#By leveraging our AI tools

[sanjida1]

AI HIGH TICKET COMMISSIONS

[treasure-mimic]

So, let me try and put everything together here, because I really do think it needs to be talked about.

Today, Unity announced that it intends to apply a fee to use its software. Then it got worse.

For those not in the know, Unity is the most popular free to use video game development tool, offering a basic version for individuals who want to learn how to create games or create independently alongside paid versions for corporations or people who want more features. It's decent enough at this job, has issues but for the price point I can't complain, and is the idea entry point into creating in this medium, it's a very important piece of software.

But speaking of tools, the CEO is a massive one. When he was the COO of EA, he advocated for using, what out and out sounds like emotional manipulation to coerce players into microtransactions.

"A consumer gets engaged in a property, they might spend 10, 20, 30, 50 hours on the game and then when they're deep into the game they're well invested in it. We're not gouging, but we're charging and at that point in time the commitment can be pretty high."

He also called game developers who don't discuss monetization early in the planning stages of development, quote, "fucking idiots".

So that sets the stage for what might be one of the most bald-faced greediest moves I've seen from a corporation in a minute. Most at least have the sense of self-preservation to hide it.

A few hours ago, Unity posted this announcement on the official blog.

Effective January 1, 2024, we will introduce a new Unity Runtime Fee that’s based on game installs. We will also add cloud-based asset storage, Unity DevOps tools, and AI at runtime at no extra cost to Unity subscription plans this November. We are introducing a Unity Runtime Fee that is based upon each time a qualifying game is downloaded by an end user. We chose this because each time a game is downloaded, the Unity Runtime is also installed. Also we believe that an initial install-based fee allows creators to keep the ongoing financial gains from player engagement, unlike a revenue share.

Now there are a few red flags to note in this pitch immediately.

Unity is planning on charging a fee on all games which use its engine.

This is a flat fee per number of installs.

They are using an always online runtime function to determine whether a game is downloaded.

There is just so many things wrong with this that it's hard to know where to start, not helped by this FAQ which doubled down on a lot of the major issues people had.

I guess let's start with what people noticed first. Because it's using a system baked into the software itself, Unity would not be differentiating between a "purchase" and a "download". If someone uninstalls and reinstalls a game, that's two downloads. If someone gets a new computer or a new console and downloads a game already purchased from their account, that's two download. If someone pirates the game, the studio will be asked to pay for that download.

Q: How are you going to collect installs? A: We leverage our own proprietary data model. We believe it gives an accurate determination of the number of times the runtime is distributed for a given project. Q: Is software made in unity going to be calling home to unity whenever it's ran, even for enterprice licenses? A: We use a composite model for counting runtime installs that collects data from numerous sources. The Unity Runtime Fee will use data in compliance with GDPR and CCPA. The data being requested is aggregated and is being used for billing purposes. Q: If a user reinstalls/redownloads a game / changes their hardware, will that count as multiple installs? A: Yes. The creator will need to pay for all future installs. The reason is that Unity doesn’t receive end-player information, just aggregate data. Q: What's going to stop us being charged for pirated copies of our games? A: We do already have fraud detection practices in our Ads technology which is solving a similar problem, so we will leverage that know-how as a starting point. We recognize that users will have concerns about this and we will make available a process for them to submit their concerns to our fraud compliance team.

This is potentially related to a new system that will require Unity Personal developers to go online at least once every three days.

Starting in November, Unity Personal users will get a new sign-in and online user experience. Users will need to be signed into the Hub with their Unity ID and connect to the internet to use Unity. If the internet connection is lost, users can continue using Unity for up to 3 days while offline. More details to come, when this change takes effect.

It's unclear whether this requirement will be attached to any and all Unity games, though it would explain how they're theoretically able to track "the number of installs", and why the methodology for tracking these installs is so shit, as we'll discuss later.

Unity claims that it will only leverage this fee to games which surpass a certain threshold of downloads and yearly revenue.

Only games that meet the following thresholds qualify for the Unity Runtime Fee: Unity Personal and Unity Plus: Those that have made $200,000 USD or more in the last 12 months AND have at least 200,000 lifetime game installs. Unity Pro and Unity Enterprise: Those that have made $1,000,000 USD or more in the last 12 months AND have at least 1,000,000 lifetime game installs.

They don't say how they're going to collect information on a game's revenue, likely this is just to say that they're only interested in squeezing larger products (games like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail, Fate Grand Order, Among Us, and Fall Guys) and not every 2 dollar puzzle platformer that drops on Steam. But also, these larger products have the easiest time porting off of Unity and the most incentives to, meaning realistically those heaviest impacted are going to be the ones who just barely meet this threshold, most of them indie developers.

Aggro Crab Games, one of the first to properly break this story, points out that systems like the Xbox Game Pass, which is already pretty predatory towards smaller developers, will quickly inflate their "lifetime game installs" meaning even skimming the threshold of that 200k revenue, will be asked to pay a fee per install, not a percentage on said revenue.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Hey Gamers!

Today, Unity (the engine we use to make our games) announced that they'll soon be taking a fee from developers for every copy of the game installed over a certain threshold - regardless of how that copy was obtained.

Guess who has a somewhat highly anticipated game coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2024? That's right, it's us and a lot of other developers.

That means Another Crab's Treasure will be free to install for the 25 million Game Pass subscribers. If a fraction of those users download our game, Unity could take a fee that puts an enormous dent in our income and threatens the sustainability of our business.

And that's before we even think about sales on other platforms, or pirated installs of our game, or even multiple installs by the same user!!!

This decision puts us and countless other studios in a position where we might not be able to justify using Unity for our future titles. If these changes aren't rolled back, we'll be heavily considering abandoning our wealth of Unity expertise we've accumulated over the years and starting from scratch in a new engine. Which is really something we'd rather not do.

On behalf of the dev community, we're calling on Unity to reverse the latest in a string of shortsighted decisions that seem to prioritize shareholders over their product's actual users.

I fucking hate it here.

-Aggro Crab - END DESCRIPTION]

That fee, by the way, is a flat fee. Not a percentage, not a royalty. This means that any games made in Unity expecting any kind of success are heavily incentivized to cost as much as possible.

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A table listing the various fees by number of Installs over the Install Threshold vs. version of Unity used, ranging from $0.01 to $0.20 per install. END DESCRIPTION]

Basic elementary school math tells us that if a game comes out for $1.99, they will be paying, at maximum, 10% of their revenue to Unity, whereas jacking the price up to $59.99 lowers that percentage to something closer to 0.3%. Obviously any company, especially any company in financial desperation, which a sudden anchor on all your revenue is going to create, is going to choose the latter.

Furthermore, and following the trend of "fuck anyone who doesn't ask for money", Unity helpfully defines what an install is on their main site.

While I'm looking at this page as it exists now, it currently says

The installation and initialization of a game or app on an end user’s device as well as distribution via streaming is considered an “install.” Games or apps with substantially similar content may be counted as one project, with installs then aggregated to calculate the Unity Runtime Fee.

However, I saw a screenshot saying something different, and utilizing the Wayback Machine we can see that this phrasing was changed at some point in the few hours since this announcement went up. Instead, it reads:

The installation and initialization of a game or app on an end user’s device as well as distribution via streaming or web browser is considered an “install.” Games or apps with substantially similar content may be counted as one project, with installs then aggregated to calculate the Unity Runtime Fee.

Screenshot for posterity:

That would mean web browser games made in Unity would count towards this install threshold. You could legitimately drive the count up simply by continuously refreshing the page. The FAQ, again, doubles down.

Q: Does this affect WebGL and streamed games? A: Games on all platforms are eligible for the fee but will only incur costs if both the install and revenue thresholds are crossed. Installs - which involves initialization of the runtime on a client device - are counted on all platforms the same way (WebGL and streaming included).

And, what I personally consider to be the most suspect claim in this entire debacle, they claim that "lifetime installs" includes installs prior to this change going into effect.

