The Current Witch Hunt

Not everyone is using AI-generated material. Separating reality from justified paranoia.

Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash

It’s a topic that shows up on my feed at least once daily — AI-generated Art or Writing. I can’t blame people for finding it fascinating and also controversial.

The SAG-AFTRA strike has brought the topic to the center stage even more so. Large companies are trying to get over on actors and writers by leaving all AI-generated portions of the contracts vague.

We’ve all seen those AI-generated duets of stars that never sang together. We’ve seen photographs of stars who never met — happily enjoying one another’s company. We’ve heard from families of actors who have passed, pleading with the public and the studios not to continue using their loved ones beyond death.

AI is out there and this is the weakest it will be. Every second, it learns, people improve it, and it gets better.

Some people rejoice over the opportunity it grants them. These are not multi-million dollar corporations, and that’s what makes things difficult. I mean, I’d love to get audiobooks done that don’t cost an arm and a leg. But to do so using the voices of voice actors who are not getting paid their worth?

That feels icky to me.

I wouldn’t want someone to take my ideas or my voice and make money off of it, while I get nothing for my efforts. That’s why I decided not to use AI. Not while it might use things it has no permission to use. Not while there have been no strides to help artists of all kinds capture proper payment for the use of their art.

Because of this, I’ve decided I prefer to hire artists who do not use AI. No offense to those who do otherwise. I get it. I understand why the use of AI is tempting.

For instance, I will end up paying more for my cover art and for the voiceovers. I will only use specific word processors to help me with my writing. These are my own words. No shortcuts to make life easier. But this is my decision.

My point?

Because it’s a hot-button topic, don’t assume someone is using AI. Don’t tell other people that someone is using AI if you are not sure. If this is an important stance for…