Here’s How I Compete with Generative AI as a Seasoned Author
Crafting authentic narratives amidst AI proliferation and harnessing the human touch in AI automation with my innovation
In the mid-70s, at just 21, I dove into groundbreaking research as an informatics and linguistics student sponsored by NATO in Germany. I crafted an award-winning research paper for a peer-reviewed journal, exploring and analyzing local dialects in European languages.
My focus was solving how the future of artificial intelligence could decipher these dialects. I tinkered with unique algorithms, my tools of choice being Prolog and Lisp — the programming languages I had mastered during those pioneering days.
My inaugural scientific paper earned publication in a prestigious European journal, marking a significant academic milestone on my path toward subsequent master’s and doctoral degrees.
Yet, a reviewer’s comment resonated deeply: “There is something truly distinctive about this writing style, a first of its kind. It’s worth exploring further, and we recommend the author craft a personal essay on it.”
Initially, this extra note seemed puzzling and lacked clarity, leaving me unsure of its meaning. Seeking guidance, I consulted my research supervisor, who explained that the peer reviewers had recognized the multilingual aspect of my scientific paper and suggested elaboration, deeming it a valuable contribution to the linguistic community.
Unaware of this latent ability, my experienced mentor — an esteemed linguistic professor — crafted a paper highlighting my unique language skills, positioning it as a case study.
This scholarly work was published in a peer-reviewed European linguistic journal in the early 1980s. This late professor, an erudite polyglot fluent in seven languages, became a fount of wisdom and inspiration throughout my journey in multilingual writing.
Glimpses from the 1990s
Jumping ahead to the 1990s, the initial version of my doctoral thesis, funded by the federal government in Australia, prompted surprise from my assured supervisors, evoking positive and negative reactions.
While two international peer reviewers acknowledged it as meeting the criteria for a Ph.D. dissertation in Australian academia, one dissenter criticized the writing style as mechanistic and lacking human touch.
Eager to understand this unconventional feedback, my supervisors escalated the matter to the Faculty Dean, who sought out the dissenter.
As a candidate, I wasn’t privy to the reviewers’ identities. However, I discovered that this person, an associate professor in the US, had limited exposure to diverse academic writing styles.
Though her rejection didn’t impact my results — given the two strong acceptances — I valued this critique immensely, using it to refine my writing style for a broader audience appeal.
Glimpses from the 2000s
Years later, a similar surprise arose in the corporate sphere. Tasked with preparing a certification package after earning my distinguished certification in the industry for a promotion to an executive role in the organization, I had to summarize my professional background.
Like academia, the examination papers were to undergo review by three senior executives within the organization, all Vice Presidents reporting directly to the CEO of this large business entity.
It felt like déjà vu. Two VPs, one from Canada and another from Australia, voted for approval, while one from the USA did not. Similarly, I wasn’t allowed to know the assessors. Nonetheless, my department executive had connections with them.
With support from my certification mentors, we requested the department executive to acquire feedback on why this individual rejected my application, which had been reviewed by over 30 mentors and deemed credible.
This vice president noted an unusual writing style that might not align with the communication needs of an executive role. While the rejection didn’t impact my standing, it highlighted an area needing attention.
After a candid discussion with my department executive, he agreed to hire an executive language coach. Her task was to refine my communication, preserving my multilingual authenticity while ensuring broader appeal in both writing and speaking engagements.
Over six months of intensive coaching, costing the department $30K, this investment, minuscule for the organization, was worthwhile considering a client I introduced, valued at $50 million.
This specialized course proved immensely beneficial, emphasizing infusing emotions into my writing and employing universally understandable phrases. It taught me to opt for relatable metaphors over overly creative ones, ensuring clarity for native speakers.
Glimpses from the 2020s When AI Started to Compete with Me
Returning to public writing, Medium’s curators boosted an exceptional story where I summarized over 40 years of personal brain training experimentation from my heart and soul to inspire my readers last December. The story gained tremendous traction, attracting hundreds of new readers to this platform.
The article received an array of positive comments, yet one from discerning reader Michael H. Goitein caught my eye. Michael, a seasoned leadership expert, later became someone I connected with, delving into his insightful content on LinkedIn, and eventually, he began contributing to my publications on this platform.
Here is what Michael said and how I responded a year ago.
Then Michael made a heartwarming comment, allowing us to connect meaningfully on this platform.