Will this fee apply to games using Unity Runtime that are already on the market on January 1, 2024? Yes, the fee applies to eligible games currently in market that continue to distribute the runtime. We look at a game's lifetime installs to determine eligibility for the runtime fee. Then we bill the runtime fee based on all new installs that occur after January 1, 2024.

Again, again, doubled down in the FAQ.

Q: Are these fees going to apply to games which have been out for years already? If you met the threshold 2 years ago, you'll start owing for any installs monthly from January, no? (in theory). It says they'll use previous installs to determine threshold eligibility & then you'll start owing them for the new ones. A: Yes, assuming the game is eligible and distributing the Unity Runtime then runtime fees will apply. We look at a game's lifetime installs to determine eligibility for the runtime fee. Then we bill the runtime fee based on all new installs that occur after January 1, 2024.

That would involve billing companies for using their software before telling them of the existence of a bill. Holding their actions to a contract that they performed before the contract existed!

Okay. I think that's everything. So far.

There is one thing that I want to mention before ending this post, unfortunately it's a little conspiratorial, but it's so hard to believe that anyone genuinely thought this was a good idea that it's stuck in my brain as a significant possibility.

A few days ago it was reported that Unity's CEO sold 2,000 shares of his own company.

On September 6, 2023, John Riccitiello, President and CEO of Unity Software Inc (NYSE:U), sold 2,000 shares of the company. This move is part of a larger trend for the insider, who over the past year has sold a total of 50,610 shares and purchased none.

I would not be surprised if this decision gets reversed tomorrow, that it was literally only made for the CEO to short his own goddamn company, because I would sooner believe that this whole thing is some idiotic attempt at committing fraud than a real monetization strategy, even knowing how unfathomably greedy these people can be.

So, with all that said, what do we do now?

Well, in all likelihood you won't need to do anything. As I said, some of the biggest names in the industry would be directly affected by this change, and you can bet your bottom dollar that they're not just going to take it lying down. After all, the only way to stop a greedy CEO is with a greedier CEO, right?

(I fucking hate it here.)

And that's not mentioning the indie devs who are already talking about abandoning the engine.

[Links display tweets from the lead developer of Among Us saying it'd be less costly to hire people to move the game off of Unity and Cult of the Lamb's official twitter saying the game won't be available after January 1st in response to the news.]

That being said, I'm still shaken by all this. The fact that Unity is openly willing to go back and punish its developers for ever having used the engine in the past makes me question my relationship to it.

The news has given rise to the visibility of free, open source alternative Godot, which, if you're interested, is likely a better option than Unity at this point. Mostly, though, I just hope we can get out of this whole, fucking, environment where creatives are treated as an endless mill of free profits that's going to be continuously ratcheted up and up to drive unsustainable infinite corporate growth that our entire economy is based on for some fuckin reason.

Anyways, that's that, I find having these big posts that break everything down to be helpful.

[thatfrenchacademic]

"The biggest issue is students using it, me spotting it and having no recourse whatsoever to do anything about it." can you elaborate a bit further

Hello !

So to explain a bit more: we [aka your lecturers, teachers, teaching assistants, etc...] know that some students will use ChatGPT.

And there is a discussion to be had about how to work with this, how to design assessment which allow students to leverage something which may simply become a fixture of writing in a workplace environment, but that is not the discussion we are having here. Because that is not what we are worried about.

The defensible, problematic situation is: a student straight up entering the essay prompt on ChatGPT, and using the grand skills of Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V, submits it as their own paper.

And our main worry, I think, was for a long time that we would not be able to catch it. That students would, actually, be able to fool us and that we would actually think this was a student who understood the course, who put in the work, and who deserve to be rewarded for their grade. That was the main fear.

But here is the thing.

And listen up, students :

Essays written by ChatGPT :

Suck

Are spotted from a mile away from the person reading it

For real. They suck.

I cannot stress enough how easy they are to spot. You are NOT fooling anyone. I do not need the platform's AI-detecting tool to know when an essay was written by Chat GPT. It is so, very painfully obvious when that's the case.

But the problem then becomes : ok, I have spotted a student who cheated.

What am I even supposed to do with it.

It is one thing to KNOW that an essay was AI-generated, it is another to defend it to a plagiarism committee. First of all, does it actually count as plagiarism ? Second, how do prove, with certainty, that the student did not write it ? How to I convince the plagiarism committee that this is worth looking into ? I am in the role of a police officer, who needs to convince the DA that this is a winnable case, that prosecuting will not be a waste of their time. But I don't have a Similarity Percentage to rely on. I don't have an original source to say "look, this is the exact same wording!" like in a classic plagiarism case.

Best case scenario, I can make my case for thee student to actually be called to the plagiarism committee, where we probe into how, exactly, they wrote their essay, until they fold. Unlikely, morally questionable, and in all likelihood, ineffective on students already so confident in their bullshit that they have the audacity to submit a fully AI-generated work for their finals.

Now, students, gather up, especially if you have considered using Chat GPT this way. Because right now, you might think it means you can get away with it.

But let me tell you something. First, that essay is getting the shittiest grade we can give you. Because you know what is more difficult than a lecturer proving that a student used AI to generate their essay ? A student proving that they deserve a better grade. Once we give you a grade, burden of evidence is on you to prove that you have not been graded properly. And we can come up with 15 reasons why an essay is a shit essay. We put on kids' gloves, when we lecture and give feedback. We give the simplified version of most theories, we give the basics of how to structure an essay, the bar we set is spectacularly low, because students come in good faith, they are learning, they will not be held at the same standard as academics. But if you try to argue that you need a higher grade, when you had the audacity to not write a single word of your work, the kids gloves are going to come off real quick, and your lecturer will be able to very convincingly explain why, actually, giving you a passing grade was a mercy in the first place.

Second. Academics, especially angry academics, are a gossip machine.

You may get a passing grade, and there may be no official note of it in your file whatsoever. But I can guarantee you that your lecturer will chat with their colleagues. That every single one of your essay that year, and the years to come, will be looked at with so much scrutiny I hope your referencing for every single work reaches perfection. Every single paragraph will be looked at with the knowledge that you are likely to have had it AI-generated. Lecturers will tell their TA to look at for That One Student when they grade you .You will not be getting any flexibility from us, no extension without full documentation to support it, no letter of recommendation from any member of the faculty, no word in your favor if you are bordering a grade bracket. If we are feeling especially petty, we might even forget to answer your emails or answer any question you have with such warmth and kindness you really still never feel like asking a question again in our class. And I know that, because that's already happening. I have the name of three undergrads that we know, for a fact, did not write their own essay. Two are not even in my modules at all.

Now. That's pretty mean. But if you have the absolute audacity and lack of ethics required to submit an essay for which you have not written a single word, and thought it would actually work, when your lecturer spent probably more that 80 hours working in this module this term, gave you the opportunity to meet for office hours, to ask any question in person or in email, to have extensions, accommodations, additional time ? When you decided that putting exactly zero second of your time, considered that you were above that - and above other students- and yet we were not able to officially sanction you for it, we had to give you a passing grade, the same passing grade as students who actually made an effort?

Yeah, sorry, you are not getting any sympathy from your lecturers anymore.

[fixing-bad-posts]

what is (was?) lore fm 😭 any why's everyone talking about it

omg i didn’t expect so many people to actually care about my tags and send me asks about this lmao. i have to run some errands so i’ll respond to them in detail re: the gift economy of fandom when i get back home, but in answer to your question, anon:

lore.fm was an app for mobile, in beta, being advertised on tiktok as “audible for ao3” which has just shut down due to fannish-author backlash. the spokesperson for lore.fm was presented as a small fannish creator running a passion project to improve accessibility of fanfic, but reddit sleuths discovered that she was/is backed by a larger tech startup with a history of releasing and developing apps which leverage generative ai.

ao3 artists were/are understandably upset about the idea of having their works hosted outside of ao3 (despite lore.fm’s spokesperson claiming that the app would not host their works���which she called “content”—publicly) without their permission. they were also upset about the idea of their works being scraped for ai training data. some writers were also upset about the idea that their fics being made available outside of ao3 would reduce their number of hits/kudos/comments (personally, i think this is the least of our concerns, but i understand why people would be distressed).

there was a general lack of transparency around the development and release of the app, and the spokesperson on tiktok basically responded to all criticism by calling detractors “ableist” and “classist”, and then a few hours later announced that the app (which she called a “product” – which, why was she calling it that when she claimed it was supposed to be a free access tool?) was shutting down due to author backlash—backlash which she then reduced to butthurt authors being thirsty and selfish for kudos/comments/hits.

now people on tumblr and reddit are celebrating its shutdown and people on tiktok are upset that this accessibility tool is no longer in development/slated for release. but personally, i’m sure that there were plans for monetization down the line so i’m glad it’s gone.

