt!
Powerful essay. I really enjoy, benefit from, hearing you read it. Your voice, rhythm, intonation adds much to what you write , that I might otherwise have missed.
For me, writing is like cooking … it’s the opportunity to be in touch with my muse and release her from the cage of my thoughts … what greater joy is there than letting our creativity flow …. Generative AI is like a big Iron Lung for those who have lost the ability to breathe. I refuse to give up my joy.
I don't have a kid in college, but so much about the rest of this really resonates with me. The analogy to plastic is really fitting. Thank you for writing it!
My thoughts exactly! Hail the human revolution...
Wonderful… it is not a time to be calm
Loved the ending, so true!
I love the analogy to plastics. The AI gurus seem to *want* us to swim in the Great Garbage Patch.
I LOVE this essay! (Including the wonderful way you used 'essay' as a verb). Brava>
And has said prestigious liberal arts college responded to your missive?
Well I wrote twice. The first time I asked to opt out of the generic stuff. They told me that it's there for people who may not have as much familiarity with college etc. I wrote back and clarified — that's the email I'm referring to. They have not replied to that, and in fact this morning I got a fresh batch of steaming hot content. Time for another email, I guess!
♥️ Your writing, powered by your brain, just made my day! Thanks!!! ♥️
Yes, AI produces a lot of slop, at great cost in many ways. Also, is it spying on us, as it reads every email we compose? Big brother is watching, the question becomes, is he/it listening, or just suggesting likely tokens? How to be sure Stephen Miller and Todd Blanche aren't getting lists of subversive email writers? I shudder at the potential for misuse. By creating slop, Generative AI also may be the biggest waste of resources yet.
The temptation to use generative AI is powerful, especially to us who find writing a struggle. But trying to write helps me think. And thinking is so necessary. As you say, “…Writing is funny that way.” Yes! Thank you for a great essay.
Thanks, Ray!