I couldn’t believe that I was actually defending the use of AI for certain circumstances.

Worse yet, it was in an online argument with an unqualified opponent who was clearly trying to bate me into a vitriolic exchange by being ignorant and rude. I was breaking my own rule of not making unnecessary comments to create or continue fruitless, time wasting arguments with internet warriors.

The argument or well, let’s say back and forth commentary, started when I mentioned I use AI in a pinch for a quick illustration on a column or a post when I don’t have time to take a photo myself.

I just saying it in a “hey, this happens when you’re running your own blog and working fulltime and freelancing on top of that and raising two kids” type of way.

Not dismissing the need for more original artwork to be created and paid for – something I have and will continue to champion with fervor.

However, this person and another person (who has known my efforts in promoting local artists over the years) accused me of being cheap, a loser, a “slave to convenience,” etc. because I admitted to using AI as a tool now and then.

For the record, I only use AI illustrations occasionally for my blog posts (which is more of a writing and podcast portfolio piece at the moment and doesn’t have a budget at the moment).

If readers and followers want to see me using more artists, photographers, and writer, they can subscribe (it’s free), as well as support my blog and podcasts with a small financial contribution or a regular sponsorship.

I digress. To these accusers, I explained that I don’t have money to pay artists or photographers, or I would happily do so.

And since I’m writing my blog posts for free, if anyone wants to give me free content, I’ll happily take it and give them credit to promote their work.

This of course was not a good enough reply. This person continued to call me a “loser” and other names, said it was stealing, and refused to engage in a face-to-face conversation about the topic (I would happily settle for a video chat on my podcast).

They said it would be “dumb” and “not worth their time” . . . but that’s a contradiction to their actions, since this obviously bored and lonely fellow was “wasting” his time typing the same paragraphs over and over again on social media.

That’s when I realized two crazy things: one, that I was actually defending AI after being decidedly and vocally against it for several years; and, two, that I was attempting to engage and convince a person I don’t know or care about that he is wrong.

On the latter point, it was a good reminder why I don’t argue with people who don’t have anything else to do with their lives. I even let that person have the last word as I decided to write this column instead (the benefits of having a blog that gets read).

On the former point, it was an illuminating situation as I have come to realize that in certain circumstances, when called for, AI can be a useful tool for people in the media.

Of course, it will never replace the original artwork, writing, photography, or videography of real people.

But, used responsibly by creative professionals, it can help enhance a project, nail down ideas and topics, and reinforce a brainstorming session of best practices.

I guess something good came out of that unnecessary back-and-forth: the realization that I have come to embrace AI as a part of the toolbelt, not a threat to my existence. 

That opinion is a far cry from the way I was thinking even a year ago.

That’s it for me! Ciao for Now!

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