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Big daf's avatar

I feel very uncomfortable with AI art. There's a row on twitter about Bradford lit festival decided to use AI to make its poster after approaching a few artists and decided it's too expensive to hire an artist. The poster turns out to be a girl with 3 legs reading. Bradford lit fest photoshopped the 3rd leg out and published a statement to defend their choice of AI (and hypocritically claiming they are all for supporting underrepresented creatives). Very bad PR but that will be the norm. As someone who likes to draw and hope one day i can have enough time to draw and claim myself an illustrator, i have packed up and given up my dreams already.

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Jane Porter's avatar

I saw that about Bradford - such a shame that of all things an organisation promoting the work of writers and illustrators would do that - thus undermining everything they stand for! But you're right, it's likely to become the norm where costs are cut to the bone. How do we compete with that? But PLEASE don't pack up and give up your dreams!

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Big daf's avatar

Yes indeed, how are we going to to compete with that? Thanks for your encouragement! I am new on substack as I find conversation is very interesting here. I am still figuring out how to write and combine the picture journals i draw about my children. I see art as something with soul and struggle, that can breath, I really can't see AI art as art but well, that's the future!

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Jane Porter's avatar

Exactly!! Soul and struggle through AI would just be fake! Keep going, and do it for yourself above all else :)

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Sophie Ambrose's avatar

I totally agree with your comments on AI! I was horrified when Jon used it at the weekend to get info on perfecting a rowing stroke.. We should all resist! Look forward to hearing more about your book with Jenni Desmond too!

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Jane Porter's avatar

I think it's going to affect every single aspect of life in ways we can't even imagine yet... definitely scary!

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rowenamol@gmail.com's avatar

Omg know what you mean about AI .. terrifying implications for every area of life. Had first experience speaking to the creepiest male AI voice when ringing Teachers pensions. ... heaven help children and teachers of the future together with writers for sure. Xx

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Jane Porter's avatar

Ooh I haven't heard an AI voice outside sci-fi yet - it's all happening so fast. Just spotted yesterday a literary festival used AI for the poster artwork - this is just the beginning of the terrifying takeover, we all need to RESIST! XX

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Bridget Marzo's avatar

Can't wait till the next Ghost Carp. Amazing how much you're doing - and what a lovely Growing book! Gosh that's a telling comic warning about AI. Not been near it. But there'll be a backlash I reckon - more screen-free gatherings and creative work, and more 'vivas' in the academic world.

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Jane Porter's avatar

AI was actually quite frightening it learns SO quickly... let’s hope you’re right and Real Life will reinvent itself and triumph! Will keep you posted on Ghost Carp 3 progress... 😊😊

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Bridget Marzo's avatar

Heard some academics discussing ways around the AI issue - the need to go back to more oral discussion (like in medieval times) as well as oral exams, tutorials etc. But institutions can protect themselves more easily than us self-employed creative types. The fight is on!

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Jane Porter's avatar

We'd better switch to illuminated medieval manuscripts! Seriously, I don't know what the answer is ... makes me think of the Flight of the Conchords song, The Humans Are Dead. That's our destiny!

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Fiona Woodcock's avatar

Fascinating mix of content Jane! Thank you so much for the Silver Linings shout out! : )

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Jane Porter's avatar

Thankyou Fiona - and that’s my pleasure! 😊😊

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May 4, 2023
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Jane Porter's avatar

Aw thanks Hannah! I loved every minute spent in that river - think I am a bit addicted to waders...

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