I appreciate all the feedback from my "AI" post in Sept. Insightful and inspiring!
In a similar vein, I've had to do some upgrades and updates (I hate passwords!) It's made me wonder about "improvements" to writing and to the world in general. Every generation is encouraged to change the world, and many people take that and run with it. But what about the generations that came before? Aren't there some things that work great and should be left alone? Does old = bad?
I guess I've always been skeptical of change. I'm in the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" camp. But I also appreciate innovation and the comforts of life. I couldn't imagine living out west when the US was young. I love electricity and running water. And A/C is a must! I just wish the up-and-comers did more research into the current, tried and true ways before scrapping them.
Which brings me back to books. Way back when, books were revered, authors were celebrated, and reading was the thing to do. As technology evolved giving us radio, then television, then the internet with all-access streaming, books have taken a dive in the hierarchy of entertainment and information choices.
As if writing and getting published then hopefully noticed wasn't hard enough. Recently, Hollywood was on strike for fear that AI will one day take their jobs in writing and acting... The irony is that writers and movies foretold this! The good thing is writing programs can never be original, since the algorithms, though very creative, can only work based on what has already been written.
Here's my big question: Are they really improving anything? What is the purpose of such programs? Just because we can do something, does that mean we should?
I resist change, but change can also be good. So before accepting it, I analyze it and look for the benefits not just the drawbacks. I accept the challenge of change to keep creating new and unique stories. And I hope you will too!
Sorry if that was a bit much, just been pondering a lot lately. Would love to hear your take!
Happy October!
PS - I just sent out a newsletter with my new CONDUCTION cover! I'll be posting it here in November...
All of your points are very valid! Improvement is good but not all things need to be changed. Different doesn't mean better.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your newsletter. The puppy is too cute & your new cover looks great!!
ReplyDeleteAll the changes they've made since I was in school and I think that the kids are actually dumber now. All they are learning is how to pass a test.
ReplyDeleteI like you points. Change isn't always better and neither is some things we like to call progress. Now I sound like a grumpy old woman.
ReplyDeleteAI could never replicate a human writer. It lacks the warmth, emotion, and personal connection. The tried and true ways will remain, even if kids these days insist no one needs to write by hand anymore or even type.
ReplyDeleteYou make many valid points. I worked in adult education in a Career and Tech school. The old tried and tested gimmicks/tricks/ideas (call it what you want) sometimes work the best. I do worry that AI will dummy down a lot of people who will rely on the "just good enough" theory for learning and writing. Already published writers are finding their works as part of AI's algorithms without their knowledge. How much more will be stolen from writers to make AI's creations more human-like?
ReplyDeleteYou have great thoughts on AI and "advancements." Who knows? People know how to manipulate information, and in doing so, manipulate other people. Some humans seek power and control. We need to continue to seek information and draw our own conclusions, and to encourage people, especially young people, to think for themselves.
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