Last week, I wrote a book review for Dr Emmanuel Ogamdi, a medical doctor with a mental health specialty who contributes to my publications. The author of the book titled “Nobody Will Tell You This”, Dr. Ogamdi, said, “You beautifully capture the essence of my book. Thank you so much for this review.” All comments on the piece are positive.
However, an anonymous reader approached one of our senior editors, and said that AI wrote the piece. While the negative feedback didn’t surprise me, I hold no grudge as I know my content’s authenticity, uniqueness, and impact, even if not flawless. Perfection’s road led nowhere, but MVP became my springboard to flourish as a writer.
The editor, who has known me, my work, and my approach to generative AI for a long time as part of the editorial team, responded by saying, “No, he did not, as Dr Yildiz has a distinctive style that AI would envy.”
Why share these personal anecdotes with my readers, and what significance do they hold for readers and writers?
When a cluster of junior writers inundated my publications with AI-generated stories earlier this year with the emergence of AI tools, our editorial team experimented with AI detection tools.
However, we discontinued their use due to erroneous outcomes, regretfully resulting in the rejection of genuine stories penned by our established writers, some of whom have a significant following on this platform and excellent reputations.
One instance involved a new editor, possessing a background in technology, rejecting a story from a writer with significantly more followers than myself. Unaware of this rejection, the writer contacted me privately on my Slack workspace, seeking clarification. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the new editor, utilizing technological tools, had identified a 40% probability of AI-generated content, prompting the rejection of the story.
To tackle this, I established a dedicated publication that caters to writers utilizing AI tools to satisfy my readers and writers. Writers, readers, and editors found this solution innovative. We also developed an AI content policy showing our leadership on this platform.
It won't surprise me if readers come across AI-generated content in my work using immature AI-detection work, as I tested at least 30 of them using the most authentic content in my publications, producing excessive false negatives and some false positives.
As an experienced AI professional, I found the AI detection tools to be ineffective tools, seemingly crafted primarily for the purpose of marketing digital products.
In tandem with crafting numerous scientific papers, patent descriptions, several authored books, and over 50 ghostwritten best sellers for technology executives, my online presence spans a wide spectrum across the internet since its inception with thousands of articles and blog posts. My openly accessible content has probably been a resource for training diverse generative AI tools over the years as I explained in a previous story.
Before the advent of AI, I began my writing journey, delving into numerous AI projects starting in the 1980s. As a senior AI consultant today, I guide my clients to infuse a more human touch into their projects by leveraging cognitive science, informatics, computing, and linguistic expertise.
Conclusions and Takeaways
As my journey intertwines between early explorations in writing and the ever-evolving landscape of AI, I’d like to offer profound takeaways for writers and readers.
First, positive and negative feedback is a treasure trove of insights for every writer. It shapes our growth, hones our style, and guides us toward broader audience appeal.
Writing evolves with time. From traditional pen-and-paper to the rise of AI, each era shapes our craft. Embrace the evolution, adapt, and let it enrich your creativity.
In an ever-changing landscape, adaptability is crucial for readers and writers. Be open to new writing styles, tools, and technologies while staying true to your unique voice and narrative.
Regardless of technological advancements, authenticity in storytelling remains paramount. Authenticity stands out in a world filled with AI-generated content and resonates deeply with readers.
We cannot deny AI’s power anymore. Prominent organizations embraced it. The fusion of AI with human expression is an art. As a writer, understanding the nuances of AI aids in creating content that strikes a balance between technological innovation and human connection.
Beyond the words we write, our legacy extends into generational innovation. Influence the next wave of writers and AI creators by leaving a legacy that champions creativity and humanity.
As a writer, scientist, technologist, and inventor, these takeaways align with my journey and the broader landscape of writing and technology, guiding me toward a future where human creativity harmonizes with technological advancement. I advocate for artificial intelligence, yet artificial superintelligence evokes a sense of concern in me.
I end my story by highlighting the importance of serendipity in my life. It was incredible that I found a childhood friend in an unexpected time and place.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
Sample Thematic Memoir Stories from My Collection for New Readers
Soulful Connections: Finding Meaning in Mammadou’s Childhood Letters
One Wise Advice from My Grandma That Made Me Wealthy and Happy
How Science Captivated My Childhood Mind, Building the Foundation for Lifelong Research
To inform my new readers, I wrote numerous articles that might inform and inspire you. My topics include brain and cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, and humor.
100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness. Be Your Own Therapist in 10 Steps.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 27K+ writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories.