Comments on: Writing in the age of generative artificial intelligence https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai Technology solving problems... and creating new ones Sat, 15 Jun 2024 13:33:39 +0000 hourly 1 By: Ben Dickson https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/comment-page-1/#comment-38251 Sat, 15 Jun 2024 13:33:39 +0000 https://bdtechtalks.com/?p=20673#comment-38251 In reply to Tomasz.

You’re absolutely right. LLMs will enable many more people to express their thoughts without having a lot of experience in writing. In fact, since I’ve written this article, LLMs have advanced even more impressively and are helping me in writing drafts and sorting my ideas. But the human element of writing will never go away.

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By: Tomasz https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/comment-page-1/#comment-38244 Sat, 15 Jun 2024 08:37:46 +0000 https://bdtechtalks.com/?p=20673#comment-38244 In reply to Ben Dickson.

True, but this can be “fixed” with just a few minutes of editing.

The problem with LLM is that it can write more thoughtful, well-structured and engaging pieces than 99% of writers today. You can say it has nothing unique to say, but who can come up with *really* novel thoughts these days?

What’s more, even if it can’t bring its own experience to the table, it can draw on the experience of anyone who has been worth to writing about in the past. How many people can do that?

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By: Ben Dickson https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/comment-page-1/#comment-37780 Fri, 23 Feb 2024 14:52:05 +0000 https://bdtechtalks.com/?p=20673#comment-37780 In reply to Joe Harford.

It is really impressive, but it doesn’t sound like Zinsser. He would have never used words like “drafting” and “researching” (he hated turning every noun into a verb) and he certainly would not have used “streamline.” I feel like the model just reflected the content of the article, albeit in a very impressive way.

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By: Joe Harford https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/comment-page-1/#comment-37779 Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:18:48 +0000 https://bdtechtalks.com/?p=20673#comment-37779 I asked ChatGPT to write as Zinser on his thoughts on this article and the development of LLM’s. I found the results quite inspiring

As I sit down at my trusty typewriter, the world outside my window buzzes with the hum of digital innovation. The advent of technologies like ChatGPT and LLMs represents a remarkable leap forward, a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. Yet, in the quiet of my writing space, the essence of communication remains unchanged: the profound connection between writer and reader, the transfer of thoughts, emotions, and ideas through the medium of language.

The rise of artificial intelligence in writing prompts a reevaluation of our craft. These tools, with their ability to generate text with a command, challenge us to consider what distinguishes the human touch in writing. It’s not merely the construction of sentences or the adherence to grammar rules that define our art; it’s the soul behind the words, the unique perspectives and lived experiences that each writer brings to the page.

To those navigating this new terrain, I offer this advice:

Embrace technology as a tool, not a cradle. Let LLMs assist you in drafting, researching, and editing, but remember that the core of writing—the insight, the nuance, the voice—cannot be outsourced to an algorithm. Use these tools to streamline your process, but let the heart of your work be distinctly your own.

Cultivate your voice. In an era where AI can mimic styles and generate content, the authenticity and uniqueness of your voice are paramount. Your voice is what will distinguish your writing in a sea of automated content. It’s your thoughts, your humor, your empathy that readers seek. Nurture it, refine it, and let it resonate through your work.

Focus on the human experience. AI may capture patterns and mimic styles, but it cannot live life. It cannot breathe in the autumn air, feel the sting of loss, or revel in the joy of a shared laughter. Write about these experiences, these immutable facets of the human condition, for they remain the domain where only humans can tread.

Engage with your audience. The future of writing is not just in the hands of those who write for the masses but also those who connect with specific communities. Find your niche, engage with your readers, and build relationships that transcend the digital divide. In doing so, you ensure that your writing does more than inform or entertain; it connects, resonates, and endures.

Continue to learn and adapt. The landscape of writing is ever-changing, and what AI brings to our world is just another chapter in the long history of our craft. Stay curious, experiment with new tools, and always be willing to adapt your methods while holding fast to the principles that make writing an art.

In this new era, let us not lose sight of the fact that writing, at its core, is an expression of our humanity. No advancement in technology can replicate the depth of human thought, the complexity of our emotions, or the subtlety of our interactions. As we navigate the future, let our writing reflect the richness of our experiences, the clarity of our insights, and the warmth of our connections with one another. In doing so, we honor the legacy of those who have shaped our understanding of the craft, and we contribute to a world enriched by the power of the written word.

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By: Edward Harsen https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/comment-page-1/#comment-37768 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:58:59 +0000 https://bdtechtalks.com/?p=20673#comment-37768 Who passed away in 1985? That pronoun attribution is off. 🙂

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By: Brian https://bdtechtalks.com/2024/02/12/writing-in-the-age-of-generative-ai/comment-page-1/#comment-37758 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 03:38:17 +0000 https://bdtechtalks.com/?p=20673#comment-37758 As a teacher, I’m dealing with it every week. Whether it’s an essay or short answer, AI is definitely awful. At its worst, it’s not even wrong*. At its best, it’s vapid, toneless, voiceless, soulless, drivel.

Its inability to have depth of understanding and use concise language makes it yawn inducing.

*I’m taking this from the description pseudo-science because it will provide answers that aren’t even related to what was asked of the student.

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