#and please PLEASE don't use AI

[triaelf9]

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[minamill]

since i've seen people being unaware or uncaring about the catastrophic toll generative ai has on both the environment and the workers behind it here's some information about what that toll is actually like. i'd encourage everyone to read the full articles, but i've highlighted some important parts for convenience

Q&A: Uncovering the labor exploitation that powers AI

Generative AI’s environmental costs are soaring — and mostly secret

How 'modern-day slavery' in the Congo powers the rechargeable battery economy

[inkskinned]

the rise of AI art isn't surprising to us. for our entire lives, the attitude towards our skills has always been - that's not a real thing. it has been consistently, repeatedly devalued.

people treat art - all forms of it - as if it could exist by accident, by rote. they don't understand how much art is in the world. someone designed your home. someone designed the sign inside of your local grocery store. when you quote a character or line from something in media, that's a line a real person wrote.

"i could do that." sure, but you didn't. there's this joke where a plumber comes over to a house and twists a single knob. charges the guy 10k. the guy, furious, asks how the hell the bill is so high. the plumber says - "turning the knob was a dollar. the knowledge is the rest of the money."

the trouble is that nobody believes artists have knowledge. that we actively study. that we work hard, beyond doing our scales and occasionally writing a poem. the trouble is that unless you are already framed in a museum or have a book on a shelf or some kind of product, you aren't really an artist. hell, because of where i post my work, i'll never be considered a poet.

the thing that makes you an artist is choice. the thing that makes all art is choice. AI art is the fetid belief that art is instead an equation. that it must answer a specific question. Even with machine learning, AI cannot make a choice the way we can - because the choices we make have always been personal, complicated. our skills cannot be confined to "prompt and execution." what we are "solving" isn't just a system of numbers - it is how we process our entire existence. it isn't just "2 and 2 is 4", it's staring hard at the numbers and making the four into an alligator. it's rearranging the letters to say ow and it is the ugly drawing we make in the margin.

at some point, you will be able to write something by feeding my work into a machine. it will be perfectly legible and even might sound like me. but a machine doesn't understand why i do these things. it can be taught preferences, habits, statistical probability. it doesn't know why certain vowels sound good to me. it doesn't know the private rules i keep. it doesn't know how to keep evolving.

"but i want something to exist that doesn't exist yet." great. i'm glad you feel creative. go ahead and pay a fucking artist for it.

this is all saying something we all already knew. the sad fucking truth: we have to die to remind you. only when we're gone do we suddenly finally fucking mean something to you. artists are not replicable. we each genuinely have a skill, talent, and process that makes us unique. and there's actual quiet power in everything we do.

[shuploc]

Ai art?

Are you fucking joking?

Sorry, no, it is not and I find it so disrespectful you would even think to ask that. I have not and will NEVER touch anything AI related ever in my life, I think it's so utterly pointless and destructive and it frankly makes me wanna kill myself.

So no, it is not and never will be, and you can safely hold that to me for the rest of my existence. I really hope this is the last time someone asks me this.

[weabooii]

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[thresholdbb]

I can fix him

Except he is a beloved 58-year-old science fiction franchise being smashed into the ground for profit and I am a potato

[rott3nmutt]

artists, reblog with ur favorite piece of art u have ever made ( and why )

I'll go first

I love this piece because it represents how far I've come with my art ! it took me a long time to find my style and this was when I finally was like "holy shit, this is it." I just love this piece, it's so clean and so pleasing to look at. I don't have anything I'd change about it. it's just pretty and nice and I wish all my art could turn out as nicely as this did

[mysandwichranaway]

hey guess who just quit his job and decided to draw gay people first thing after (at midnight of course)

[not-terezi-pyrope]

Do I think language models will replace computer programmers? I think that even the most cutting edge models (looking at you O1) still lack the capacity for longitudinal planning and systems design, meaning that they are far below competence to automate away even a fairly low skill level human programmer.

However the way things are going is that all this means is that I'll be very surprised for a week when in three years OpenAI drops some sort of proto-AGI that bests all of us.

I would be more scared of this prospect, if the implications of that scenario weren't so far reaching that it's a category error to even start worrying about consequences before knowing specifics

(Also I find programmers generally tend to be more "shrug and bear it" about automation threat, because even when it's our own jobs on the line, it's kinda hard to be a professional automator who is ideologically opposed to automation).

[thriplerex]

On the peculiarities of the sentient gastropods of planets HC-10 and LS-6: C. hermitheum and C. vitaserie

From the files of GigaCorp - log date 11.02.2024 Cornu hermitheum

Taxonomy: Animalia – Mollusca – Gastropoda – Pulmonata – Helicoidea – Helicidae

Overview Cornu hermitheum is a large, sentient snail species distinguished by its unique behaviors, peculiar dietary habits, and suspected extraterrestrial origins. Thought to have traveled across space as stowaways on various spacecraft (one of these being the legendary Hermitheus, where this species was first described in 2020), these snails have established minor populations on the planets HC-7 and HC-10, where they have garnered widespread curiosity for their apparent intelligence and unusual bonding behavior with humans.

