This is a fascinating conversation. You’re cautioning us not to use AI to express sentiment. Don’t outsource your sincerity. And I’m absolutely inclined to agree.
Yet - I cannot help but acknowledge the entire Greeting Card industry that has existed for decades as surrogate bards to help us express what we are feeling in a given moment and yet we’re at a loss for words (Sorry for your loss, Happy Easter, Congratulations, Get Well Soon, Happy Retirement, and so on).
Perhaps a blend (use the card or AI to get started and then fill in the rest) would be a fair compromise like those well-intended would-be bakers (hat tip to @Shirley-Moana)
Ps: not to mention the proliferation of memes and GIFS that people share to a fleeting emotion.
Thanks. Funny in that everyone knows I refuse to buy greeting cards. I often write on a paper ripped out of notebook and fold it. Also I don’t like to buy wrapping paper. I just wrap gifts in two target bags so you can’t see through. People have made fun of me for years.
I don’t use them either. That’s why I had to acknowledge the industry. My favourite wrapping paper had always been the funny pages from newspapers; but now like you, I use retail bags.
Just yesterday I refilled my supply of wrapping papers and happy birthday cards. They make the presents look so good I can't help myself. I am also guilty of spamming my kids with memes etc on Instagram. Some of them are so hilarious and accurate at capturing our dynamics - how can I not??! I like your idea of a blend as a compromise.
There is absolutely something undeniable about receiving a beautifully prepared and presented gift. It can certainly highlight effort and thoughtfulness (which kinda harkens back to Todd’s point about owning one’s sentiment rather than outsourcing).
I'm torn. It reminds me of the difference between a cake you make from scratch and one you make from a packet. The cake made from scratch is vastly superior to the alternative. However, if you're not a baker, a packet cake might be your best shot at producing a cake that is at least edible. I'm assuming the same thing with writing - not everyone has the skill to write what they feel. AI can help them produce something that somewhat expresses their feeling. Maybe using AI looks like an erosion of someones soul and loss of humanity to you because you're a writer?
I've changed my mind. Just had a 30 min debate with my daughter who loves creative writing and would never outsource to AI explain to me the point you were making. I get it now.
Though I'm wondering if you'd feel the same way about someone sharing a song or quoting a passage from a book.
funny, I had a pleasant disagreement with someone about just this. She wanted to post a substack with a full poem by Thich Nhat Hanh. I said no, that is a copyright issue and you should request approval. An excerpt yes, a full work, no.
And again, love love love that you have these convos with your daughter.
So far I'm using AI very little. Mostly to summarize search engine finds. But outside that no. I don't want to have my thoughts, my voice, my way that I express myself stolen, mined and regurgitated by a machine. I still believe it's just a way to mine our data further with our willing consent.
Oh Todd, I’ve heard about AI and em dashes from several people now. I love em dashes. I’ve used them for years and years—but now I risk looking like I used AI. Oh well, if that’s the price I have to pay… 🤣
Todd, your poignant post reminded me of the great barrier reef protecting our authenticity, as well as beautiful fish and sea life within us.
Damn I love than analogy. Thank you!
This is a fascinating conversation. You’re cautioning us not to use AI to express sentiment. Don’t outsource your sincerity. And I’m absolutely inclined to agree.
Yet - I cannot help but acknowledge the entire Greeting Card industry that has existed for decades as surrogate bards to help us express what we are feeling in a given moment and yet we’re at a loss for words (Sorry for your loss, Happy Easter, Congratulations, Get Well Soon, Happy Retirement, and so on).
Perhaps a blend (use the card or AI to get started and then fill in the rest) would be a fair compromise like those well-intended would-be bakers (hat tip to @Shirley-Moana)
Ps: not to mention the proliferation of memes and GIFS that people share to a fleeting emotion.
Thanks. Funny in that everyone knows I refuse to buy greeting cards. I often write on a paper ripped out of notebook and fold it. Also I don’t like to buy wrapping paper. I just wrap gifts in two target bags so you can’t see through. People have made fun of me for years.
I think it would actually work out cheaper here in Australia to buy wrapping paper than to purchase 2 of their shopping bags :(
thats scary
I don’t use them either. That’s why I had to acknowledge the industry. My favourite wrapping paper had always been the funny pages from newspapers; but now like you, I use retail bags.
Just yesterday I refilled my supply of wrapping papers and happy birthday cards. They make the presents look so good I can't help myself. I am also guilty of spamming my kids with memes etc on Instagram. Some of them are so hilarious and accurate at capturing our dynamics - how can I not??! I like your idea of a blend as a compromise.
Right, there is so much thought and love in these interactions. you can feel it from across the pond.
There is absolutely something undeniable about receiving a beautifully prepared and presented gift. It can certainly highlight effort and thoughtfulness (which kinda harkens back to Todd’s point about owning one’s sentiment rather than outsourcing).
I'm torn. It reminds me of the difference between a cake you make from scratch and one you make from a packet. The cake made from scratch is vastly superior to the alternative. However, if you're not a baker, a packet cake might be your best shot at producing a cake that is at least edible. I'm assuming the same thing with writing - not everyone has the skill to write what they feel. AI can help them produce something that somewhat expresses their feeling. Maybe using AI looks like an erosion of someones soul and loss of humanity to you because you're a writer?
I've changed my mind. Just had a 30 min debate with my daughter who loves creative writing and would never outsource to AI explain to me the point you were making. I get it now.
Though I'm wondering if you'd feel the same way about someone sharing a song or quoting a passage from a book.
funny, I had a pleasant disagreement with someone about just this. She wanted to post a substack with a full poem by Thich Nhat Hanh. I said no, that is a copyright issue and you should request approval. An excerpt yes, a full work, no.
And again, love love love that you have these convos with your daughter.
So far I'm using AI very little. Mostly to summarize search engine finds. But outside that no. I don't want to have my thoughts, my voice, my way that I express myself stolen, mined and regurgitated by a machine. I still believe it's just a way to mine our data further with our willing consent.
Oh Todd, I’ve heard about AI and em dashes from several people now. I love em dashes. I’ve used them for years and years—but now I risk looking like I used AI. Oh well, if that’s the price I have to pay… 🤣