Tag: AI-assisted writing

Can humans, AI collaborate at New York Times?

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment
A human man and a robot wave in friendship.

As a longtime New York Times subscriber, I appreciate the depth and breadth of its content, particularly the extensive online archives dating from 1851, and its coverage of arts, entertainment, and international news.

Yet, I’ve grappled with the paper’s editorial stance, particularly its approach to domestic news, which I perceive as being distinctly elitist and favoring a progressive, globalist viewpoint.

The Times’ appointment of Zach Seward as Editorial Director of A.I. Initiatives marks a significant step toward integrating generative AI into journalism.

Seward, with his impressive background as a founding editor of Quartz and a stint at The Wall Street Journal, is set to lead a small team focusing on the application of AI in news reporting. His role includes establishing principles for using generative AI in the newsroom and ensuring that The Times’ journalism continues to be reported, written, and edited by human journalists while AI tools assist them in their work.

This development brings to the forefront an intriguing proposition: Could AI play a role in addressing biases in reporting?

For instance, employing AI in copy editing might introduce a level of objectivity that I feel is sometimes missing in The Times’ reporting.

If configured to uphold impartiality, an AI-driven copy desk could potentially mitigate the paper’s perceived bias toward progressive viewpoints and its narrative on climate change and social disparities. This approach might balance the editorial tone, addressing concerns like mine about the paper’s leaning.

In conclusion, while The Times remains a valuable source for its archival content and global reporting, its foray into AI under Seward’s leadership presents an opportunity to explore new frontiers in journalism.

Perhaps, with careful implementation, AI can bring a fresh perspective to the newsroom, potentially addressing longstanding concerns about bias in media reporting.

OpenAI appoints Edward Dillinger as new CEO

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment
A man in a business suit stands next a monitor displaying the MCP from "Tron."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Francisco, CA –— OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research laboratory, is thrilled to announce Edward Dillinger as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Dillinger, a renowned figure in the tech industry, is best known for his groundbreaking work as the Senior Executive Vice President of ENCOM, where he led the development of iconic video games like “Matrix Blaster,” “Light Cycles,” and “Space Paranoids.”

“Edward’s vision and leadership in the realm of digital innovation align perfectly with OpenAI’s mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits all of humanity,” said Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI. “His pioneering spirit and experience in managing complex technological projects make him an ideal leader for our ambitious goals.”

Dillinger expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, stating, “I am excited to join OpenAI and contribute to the advancement of AI in a responsible and impactful way. My journey with ENCOM has been incredible, and I’m ready to bring my experience to the forefront of AI development.”

Under Dillinger’s leadership, OpenAI aims to accelerate its research in AI safety and ethics, ensuring that the benefits of AI technologies are widely and equitably distributed. The company is also expected to expand its portfolio of projects, leveraging Dillinger’s expertise in gaming and interactive technologies.

This appointment marks a significant milestone for OpenAI as it continues to push the boundaries of AI research and applications, striving for a future where AI and humanity coexist in harmony and prosperity.

Contact Information:
OpenAI Media Relations
media@openai.com

About OpenAI:
OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company, dedicated to ensuring that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. The company is composed of a team of researchers and engineers, striving to advance digital intelligence in the way that is most likely to benefit humanity as a whole.

Note: This release is a fictional parody and should not be taken as factual information.

Text and photo copyright © 2023 L.T. Hanlon. This post is a work of fiction.

In defense of AI partners for writers and artists

L.T. HanlonLeave a comment
Graphic shows a robot and a human male standing side-by-side. Text: Say hello to my new writing partner.

Integrating artificial intelligence into writing and illustration projects has seen its fair share of contention.

Yet, when done judiciously, AI can significantly enhance these creative processes. Embracing AI in my writing and illustration projects is not about relinquishing my creativity but rather about harnessing tools that make that creativity sharper, more refined, and more impactful.

To understand my viewpoint, it’s vital to realize that, historically, writers and illustrators have always sought aids and tools to improve their work.

The progression has been relentless, from the quill pen to modern-day word processors. AI is just another step on this evolutionary ladder.

Is it wrong for machines to relieve us of complex tasks? Is it unethical to set a DSLR to the automatic setting, that little green square that tells the camera to adjust exposure and focus automatically?

Of course not. That green square upholds photographers’ creativity, helping them quickly achieve their vision.

Sometimes, tools, whether human or AI, are needed to refine and enhance our initial creative bursts.

For years, I worked as a copy editor, enhancing and sometimes heavily revising the work of others, many of whom struggled profoundly with the art of writing. Nobody whined about the ethical implications of my input or its impact on the originality of the content. So, why the outcry when silicon does the job?

The era of AI isn’t about the machine surpassing us but about us working hand in hand with technology.

Whether a human tool or a silicon-based one, the goal remains unchanged: to improve and refine my creative expressions.

Let’s embrace AI not as a threat but as an ally in our continual pursuit of excellence in writing and illustration.