Summary

The article discusses the impact of AI on writing and editing, acknowledging the widespread use of AI tools like Grammarly and the challenges and adaptations this presents for writers and editors.

Abstract

The author of the article provides insight into the evolving relationship between AI and writing, noting that AI has become an integral part of the editing process for many writers, with tools like Grammarly's "Generative AI" assistant. The article suggests that AI's role in writing will continue to grow, potentially integrating more deeply into writing assistants. Despite concerns about AI making human editors redundant, the author points out that AI tools are generally free or cheaper than human editors and have democratized writing by enabling more people to express their ideas without typos. The author also touches on the idea of a "human-written" logo to distinguish non-AI content, though they remain skeptical about its effectiveness. The article concludes with a personal anecdote about the author's interaction with another writer, CarolF, regarding AI content on Medium.

Opinions

The author believes that AI is an unstoppable force in the writing and editing industry, with its usage determined by the quality of the content it produces.
AI tools, such as Grammarly, are viewed positively for their cost-effectiveness and their role in enhancing the accessibility of writing and editing services.
The author is doubtful about the practicality and effectiveness of adding a "human-written" logo to articles, similar to the limited effectiveness of the "This Happened To Me" tag on Medium.
There is a recognition of the potential loss of jobs for human editors due to AI, but also the possibility that AI could lead to an increase in writing, thereby generating more work for editors.
The author expresses a personal dislike for the idea of creative workers being replaced by AI but acknowledges the inevitability of AI's role in writing.
The author encourages readers to engage with their AI-free content on Substack, suggesting a unique value in human-generated content that AI cannot replicate.

What Most Writers Don’t Understand About AI

But I do, and I will tell you right about now

Summary for Decision Makers (SDM) I don’t think there’s anything we can do about AI. If stories are good, they get readers. If they’re not, they don’t. AI users won’t disclose it, and readers won’t care anyway.

And now, more words to help you reach the 30-second threshold (includes a backstory).

What about Grammarly?

Almost all writers use Grammarly during their editing process. Many publications recommend using it or one of its friends. Grammarly offers a “Generative AI” assistant.

Today, it’s separate, but one day, Grammarly will include AI in the same manner they correct typos and give suggestions. Do you know why? Because Grammarly isn’t a dummmy.

Grammarly is still my friend because it doesn’t care if I call it dummy (I hope).

Then what? I guess writers will use these suggestions the same way they use the ones Grammarly gives them today.

Do you know why no one complains about Grammarly?

I’d like to remind you Grammarly is a machine (most likely using some AI algorithms), not a human editor. No one’s writing articles about banning Grammarly or being cautious with its usage.

Why?

Because it’s FREE.

(If you use the free version)

And it’s much cheaper than a human editor if you use the paid version.

And the results are good enough for most writers. They’re certainly good enough for 5-minute blogs, boosted or not.

It means human editors get much less work than they did before. But it also means many more people can express their ideas without typos. Something for something. And maybe human editors get more work because more people write. I don’t know, but it might be the case. I hope so!

The FREE and MUCH CHEAPER concept applies also to Google Translate and translators. Ask Matthew Clapham his thoughts about the translating business if you have doubts (read them here).

Can we fight back? (No)

Some writers want to add a logo disclosing the story wasn’t written by AI (see this article by Victoria Kjos). I don’t think it will work any more than the “This Happened To Me” tag is used solely for stories that happened to the authors.

Don’t get me wrong, I hate the idea of many creative workers being made redundant by AI. I wish Victoria and her colleagues the best of luck in their fight against AI-written stories.

But see my summary at the beginning.

Backstory

I left a comment on Carol’s recent piece about AI, to which she replied: “If I’d had this comment before I wrote the article, I’d have just written this 👍.” If you’ve read my work before, you won’t be surprised by my reply: “Nice. Now I want to turn it in a 3-minute read 😆.”

And here we are.

CarolF’s article:

What Should You Do About AI Content on Medium?

Don’t waste time on solutions that don’t work. Use ones that do.

medium.com

Here’s a link to my Top Hat Seminar on Substack. Become a free subscriber first and a paid one later! It’s guaranteed AI-free. It’s also guaranteed to regrow your hair and increase your chances of winning the lottery. No, but seriously, it’s AI-free. ChatGPT can’t write like me because it doesn’t have my magic hat.