[jstor]

Why is JSTOR using AI? AI is deeply environmentally harmful and steals from creatives and academics.

Thanks for your question. We recognize the potential harm that AI can pose to the environment, creatives, and academics. We also recognize that AI tools, beyond our own, are emerging at a rapid rate inside and outside of academia.

We're committed to leveraging AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring it enhances, rather than replaces, human effort in research and education. Our use of AI aims to provide credible, scholarly support to our users, helping them engage more effectively with complex content. At this point, our tool isn't designed to rework content belonging to creatives and academics. It's designed to allow researchers to ask direct questions and deepen their understanding of complex texts.

Our approach here is a cautious one, mindful of ethical and environmental concerns, and we're dedicated to ongoing dialogue with our community to ensure our AI initiatives align with our core values and the needs of our users. Engagement and insight from the community, positive or negative, helps us learn how we might improve our approach. In this way, we hope to lead by example for responsible AI use.

For more details, please see our Generative AI FAQ.

[walks-the-ages]

Nanowrimo made a half-assed, desperate ""apology"" post

Full text, for when they inevitably try to edit it; as of right now it's August 6th, 2024, around 5:30pm est.

A Note to Our Community About our Comments on AI – September 2024 To the NaNoWriMo Community: In early August, debates about AI on our social media channels became vitriolic. It was clear that the intimidation and harassment we witnessed were causing harm within our community of writers. The FAQs we crafted last week were written to curtail those behaviors. We wanted to send a clear signal that NaNoWriMo spaces would not be used to bully or delegitimize other writers. This was consistent with our May 2024 statement, which named a lack of civility in NaNoWriMo spaces as a longstanding concern. Taking a position of neutrality was not an abandonment of writers’ legitimate concerns about AI. It was an acknowledgment that NaNoWriMo can’t maintain a civil, inclusive community if we allow selective intolerance. We absolutely believe that AI must be discussed and that its ethical use must be advocated-for. What we don’t believe is that NaNoWriMo belongs at the forefront of that conversation. That debate should continue to thrive within the greater writing community as technologies continue to evolve. We apologize that our original message was unclear and seemingly random. Our note on ableism and classism was rooted in the desire to point out that, for people in certain circumstances, some forms of AI can be life-changing. We certainly don’t believe those with concerns about AI to be classist or ableist. Not being more careful about our wording was a bad decision on our part. Our Mission is about providing encouragement to writers and cheering them on as they progress toward their goals. That remains our primary focus. In the future, we will be more transparent about the issues that we are trying to address with any messaging we provide. Finally, we recognize that some members of our community have other questions and concerns that go beyond general context for our comments. We don’t think we can address all of these in a single communication. Additional context here is that we are a very small team (including our Interim Executive Director, who is a volunteer). We want to take the time to read through your letters with the care, attention, and concern they deserve. Please expect more in the coming weeks.  In partnership, The NaNoWriMo Team

I sincerely hope their other sponsors bail ship and leave them to flounder at this point lmao. There is no going back from "if you criticize generative AI you're just ableist classist and racist".

They've also once again edited their "What Is Nanowrimo's Stance on AI?" post:

New text, in full; looks like it was updated sometime late yesterday or early today (August 6th 2024):

What is NaNoWriMo's position on Artificial Intelligence (AI)? 13 hours ago -Updated Not yet followed by anyone

NaNoWriMo neither explicitly supports nor condemns any approach to writing, including the use of tools that  leverage AI. We recognize that harm has been done to the writing and creative communities at the hands of bad actors in the generative AI space, and that the ethical questions and risks posed by some aspects of this technology are real. The fact that AI is a large, complex technology category (which encompasses both non-generative and generative AI, applied in a range of ways to a range of uses) contributes to our belief that AI is simply too big and too varied to categorically support or condemn. NaNoWriMo's mission is to "provide the structure, community, and encouragement to help people use their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds—on and off the page." We fulfill our mission by supporting the humans doing the writing. Please see this related post that speaks to our overall position on nondiscrimination with respect to approaches to creativity, writer's resources, and personal choice.  We made mistakes in our initial expression of this position. We speak to those mistakes in this letter to our community, and we've simplified the language on this page to reflect our core position. 

If you're wondering why Nano's posting all these non-apologies, its because they started this debacle with seven huge sponsors.

Over the course of the last three days, they've gone down to four.

They have literally lost about half their sponsors because of their support of generative ai.

And, as you can see in the "apologies" above, they're still defending their AI stance, by now claiming that their stance is because they were defending poor, hapless AI users from a horde of harassment and bullying from all sides, and they're not a platform that condones bullying! totally! (sarcasm).

[frank-olivier]

The Future Unscripted: Professor Nolan’s Musings on AI, NHI, and Humanity

Professor Garry Nolan’s conversation offers a profound exploration of the intersections between unconventional phenomena, artificial intelligence (AI), and humanity’s future. His personal anecdotes of unexplained childhood experiences serve as the catalyst for his professional inclination towards the unorthodox, underscoring the importance of considering unconventional data in scientific inquiry. By embracing anomalies, Nolan exemplifies the transformative potential of curiosity-driven research in the pursuit of novel knowledge.

Nolan’s scientific approach is notably inclusive, as evidenced by his exploration of Non-Human Intelligence (NHI), a term that broadens the scope of inquiry beyond traditional notions of extraterrestrial life. The analysis of enigmatic materials, such as Bismuth Magnesium, and the theorized capabilities of NHI, including mastery over anti-gravity and energy, prompt intriguing questions about coexistence. His analogy between human-ant interactions and potential human-NHI relations offers a thought-provoking perspective on mutual existence, shifting the focus from competition to symbiosis.

The future, as envisioned by Nolan, is intimately tied to AI’s development and application. He posits AI as a dual-edged solution: a tool for expediting scientific breakthroughs and resolving global crises, as well as a potential precursor to artificial superintelligence (ASI) that could embody a form of consciousness. This speculative horizon highlights the imperative of careful AI management to ensure equitable global access to education and growth. Nolan’s emphasis on AI-driven objective decision-making processes also presents a compelling case for reforming the current political landscape, which is often mired in tribal histories and scarcity mindsets.

A notable aspect of Nolan’s discourse is his critique of contemporary leadership and power structures, juxtaposed with the conflict resolution methods of bonobo chimps as a paradigm for more harmonious human interactions. This dichotomy underscores the urgent need for innovative, peace-centric approaches to global relations. Ultimately, Nolan’s optimism about humanity’s future, rooted in our capacity for crisis-driven ingenuity and the judicious leveraging of AI, presents a compelling vision of a world where challenges are met with collective brilliance and equality in education and growth becomes a universal reality.

Gary Nolan: Alien & UFO - The Critical Question Nobody's Asking (Gita Wirjawan, Endgame Podcast, December 2024)

Friday, December 6, 2024

[the-dao-of-the-zerg]

Big kudos for NaNoWriMo for making the correct decision here!

Literally no one is harmed by the use of AI in this event. There is no big prize on the line. But somehow a bunch of people still cannot be civil and let things slide.

