Thoughts
I write a lot. Essays. Articles. Blog posts. All of them sharing what I’m thinking about. Maybe you think about these things, too.
AI isn’t just a problem for authors, it’s a problem for the world
Why am I writing about this, when I usually talk about fiction and storytelling and books? I’ll be honest: it’s because I’m scared. There’s a lot about AI that’s terrifying, not least of which is the possibility that generations of students won’t learn how to write. But this strikes me as a far more existential threat.
Real or Robot? Who Can Tell?
Ludwig Wittgenstein says that we form language as part of human activity, and that we then shape that activity through language. But both parts are necessary; and, so far, AI can’t manage the “human activity” part of the equation.
The Mills Are Closing
We can regret some changes and applaud others; but they’re going to happen, with or without our approval, whether or not we’re prepared for them.
Art is on My Mind...
When I was wondering what context to give my protagonist Sydney’s next set of adventures, it occurred to me that I hadn’t yet explored the world of art.
Is AI the Beginning or the End?
I’m not worried—yet. AI can’t do what I can do—yet. Computers can’t just create stories in a void; instead, they’re given a massive number of exemplars—works that are similar to what the computer is tasked to create—which is then broken down into data. AI reads the data using statistical algorithms to recognize patterns and relationships.