Sorry to be offline for a while, and I hope you all are doing alright. Been a crazy time, and no surprise I've been seeing posts from friends about the use of AI in the fandom. The wonderful @stottlemorgan and @pinescent-and-gingerbread articulated the problem far better than I could; not much I can add, beyond saying it hurts my heart.
My mom died this week. It was devastating and profound, and I can't wrap my head around it. And after holding her hand and hearing her last words, I can't help but think there's no greater injury to humanity than its fast, unthinking embrace of AI. And no more urgent and important moment than now to connect, using our own hearts and time and creative work. AI is a thief and a liar, falsely packaged as our savior.
Anyway, while I try to process some of this and distract myself with a few words (feeling a little rusty getting back into it), I'll just add that sure, AI doesn't have a job or classes to go to, it doesn't get sick or have depression or self-doubt, it doesn't have kids, it doesn't have loved ones who die too young, it doesn't have a finite lifespan - things that supposedly make humans less efficient, but also make us human - and it doesn't give a damn about creating, just spreading. And, in the aftermath of its nonexistent trials, it will not bloom, life-tested and full of authentic new color. It doesn't want to urgently share with you the next idea or scene or our love of characters, bursting to get out. We do.
If you're reading and committing to non-AI art and fics, we love you and sharing with you. Thank you, for reading and letting us know you're there 💞
And I'll join in by listing just a few of the people I can think of off the top of my head who are creating things with their hearts and brilliant minds, who love this fandom so much they are dedicated to the struggle and joy of making new stories and art that connect all of us.
@shootybangbang @twola @reddeaddufus @pinescent-and-gingerbread @stottlemorgan @verai-marcel @cheesewedge @revolversandlace @arthurmorganist @appalachiancowboy99 @emerald-ranch @etchingtallies @cassietrn @photo1030 @rivetingrosie4 @wildalligator @vitxhdh @moeitsu @zae-heeyyy @coltermorning
With love,
ari