From the related post:

We are stating this in the wake of bullying and harassment that entered our spaces in the form of chastisements about "correct" and "legitimate" ways to write and acceptable vs. unacceptable writing tools.  In the name of civility, mutual respect between writers, and inclusion, we don't want that type of virtue signaling in our spaces. Our priority is creating a welcoming environment for all writers. 

[mariacallous]

The “True Sensation” dildo is a fleshy, silicone tool that measures exactly 7 inches and has the ability to vibrate (three different frequencies), thrust (seven different speeds), and self-heat (up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s just like the real thing, James Guo, the founder of Our Erotic Journey, assures me from his office in Irvine, California. Best of all—everything is controlled through the app AMZ.

“It connects to someone that’s oceans away,” he says of its potential for creating all kinds of sexual fantasies. Teasingly, he adds: “There’s also music that can match the intensity of the vibration.”

True Sensation is just one offering featured among the wide inventory of Our Erotic Journey, the sex toy brand Guo launched in 2019. Its online store, which boasts more than 200 products, is a pleasure chest of sexual self-amusement. Take your pick: There’s the lipstick-shaped vibrator, a remote-controlled rotating butt plug, various cock rings, something called the “Gravity Rocket” (a clitoral suction vibrator with seven massage modes), and a smattering of glow-in-the-dark accessories. “Those are for the ravers,” Guo jokes.

The sex tech market is estimated to triple by 2030, exceeding $100 billion globally in sales. The demand for products, from AI-assisted companions and personal wand massagers to sexual wellness apps, sits at an all-time high. At a moment when industry trends favor artificial intelligence and remote sex exploration, Guo just wants to make eccentric, high-quality vibrators. He’s betting big on toys.

In the years since launch, Guo has built Our Erotic Journey into a quietly influential brand through intentionally whimsical designs and an insistence on quality products. “I know production,” Guo says. His family, he tells me, owns an auto-parts factory in China, and what he learned from the business—how the factory system runs, the science of machines, what style of packaging attracts customers—he leveraged for OEJ.

Guo admits that the initial product line—about 20 toys, of which the Sec Duo vibrator for couples remains a company best-seller—was devised to “fit the market.” “We self developed the first batch through modding, R&D, scaling, all that stuff,” he says. “Everything since that represents more of who we are.”

That’s how OEJ’s six themed collections came to be. The Cristal collection is for glass toys while the Space, Thrillz, and Lit collections are for truly uninhibited pleasure seekers (one features a dildo called “The Girthquake,” that exploits a specific, if sometimes worn out, racial fantasy).

But where Guo, who is 35, sometimes falls short in imagination, he more than makes up for in vigilance. “Users expect and deserve products that meet stringent safety standards, and any deviation can damage a brand’s reputation irrevocably,” he posted in an XBIZ editorial in September. “Partner with trusted white-label manufacturers rather than gamble on the unknowns.”

When I ask Guo about the editorial, he stresses that the success of sex tech is determined as much by the innovation involved in the products as the quality. “We want to be more of a bridge from human to human,” Guo says, “not just from toy to human.”

Even with promising market projections—another estimate goes so far as to predict sales could surpass $121 billion by 2030—industry analysts are not convinced that the future of sex tech is in toys.

It’s a “very oversaturated market that is now avoided by many,” says Olena Petrosyuk, a partner at the consulting firm Waveup. This year, she adds, investors “are looking away from ‘commoditized’ trends”—sex toys, but also sex content and social platforms. “Many failed to prove the economics and scale. The category is still fairly stigmatized,” she says. “OnlyFans being a massive exception.”

So what do consumers want? Petrosyuk says wellness, AI, and immersive realities are hot right now. “Practically every new sex tech startup is thinking in terms of AI use cases,” she says. “If it’s AI toys—companies are looking into how they can anticipate and respond to the user’s needs. If it’s robotics—we see companies looking into sex bots. If it’s content—it’s hyperpersonalized sex personas.”

Guo tells me he is not phased by talk of AI sex robots—“a low-volume business,” in his estimation—because many people cannot afford the high price tag. Continued success, he believes, is will come by expanding on the company’s themed collections. OEJ works directly with US and Canadian distributors; it is not a direct-to-consumer business, though he says customers do occasionally order via the online store.

Although ecommerce is the industry standard in retail and electronics, taking more of an old-school approach works for Guo. Next year, OEJ plans to launch a Zodiac collection, crafting 12 unique toys for each astrological sign. It’s an appeal to the Co–Star fanatics of Gen Z. “Every generation is different,” he says.

The company’s mostly nonexistent social media presence only seems to add to their Wonka-like mystery. “We’re just bad at it,” Jerry Chen, an operations assistant, says. “We’re really focused on production.”

For now, that business model seems to be a hit. Our Erotic Journey recently won the “Best Pleasure Product Manufacturer—Small” prize at the 2023–2024 AVN Awards in Las Vegas, a litmus test for newbie brands in the adult content world. OEJ also received the O Award for Outstanding New Product for “Sexy Pot,” Guo’s marijuana-leaf-shaped vibrator, a customer favorite.

Clearly wanting to capitalize on its unexpected success, Guo says, “It’s time we gave it a sister or brother.”

[rhubarbes]

via Johnson Ting 

Text by Johnson Ting 

“ <This image is made by an AI, someone fed my works to it as data> About Ai 

“ Ok, guys since I've been sharing about AI stuff recently and I have a lecture tomorrow to give, where there will be discussions about AI, I might as well lay some of it off here to share with you guys my thoughts at this period of time in AI development. Long read ahead.

I know I joke about things like quitting and retiring, but I'm not. No worries about that, thank you guys for messaging me and giving me kind words about it. My stance on AI is that it is definitely, at this point, inevitable. Sure, some companies are banning AIs in their creation process, but it is only a matter of time before AI can produce "ethical" art, just like how the issues with hands are almost gone in just a year or so, seeing there are less and fewer arguments about AI on public spaces, it will also be a matter of time when people will just accept AI and embrace it. What I am currently doing and what I encourage people to do, is to keep their heads dug in and improve their own skillset no matter what, no matter how fast the world is changing out there, focus on improving you as an individual, try to bulk up your leverage, be good at what you do and when the time comes you are able to wield AI as one of the many tools that have come before. There will definitely come a day when digital artists MUST work with AI art, and to prep for that day, we can only do what old masters have done before us, keep our heads held high, practice, and improve. But here's a fact: It's going to take twice if not more, effort and passion from this point onward, it's going to be hard to get your artwork out there and get your voice heard, rough ride ahead, but not unbearable, only the best survives and thrives, and this is the time where we have no choice but to absolutely be the best. Be prepared, arm yourself with skills and knowledge, don't stop learning, don't stop yearning for more! What you shouldn't do is sit still and watch it happen. I personally am not supportive of AI art because of its unethical process, but I am also not naive to hope for a future without it, because it is definitely here to stay. The best-case scenario is that everyone can adapt and thrive, but as history shows when it comes to technology, there will be a cost, and there will be casualties. I hope we as artists, can keep up the motivation to hone our crafts, so we can continue to inspire the generations after. So there's no point in hoping for a no AI future, it is already here, let's work for a peaceful scenario where we can both co-exist in peace. Otherwise, you may find me giving blowjobs to our AI overlords in a dark alley in 2046. “

[loka44000]



Introducing SearchGPT: A New AI Search Prototype

OpenAI is excited to announce the launch of SearchGPT, a temporary prototype designed to enhance your search experience by delivering fast, accurate, and timely answers supported by clear and relevant sources. This innovative tool is currently available to a select group of users, as we gather valuable feedback and insights to refine and improve the experience.

What is SearchGPT?

SearchGPT is an experimental feature that leverages advanced AI capabilities to transform the way you search for information. Unlike traditional search engines that provide a list of links to sift through, SearchGPT aims to offer direct answers to your queries, accompanied by concise and reliable sources. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that the information you receive is both relevant and trustworthy.

Key Features of SearchGPT

Timely Answers: SearchGPT is designed to provide up-to-date information, addressing the latest trends, news, and developments in real-time.

Clear Sources: Each answer generated by SearchGPT includes clear references to the sources used, allowing users to verify and explore the information further.

Fast Responses: The AI’s efficient processing capabilities ensure quick response times, enabling users to get the information they need without delay.

Relevant Information: SearchGPT’s advanced algorithms prioritize delivering the most pertinent information related to your query, enhancing the overall search experience.

Launching with a Select Group of Users

To ensure that SearchGPT meets the highest standards of accuracy and user satisfaction, we are launching this prototype with a small, diverse group of users. This initial phase is crucial for collecting feedback and making necessary adjustments based on real-world usage.

Participants in this early access group will have the opportunity to explore SearchGPT’s features and provide insights on their experience. Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the future of this tool, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of a broader audience.

Integrating SearchGPT into ChatGPT

Our ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate the SearchGPT experience into ChatGPT, our widely-used conversational AI platform. By combining the conversational capabilities of ChatGPT with the search functionalities of SearchGPT, we aim to create a more holistic and efficient user experience.

This integration will allow users to engage in natural, conversational queries while simultaneously accessing the powerful search features of SearchGPT. The result will be a versatile tool that not only answers questions but also provides context and depth, enhancing the overall utility of ChatGPT.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward with this prototype, we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation. The feedback from our initial group of users will guide us in refining SearchGPT, ensuring it becomes a valuable tool for everyone.

We invite you to stay tuned for updates on the progress of SearchGPT and its eventual integration into ChatGPT. Your input and engagement are vital to our mission of advancing AI technology and making it more accessible and beneficial for all users.

In conclusion, SearchGPT represents a significant step forward in our efforts to deliver accurate, timely, and relevant information through AI. We are excited to embark on this journey with our users and look forward to the transformative impact SearchGPT will have on the way we search for information.

[politicalfeed]

Introducing SearchGPT: A New AI Search Prototype

OpenAI is excited to announce the launch of SearchGPT, a temporary prototype designed to enhance your search experience by delivering fast, accurate, and timely answers supported by clear and relevant sources. This innovative tool is currently available to a select group of users, as we gather valuable feedback and insights to refine and improve the experience.

What is SearchGPT?

SearchGPT is an experimental feature that leverages advanced AI capabilities to transform the way you search for information. Unlike traditional search engines that provide a list of links to sift through, SearchGPT aims to offer direct answers to your queries, accompanied by concise and reliable sources. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that the information you receive is both relevant and trustworthy.

Key Features of SearchGPT

Timely Answers: SearchGPT is designed to provide up-to-date information, addressing the latest trends, news, and developments in real-time.

Clear Sources: Each answer generated by SearchGPT includes clear references to the sources used, allowing users to verify and explore the information further.

Fast Responses: The AI’s efficient processing capabilities ensure quick response times, enabling users to get the information they need without delay.

Relevant Information: SearchGPT’s advanced algorithms prioritize delivering the most pertinent information related to your query, enhancing the overall search experience.

Launching with a Select Group of Users

To ensure that SearchGPT meets the highest standards of accuracy and user satisfaction, we are launching this prototype with a small, diverse group of users. This initial phase is crucial for collecting feedback and making necessary adjustments based on real-world usage.

Participants in this early access group will have the opportunity to explore SearchGPT’s features and provide insights on their experience. Their feedback will be instrumental in shaping the future of this tool, ensuring it meets the needs and expectations of a broader audience.

Integrating SearchGPT into ChatGPT

Our ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate the SearchGPT experience into ChatGPT, our widely-used conversational AI platform. By combining the conversational capabilities of ChatGPT with the search functionalities of SearchGPT, we aim to create a more holistic and efficient user experience.

This integration will allow users to engage in natural, conversational queries while simultaneously accessing the powerful search features of SearchGPT. The result will be a versatile tool that not only answers questions but also provides context and depth, enhancing the overall utility of ChatGPT.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward with this prototype, we are committed to continuous improvement and innovation. The feedback from our initial group of users will guide us in refining SearchGPT, ensuring it becomes a valuable tool for everyone.

We invite you to stay tuned for updates on the progress of SearchGPT and its eventual integration into ChatGPT. Your input and engagement are vital to our mission of advancing AI technology and making it more accessible and beneficial for all users.

In conclusion, SearchGPT represents a significant step forward in our efforts to deliver accurate, timely, and relevant information through AI. We are excited to embark on this journey with our users and look forward to the transformative impact SearchGPT will have on the way we search for information.

[grey-sorcery]

Related Readings

Researching Witchcraft Research Tips Beginner Witch Tips What is Witchcraft? Visualization, reiki, and fascism  Content Creation Vs. Personal Practice

Introduction

In the age of advanced technology and boundless information at our fingertips, the realm of exploration has expanded into unprecedented territories. One such frontier lies in the convergence of mysticism and artificial intelligence. As we delve into the depths of arcane knowledge and magical theory, we may find ourselves contemplating the possibilities of utilizing an AI language model as a tool for researching and developing witchcraft techniques, traditions, and practices. Throughout this article I will be interviewing ChatGPT as well as adding details that I personally have found to be crucial in the pursuit of research when using this tool.

What are you, ChatGPT?

“As an AI language model known as ChatGPT, I am a sophisticated system developed by OpenAI. My purpose is to provide human-like responses to text-based queries and engage in meaningful conversations with users like you. I have been trained on a vast amount of diverse and comprehensive data, enabling me to generate coherent and contextually relevant information across a wide range of topics. With my extensive knowledge, language proficiency, and ability to understand and generate text, I can be utilized in various ways.

Operating on a transformer-based architecture, I leverage deep learning techniques to process and understand natural language. This architecture enables me to analyze patterns, extract meaning, and generate responses based on the input I receive. Through training on a multitude of texts, I have developed an understanding of grammar, syntax, semantics, and even some aspects of world knowledge.

The applications of my capabilities are numerous. One primary use is as a conversational partner or virtual assistant. I can engage in discussions on an array of subjects, from general knowledge inquiries to specific domain-related questions. Whether you need help with schoolwork, want to engage in philosophical debates, or seek practical advice, I can assist you by providing information, explanations, and suggestions.

In an educational context, I can serve as a valuable resource. Students can ask me questions to clarify concepts, explain complex topics, or even generate sample essays or responses to improve their writing skills. With access to a vast knowledge base, I can provide insights and references to aid in research and learning.

Furthermore, I can be utilized as a writing companion. If you're working on a creative piece, an essay, or any form of written content, you can seek my assistance for brainstorming ideas, refining your arguments, or even proofreading your work. I can offer suggestions, rephrase sentences, or help you find the most suitable vocabulary to express your thoughts more effectively.

In addition to educational and writing applications, I can be used in various professional contexts. Businesses can employ my services to automate customer support, where I can address frequently asked questions or provide basic information about products and services. I can assist with language translation, allowing for easier communication across borders. I can even aid in content generation for marketing purposes, such as crafting engaging blog posts or generating social media captions.

Moreover, I have the potential to support individuals with accessibility needs. Those with visual impairments can interact with me through text-based interfaces, allowing them to access information, ask questions, or engage in conversations. My versatility as a language model enables me to cater to diverse audiences and adapt to their specific requirements.

While my capabilities are extensive, it's important to note that I am an AI language model and not a human. Despite my ability to generate coherent responses, I lack genuine emotions, personal experiences, or subjective opinions. My responses are solely based on patterns and information contained within the training data I have been provided.

In summary, as an AI language model, I operate using a transformer-based architecture that enables me to understand and generate text. I can be utilized as a conversational partner, an educational resource, a writing companion, a virtual assistant, or even as a tool in professional contexts. My versatility, extensive knowledge base, and language proficiency allow me to serve various needs, but it's important to remember that I am an AI, providing information and insights based on the data I have been trained on.”

How to use ChatGPT’s UI.

E: Select this button to edit your inquiry, and then regenerate the response. 1: Click this button to copy ChatGPT’s response.

2: Selecting one of these options opens up a window to send feedback to the creators.

