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Apr 12, 2023Liked by Melinda Byerley

MidJourney strikes me as a race, a sprint, to the bottom. It's not logical to me to divert funds away from artists who not only eat on these earnings, but further hone their skills, which enriches our world with better art. Why redirect that budget line item away from individuals and towards Fortune 500 corporation which won't compensate individuals *at all*? So I can attain a lower-value version of that artist's work from an ML generator? Repeat for writers, publishers, lawyers, singers, composers, video producers. This isn't the John Henry competing against a steam drill. This is much different. Why pay a Fortune 500 to steal from individuals? So Sam Altman and Jan LeCunn can reach some fantasy "Singularity" utopia with AGI? What am I missing?

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Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns. I understand your worries about the impact of AI on the creative industry, and I appreciate the points you've raised.

As someone who has personally experienced the benefits of AI in the field of healthcare, I believe that there is tremendous potential for AI to make a positive impact in many areas. For example, AI can help us analyze large datasets and identify patterns that may lead to breakthroughs in cancer research, as I have personally witnessed as a breast cancer patient.

I think it's important to acknowledge that AI is rapidly advancing and will undoubtedly have an impact on many jobs, including those in creative fields. As someone who comes from a blue-collar background and has experienced the effects of automation firsthand, I understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with this technological progress.

However, I believe that there is still room for creativity and innovation even in the face of AI's advancement. I don't see AI as a replacement for artists or creators, but rather as a tool that can help us work more efficiently and effectively. For example, AI can help us analyze data and identify patterns that we might not have noticed otherwise, which can lead to more informed and creative decision-making.

That being said, it's important to ensure that individuals are compensated fairly for their work. I agree that we shouldn't be diverting funds away from artists and creatives in favor of Fortune 500 corporations that won't compensate individuals at all. Instead, I think we should be looking for ways to use AI to complement and enhance the work of artists and creatives, while still ensuring that they are compensated fairly for their contributions. I'm trying to educate myself so that I can have the opportunity to influence the course of AI, instead of passively accepting whatever happens.

Overall, I believe that the best way to approach this issue is to ask hard questions, explore the potential benefits and downsides of AI, and work collaboratively to find solutions that benefit everyone. I've written more on this subject in the "about" section of this blog. Thank you again for your comment, and I hope that we can continue this conversation in a constructive and thoughtful way.

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