Recently Jane Friedman, guru of all things publishing in the US if not the world, spoke of AI in her email “The Bottom Line.” Some books were disqualified from a national award in New Zealand because they discovered AI was used on the covers. A lot of people think this is appropriate. Others say that AI is nothing more than another artistic tool. Regardless, those authors didn’t even know that AI was used on their covers, and disappointed can’t begin to describe how they felt.

Jane spoke of AI as something between “the devil and the promised land,” which I think is an excellent description. As for me, I believe using it in lieu of paying a human being is not right.

What I want to make note of, however, is her forecast, which I see as totally spot on. “I fear we’re headed toward greater class bifurcation, where those with the means can pay for human attention and support and those without must rely on AI.”

Years ago self-published books screamed novice and all works considered good were traditionally published. The quality was indeed different until enough excellent writing sources built good enough marketing platforms to show that self-published works could be good and could earn a living. AI will have to go through the same growing pain. Those using it now are unable to afford quality human assistance in terms of editors, artists, and specialists. Those unable to get quality experts choose to go the route of AI. The thing is, one can usually tell.

Over time that may change, but until AI is made legit in some manner, I’ll stand firm on preferring human originated art and writing. I like to know that what I’m reading and admiring was human-generated. I really don’t give a rip about it if it’s machine driven.