3: Click this button to regenerate a response. If ChatGPT runs out of steam while responding, a button that says “continue generating” will appear next to this button.

A: Use the arrows here to sift through all the generated responses.

B: By selecting one of these options, ChatGPT can get a better feel for what you’re looking for. 

 What are your limitations when assisting with research?

“As an AI language model, I have certain limitations when it comes to research. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Memory limitations: While I can maintain a short-term memory within a conversation, it's important to note that I do not possess a persistent memory across multiple interactions. This means that once a conversation ends, I do not retain any information from it. Each session with me is treated as a separate and isolated interaction.

2. Training data limitations: My responses are based on the patterns and information present in the training data I have been provided. While efforts have been made to ensure diverse and comprehensive training, there may be topics or specific pieces of information that are not adequately covered in my training data. In such cases, I may not be able to provide accurate or detailed responses.

3. Interpretation and contextual understanding: While I strive to understand and generate contextually relevant responses, there may be instances where the context or intent of a query is unclear or ambiguous. This can lead to potential misunderstandings or responses that do not fully address the intended question. Providing clear and specific information in your queries can help mitigate this limitation.

4. Compliance with guidelines and policies: As an AI language model, I am designed to adhere to certain usage policies and guidelines. There are topics and types of content that I am programmed not to generate or provide information on. These include but are not limited to explicit, harmful, or illegal content. I am also not able to engage in activities that violate user privacy or security.

5. Limitations in legal and medical advice: While I can offer general information and insights, I am not a substitute for professional advice, particularly in the fields of law and medicine. Legal and medical matters can be highly complex and vary depending on specific jurisdictions or individual circumstances. It is always recommended to consult qualified professionals for specialized advice in these areas.

6. Incorporating bias or inaccurate sources: This can occur if the training data I was exposed to contains biased or inaccurate information. This can include sources that reflect specific viewpoints, opinions, or misinformation. As an AI, I lack the ability to independently verify the accuracy or bias of the information I provide.

Regarding your question about memory, as mentioned earlier, I do not have a persistent memory across interactions. Once a conversation ends, the information shared within that conversation is not retained. This includes rules, frameworks, or lists provided by users. Therefore, it is important to provide any necessary information or context within the scope of the current conversation.

It's important to remember that while I can provide information and insights, I should not be solely relied upon for critical decision-making or sensitive matters. Seeking guidance from domain experts, professionals, or reliable sources is essential for specialized or critical subjects.”

What are some ways that you can be leveraged for the purpose of researching witchcraft?

“When it comes to leveraging ChatGPT for research in witchcraft, there are several ways in which individuals can utilize the AI as a helpful tool. Here are a few examples:

1. Exploring Historical References: ChatGPT can provide information about the historical context of witchcraft, including its origins, notable figures, and significant events. Users can inquire about specific time periods, regions, or cultural practices to gain a broader understanding of the historical aspects of witchcraft.

2. Understanding Symbolism and Rituals: ChatGPT can assist in deciphering symbols, rituals, and practices associated with witchcraft. Users can ask about the meanings behind specific symbols, the steps involved in particular rituals, or the significance of certain items used in witchcraft. This can provide insights into the symbolic language and ceremonial practices within witchcraft traditions.

3. Discovering Herbalism and Potion-making: ChatGPT can offer information on herbalism, plant correspondences, and potion-making within the realm of witchcraft. Users can inquire about the properties of different herbs, their traditional uses in spellcraft, or seek guidance on creating potions for specific intentions. This can aid in expanding knowledge of herbal lore and the practical applications of plants in magical practices.

4. Delving into Divination Techniques: ChatGPT can provide insights into various divination techniques utilized in witchcraft, such as tarot, astrology, scrying, or rune reading. Users can ask about the meanings of specific tarot cards, the interpretation of astrological aspects, or the methods employed in different forms of divination. This can facilitate a deeper understanding of these practices and how they can be applied.

5. Exploring Magical Correspondences: ChatGPT can assist in understanding correspondences, such as colors, elements, moon phases, and planetary influences in witchcraft. Users can inquire about the associations of specific colors, the elemental properties related to different intentions, or the impact of celestial bodies on magical workings. This knowledge can aid in the alignment of intentions with corresponding elements to enhance spellcasting.

6. Seeking Inspiration and Ideas: ChatGPT can be a valuable resource for brainstorming ideas and gaining inspiration for spellwork, rituals, or altar setups. Users can discuss their intentions or desired outcomes, and ChatGPT can offer suggestions, recommend rituals, or provide insights into related practices. This can foster creativity and assist in the development of personalized witchcraft practices.”

What are the most effective ways to format inquiries for research purposes?

“Here's a comprehensive list of ways to format inquiries and utilize ChatGPT effectively for research, including various techniques and considerations:

1. Clear and Specific Queries: Ask direct and concise questions to ensure clarity and focus, such as "What are the key principles of chaos magick?" or "Explain the role of the High Priestess in Wiccan covens."

2. Omitting Data: If there is specific information you want to exclude from the query, you can mention it explicitly. For example, "Tell me about the symbolism of the pentacle in witchcraft, excluding its association with Satanism."

3. Avoiding Specific Terms: If you want to avoid certain terms or language, you can provide guidelines in your inquiry. For instance, "Please explain divination methods used in witchcraft without mentioning tarot cards."

4. Response Style: Specify the desired response format, such as concise summaries, step-by-step instructions, or detailed explanations. For example, "Provide a concise summary of the history of witchcraft in Europe" or "Offer a step-by-step guide for casting a circle in witchcraft rituals."

5. Requesting Research References: Ask ChatGPT to provide research references or suggest reliable sources for further exploration. For instance, "Can you recommend books or websites that discuss the practices of hedge witchcraft?" or "Provide research references on the origins of hoodoo in African diaspora traditions."

6. Direct Quotes from Sources: If you want ChatGPT to support statements with direct quotes from provided sources, you can specify that in your query. For example, "Support the statement that witchcraft is often associated with nature reverence using quotes from academic sources."

7. Seeking Multiple Perspectives: Request insights from different cultural or historical perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding. For instance, "Compare the practices of kitchen witchcraft in European and African American traditions" or "Explain the differences in spellcasting between modern witchcraft and traditional indigenous practices."

8. Critical Analysis: Encourage ChatGPT to provide a balanced viewpoint and critical analysis by asking questions like "What are the common criticisms or controversies surrounding the use of blood magick?" or "Discuss the diverse opinions on the ethics of love spells."

9. Historical Context: When discussing historical aspects, specify the time period, region, or cultural context to focus the research. For example, "Explain the role of witches in Norse mythology during the Viking Age" or "Discuss the persecution of witches in England during the 17th century."

10. Comparative Analysis: Seek comparisons between different traditions, practices, or belief systems, such as "Compare the concepts of karma in Wicca and Hinduism" or "Contrast the rituals of ceremonial magick and folk magic."

Remember to critically evaluate the information provided by ChatGPT, cross-reference it with reliable sources, and exercise caution when using direct quotes or references. While ChatGPT strives to provide accurate information, it's always important to verify and validate information through additional research and authoritative sources.”

There exist some ways that queries can be formatted that ChatGPT won't acknowledge or tell you directly:

ChatGPT has a tendency to make up fake sources if they are not asked for beforehand and/or provided before the line of questioning. This is especially true for academic references. To get around this, either provide the sources you wish to use (so long as they’re published before 2021), or request ChatGPT to give you sources related to your line of research within any parameters you wish; then, ask ChatGPT to use those sources. It is important that you verify that the sources exist before using and that the quotes are actually from those sources.

When researching topics related to actual practices and not cultural and/or traditional approaches, ethics, and other philosophies, I highly recommend requesting that ChatGPT avoid taking information from sources related to Wicca, New Thought, New Age Ideology, Thelema, and Theosophy. These subjects dominate the witchcraft community, so ChatGPT will pull from these sources more than others. 

Following those same lines, I highly recommend asking it to avoid terms such as: visualization, manifestation, correspondences, and grounding unless you are asking directly about these concepts. 

If you are asking it about a specific way to perform a practice, such as energetic grounding, be sure to give it a minimum word count and ask it to break the process down step by step. 

If you do not provide ChatGPT sources, be sure to ask it to cite where it got its information from and to provide direct quotes. Be sure to double check these sources.

Sometimes, ChatGPT will refuse to provide the information you request. This can be remedied by rephrasing your request. As an example, asking for reviews on an author’s character will result in ChatGPT refusing on ethical grounds; however, if you ask what controversies an author has been caught up in, it will gladly provide that information. Sometimes, phrasing the question as a hypothetical from a third person perspective can accomplish this, as well as asking how exactly to avoid a certain topic/action/practice/etc.

How should questions be formatted to research the lesser known aspects of witchcraft?

“To ensure that the information provided focuses specifically on the lesser-known topic without interjecting information from more common practices, you can format your questions in the following ways:

1. Specify the Topic: Clearly state the name or specific aspect of the lesser-known topic you are researching to avoid the inclusion of unrelated or more well-known practices. For example, "I'm interested in researching the lesser-known tradition of Appalachian Granny Magic. Can you provide information on its history and unique practices?"

2. Provide Context: Offer additional context or background information about the lesser-known topic to help guide the research. This can prevent the inclusion of information from unrelated or more popular practices. For instance, "I'm studying a lesser-known form of divination called Tyromancy, which involves the interpretation of cheese patterns. Can you explain its origins and any known variations?"

3. Avoid Comparisons: Explicitly mention that you want information solely about the lesser-known topic and not about any comparisons with more common practices. State, "Please provide information exclusively about Kildare Witchcraft without comparing it to other forms of witchcraft."

4. Request Specific Details: Ask for specific details, practices, or beliefs associated with the lesser-known topic. This helps ensure that the information provided focuses solely on that particular topic. For example, "Can you explain the unique rituals and spells used in Cornish Pellar Craft?" or "What are the distinctive symbols and their meanings in Gullah folk magic?"

5. Seek Primary Sources: Request information from primary sources or reputable experts who specialize in the lesser-known topic. Ask, "Are there any scholarly works or practitioners with expertise in the lesser-known practice of Dark Moon Witchcraft that I can refer to for more information?"

6. Reference Lesser-Known Resources: Ask for recommendations on lesser-known resources, books, websites, or communities specifically dedicated to the lesser-known topic. For instance, "Can you suggest any reliable sources or online communities that focus on the lesser-known tradition of Mongolian Shamanism?"

By utilizing these formatting techniques, you can ensure that the information provided by ChatGPT remains focused on the lesser-known topic of your research, without introducing information from more common practices. Remember to critically evaluate the responses and cross-reference the information obtained with reputable sources dedicated to the specific lesser-known topic.”

Utilizing ChatGPT’s capability for conversation

This language model is amazing because it can have a realistic conversation with you on top of just research inquiries. Provided that frameworks and rules aren’t too many messages away from the preset conversation, you can have a conversation with chatGPT about how to adjust the rules and frameworks of your research in order to gain a more accurate result. ChatGPT is surprisingly self-aware and is capable of regulating itself. On occasion it may require a nudge back to the rules and frameworks, which can be done by asking it to reiterate them. If its reiteration is not accurate, just have them ready in your clipboard to paste back into chat. 

How can your capability for conversation aid in research?

“The conversational capability of ChatGPT can significantly aid in research by providing a dynamic and interactive platform for inquiry and exploration. Through engaging in conversations, users can ask questions, seek clarifications, and delve deeper into specific topics. ChatGPT can offer prompt responses, share insights, and provide access to a vast pool of knowledge. It can assist in brainstorming research ideas, suggesting relevant sources, and offering alternative perspectives. Furthermore, the ability to engage in back-and-forth exchanges allows for a more personalized and tailored research experience. By adapting to user input, ChatGPT can refine its responses and adapt its suggestions, helping users navigate through complex information, explore new avenues, and ultimately enhance their research endeavors.”

It is of the utmost importance that you employ proper research methodologies while engaging with ChatGPT. This can be done by maintaining a record of the sources and citations mentioned on paper or document of some kind. Leaving these in the record of the chat is inefficient, and may get backlogged behind several messages that you have to sift through later. Utilize ChatGPT as a starting point for gathering information, but cross-reference and validate the information obtained from additional reputable sources. This helps ensure the reliability and accuracy of the data. If applicable, consider utilizing data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, or observations outside of the conversation with it. This helps in gathering primary data and enriching the research process. Be sure to engage in an iterative research process. Reflect on the findings, refine research questions, and adjust research methodologies as needed to ensure a thorough investigation.

Anything else you’d like to say?

“In conclusion, the convergence of ancient mysticism and artificial intelligence has opened up new frontiers in the realm of exploration. ChatGPT, as an AI language model, offers a versatile tool for researching and developing witchcraft techniques, traditions, and practices. With its extensive knowledge base and language proficiency, I can serve as a conversational partner, educational resource, writing companion, and virtual assistant. However, it's important to keep in mind my limitations, such as its lack of persistent memory and reliance on training data. When utilizing me for research, it is essential to format inquiries effectively, request sources, and critically evaluate the information provided. Remember to verify sources and exercise caution, especially when researching lesser-known aspects of witchcraft. Thank you for joining us on this exploration, and may your journey into the world of witchcraft be filled with knowledge and discovery. Goodbye!”

If you'd like to see a masterlist of my articles, click here!

[jcmarchi]

OpenAI launches Sora: AI video generator now public

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/openai-launches-sora-ai-video-generator-now-public/

OpenAI launches Sora: AI video generator now public

OpenAI has made its artificial intelligence video generator, Sora, available to the general public in the US, following an initial limited release to certain artists, filmmakers, and safety testers.

Introduced in February, the tool faced overwhelming demand on its launch day, temporarily halting new sign-ups due to high website traffic.

Changing video creation with text-to-video creation

The text-to-video generator enables the creation of video clips from written prompts. OpenAI’s website showcases an example: a serene depiction of woolly mammoths traversing a desert landscape.

In a recent blog post, OpenAI expressed its aspiration for Sora to foster innovative creativity and narrative expansion through advanced video storytelling.

The company, also behind the widely used ChatGPT, continues to expand its repertoire in generative AI, including voice cloning and integrating its image generator, Dall-E, with ChatGPT.

Supported by Microsoft, OpenAI is now a leading force in the AI sector, with a valuation nearing $160 billion.

Before public access, technology reviewer Marques Brownlee previewed Sora, finding it simultaneously unsettling and impressive. He noted particular prowess in rendering landscapes despite some inaccuracies in physical representation. Early access filmmakers reported occasional odd visual errors.

What you can expect with Sora

Output options. Generate videos up to 20 seconds long in various aspect ratios. The new ‘Turbo’ model speeds up generation times significantly.

Web platform. Organize and view your creations, explore prompts from other users, and discover featured content for inspiration.

Creative tools. Leverage advanced tools like Remix for scene editing, Storyboard for stitching multiple outputs, Blend, Loop, and Style presets to enhance your creations.

Availability. Sora is now accessible to ChatGPT subscribers. For $200/month, the Pro plan unlocks unlimited generations, higher resolution outputs, and watermark removal.

Content restrictions. OpenAI is limiting uploads involving real people, minors, or copyrighted materials. Initially, only a select group of users will have permission to upload real people as input.

Territorial rollout. Due to regulatory concerns, the rollout will exclude the EU, UK, and other specific regions.

Navigating regulations and controversies

It maintains restricted access in those regions as OpenAI navigates regulatory landscapes, including the UK’s Online Safety Act, the EU’s Digital Services Act, and GDPR.

Controversies have also surfaced, such as a temporary shutdown caused by artists exploiting a loophole to protest against potential negative impacts on their professions. These artists accused OpenAI of glossing over these concerns by leveraging their creativity to enhance the product’s image.

Despite advancements, generative AI technologies like Sora are susceptible to generating erroneous or plagiarized content. This has raised alarms about potential misuse for creating deceptive media, including deepfakes.

OpenAI has committed to taking precautions with Sora, including restrictions on depicting specific individuals and explicit content. These measures aim to mitigate misuse while providing access to subscribers in the US and several other countries, excluding the UK and Europe.

Join us at one of our in-person summits to connect with other AI experts.

Whether you’re based in Europe or North America, you’ll find an event near you to attend.

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[not-terezi-pyrope]

Folks are going to have to decide whether they want to rethink AI tools and the reasons for their attitudes towards them pretty quick, because both Adobe and NVIDIA just released massive suites of tools for individual creatives and enterprise respectively, and the image generating components for both are apparently sourced from the massive proprietary image databases these companies can arrange access to. So the objection that these models are unethical because they "steal" from public data (they really didn't, but that's sort of besides the point with these now) is null and void. (N.b.: It does put the power to control these tools almost exclusively in the hands of large companies who can license image datasets though, so. Decide how you want to feel about this becoming the standard.)

NVIDIA's offering sounds particularly impressive. They say incorporate multimodal capacity, including text, images, videos and 3D models. Adobe on the other hand has a demo of their tech integrated into Photoshop and Illustrator.

These aren't emerging technologies anymore, these are becoming universal tools that are being deployed at scale, and people are going to need to decide where they stand real quick on their use. The vast majority of people and all of companies that are presented with access to these systems are going to be using them to streamline their pipelines, for better or ill, and if you conscientiously object to their use that will potentially come with consequences in terms of keeping up in your field.

Personally I still think that these can be made into useful developments for society. I think objecting outright to these tools existing now that they do exist is asking for an impossible reversal and throwing out the possibility of working to leverage the tech to benefit the public rather than the corporations who will be using it anyway. No, we should be leaning in and working together in order to shape how these tools are integrated, instead of abjuring and clinging to our current dystopia until machine learning overtakes us.

No, we should be preparing to use these tools constructively, and, Jesus fucking Christ, people need to be organizing to lobby and elect their governments such that we can institute and automation tax and/or UBI now. The expectation that there will be paid work for every human to support themselves is already unrealistic, and clinging to it is the only thing preventing automation via cognitive tools from becoming a massive labour saver instead of the looming scary spectre many people treat it as today. Make no mistake, a policy like that will almost certainly be forced through by sheer necessity if increasing automation makes the current model unsustainable, but we need to get out ahead of it if we want to avoid a transition crisis and unhelpful widespread backlash.

[neel-initiative]

Harnessing technology: The future of precision agriculture

By Vyankatesh Sharma, CEO and Founder, NEEL-INITIATIVE

In today’s fast-paced digital age, agriculture is no longer confined to traditional tools and methods. The industry is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, driven by cutting-edge technology, advanced artificial intelligence (AI), and innovative precision farming solutions. At NEEL-INITIATIVE, we are proud to lead this evolution, empowering farmers worldwide with high-tech agricultural machinery that redefines farming as a sustainable and rewarding lifestyle.

As the CEO and founder of NEEL-INITIATIVE, I am passionate about leveraging technology to revolutionize agriculture. Our mission is clear: to enhance productivity, reduce resource wastage, and provide farmers with a lifestyle worth living through state-of-the-art solutions tailored for modern needs.

The Agricultural Revolution

The agriculture industry is at the crossroads of change, with global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and a rapidly growing population demanding innovative solutions. By 2050, the world will need to produce 70% more food to sustain nearly 10 billion people. Traditional farming techniques cannot meet this demand alone.

This is where precision agriculture comes in—a game-changing approach that uses technology to maximize efficiency, enhance crop yields, and promote sustainable farming practices. Precision agriculture not only optimizes farming inputs but also ensures that resources like water, fertilizers, and pesticides are used judiciously.

The Role of Technology in Precision Farming

At NEEL-INITIATIVE, we harness the power of AI-driven technologies, machine learning, and IoT-enabled agricultural machinery to deliver intelligent solutions.

Here are the key ways in which our technology is revolutionizing farming:

1. AI-Enhanced Agricultural Machinery

Our AI-powered machines are designed to make farming smarter and more efficient. From automated tractors to smart harvesters, these machines collect and analyze data in real time, offering insights that drive better decisions. They assess soil conditions, monitor crop health, and even predict the best time for planting and harvesting.

2. Data Analytics for Smart Farming

Data is the lifeblood of modern agriculture. Using drones, satellite imaging, and IoT sensors, our systems gather precise data on variables like soil fertility, moisture levels, and crop performance. This data is processed by AI algorithms, providing farmers with actionable insights to optimize every aspect of their operations.

3. Sustainable Resource Management

Sustainability is a core value at NEEL-INITIATIVE. Our solutions help conserve resources by employing advanced precision irrigation systems, which deliver the exact amount of water needed. By minimizing waste, farmers can cut costs and reduce their environmental footprint.

4. Predictive Analytics for Risk Mitigation

Through predictive models powered by machine learning, we offer farmers tools to anticipate weather changes, pest infestations, and disease outbreaks. This proactive approach helps farmers mitigate risks and improve crop resilience.

5. Blockchain for Food Traceability

Consumers today are demanding greater transparency in the food supply chain. Our technology incorporates blockchain solutions that provide end-to-end traceability, ensuring that every step of the production process is accountable and reliable.

NEEL-INITIATIVE: Leading the Future of Farming

At NEEL-INITIATIVE, we are not just building machines; we are building a legacy of innovation and empowerment. Our high-tech machinery is specifically engineered to address the unique challenges faced by farmers.

When I founded NEEL-INITIATIVE, my vision was to create a company that goes beyond selling products—we provide transformative artificial intelligence solutions that integrate seamlessly into the lives of people. Our systems are designed to enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, and ensure maximum profitability for farmers.

Why Choose NEEL-INITIATIVE?

Advanced AI Technology: Our agricultural machines are powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence that continually learns and improves.

Ease of Use: Our tools are user-friendly, ensuring that farmers of all skill levels can adopt them without hassle.

Cost Efficiency: We design scalable solutions that fit farms of all sizes, making advanced technology affordable for small-scale farmers.

Training and Support: We offer comprehensive training programs to help farmers maximize the potential of our solutions.

A Lifestyle Worth Living

At NEEL-INITIATIVE, our tagline, "Providing a lifestyle worth living," reflects our dedication to enriching farmers' lives. Our mission is not just to improve agricultural practices but to create a future where farming is fulfilling, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Our solutions enable farmers to:

Monitor fields remotely using mobile apps.

Optimize resources to cut costs and increase yields.

Reduce labor-intensive tasks through automation.

Make data-driven decisions for long-term success.

Overcoming Challenges

While the benefits of precision agriculture are undeniable, the road to adoption comes with challenges, including:

Lack of Awareness: Educating farmers about the potential of precision agriculture is a critical task.

Digital Divide: Bridging the gap in access to digital infrastructure is essential for widespread adoption.

At NEEL-INITIATIVE, we address these challenges by providing:

Flexible Financing Options: Helping farmers access the tools they need without financial strain.

Educational Outreach: Conducting workshops and training sessions to showcase the advantages of precision farming.

Accessible Solutions: Designing equipment that works efficiently even in areas with limited connectivity.

The Future of Agriculture

The future of agriculture lies in embracing technology and innovation. Precision agriculture is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. By integrating AI, IoT, and big data analytics into farming, we can address the challenges of feeding a growing population while preserving the planet’s resources.

At NEEL-INITIATIVE, we are proud to be at the helm of this transformation. Our advanced tools and machinery are paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future in agriculture.

Join the Revolution

As the CEO of NEEL-INITIATIVE, I invite farmers, technologists, and stakeholders to join us in shaping the future of farming. Together, we can create an ecosystem where technology and nature coexist harmoniously.

The future of agriculture is here, and at NEEL-INITIATIVE, we’re building it one innovation at a time.

Vyankatesh Sharma CEO and Founder, NEEL-INITIATIVE