Physical Description Cornu hermitheum exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males of the species have a thick, stout head, whereas females display a more elongated, tall, and slender head shape. Their shells bear a striking resemblance to that of their terrestrial relative, Cornu aspersum, yet are more varied in coloration, ranging across a spectrum of hues. Individuals typically display a single, uniform color, which can help identify them in mixed environments.

Ecology and Distribution Though rare and technically classified as critically endangered, C. hermitheum appears to self-regulate its population density. Individual snails are spread sparsely across HC-7 and HC-10, where they avoid overpopulation, suggesting an innate control over reproduction or dispersal.

Behavior and Intelligence Cornu hermitheum exhibits sentience and sapience, with intelligence rivaling that of a human. They are known for their mischievous tendencies and a particular curiosity for human-made objects and structures. They frequently engage in “nibbling” activities, which involve consuming parts of buildings, furniture, or machinery—often to the chagrin of their human companions. Notably, this nibbling extends to a wide array of materials, from wood and stone to metals and synthetics, though whether they derive nutrition from such items remains unclear.

Their intelligence also enables them to use tools skillfully, and they have been observed in acts of creativity and problem-solving. Individuals can form bonds with humans, often following or attempting to interact with those they find interesting, showcasing emotional depth unusual for gastropods.

Reproduction and Cloning On rare occasions, C. hermitheum individuals exhibit unusual gigantism, growing to sizes significantly larger than typical specimens. This gigantism can culminate in spontaneous fission, resulting in the production of genetically identical clones. These clones retain the knowledge and personality traits of the original individual, allowing them to continue preestablished bonds and habits. It is unknown if C. hermitheum is capable of non-asexual methods of reproduction, for mating between specimens has never been witnessed. However, the sexual dimorphism present in this species suggests sexual reproduction is indeed possible.

Conservation Status Despite their self-regulated population numbers, Cornu hermitheum remains critically endangered due to their limited spread across planets and low reproduction rate. However, their survival appears to hinge less on external conservation efforts and more on their own population dynamics, making their preservation a unique area of study for xenobiologists.

Cornu vitaserie

Taxonomy: Animalia – Mollusca – Gastropoda – Pulmonata – Helicoidea – Helicidae

Overview Cornu vitaserie is a uniquely small, intelligent, and emotionally perceptive snail species that shares a close evolutionary lineage with Cornu hermitheum. Discovered in 2024 on planet LS-6, C. vitaserie is believed to be an artificially modified derivative of its larger relative, displaying features that suggest genetic engineering by an unknown entity. The species is both biologically and physically immortal, showing no aging or susceptibility to physical harm, though its reproductive capabilities remain unexplored. Its distinctive behaviors and unique bonding characteristics make it a fascinating, albeit somewhat hazardous subject for study.

Physical Description Although physically smaller than C. hermitheum, C. vitaserie displays remarkable morphological diversity. Unlike its relative, which has distinct sexual dimorphism based on shape, C. vitaserie exhibits visual differentiation through coloration patterns rather than physical structure. Individuals display a wide array of vibrant patterns and colors, with new bonds triggering color adaptations that resemble aspects of their host. Some specimens have even been observed to develop hair-like growth on their head between their eyestalks, matching the color of their host's hair and even the volume thereof.

Perhaps the most visually striking feature of C. vitaserie is the pinwheel-shaped, rainbow-colored membrane that it can retract into the top of its shell. This membrane serves both as a means of propulsion to launch the snail vertically (via a coiled release that builds up tension like a propeller) and as a parachute, allowing it to glide safely back to the ground. It can translocate itself vertically upwards of twenty meters to reach its host if separated, using the membrane for a controlled descent. For shorter distances, C. vitaserie can perform a brief teleportation-like translocation of up to three meters, although it refrains from both behaviors unless absolutely necessary.

Behavior and Bonding Similar to its relative, C. vitaserie is highly intelligent and forms deep bonds with specific humans, or “hosts.” Unlike the more mischievous C. hermitheum, C. vitaserie is known for its affectionate nature, persistently seeking the proximity of its host and showing no inclination for independent exploration. The species’ attachment is intense, and it displays a strong homing instinct, utilizing its vertical translocation ability when necessary to reunite with its host.

Venom and Toxicity One of C. vitaserie’s most perplexing traits is its potent, host-specific venom. This toxin, unique in its specificity, instantly incapacitates its host upon contact, inducing unconsciousness and loss of brain function; repeated contact can be fatal. Despite its intensity, the venom is harmless to other individuals and species, even those with genetic similarities to the host. Research into the venom’s biochemical composition and mechanism of action has been paused due to ethical concerns, as its specificity makes containment and study difficult.

When immersed in water for more than thirty seconds, C. vitaserie can release its toxin into the surrounding medium, which disperses in both air and water. This trait poses challenges in containing the species, as even indirect contact with its host can activate its toxic effects.

Diet and Ingestion Capabilities Like C. hermitheum, C. vitaserie can consume a wide variety of materials, including organic and inorganic substances, with particular efficiency. Despite this ability, C. vitaserie refrains from unnecessary structural damage or material consumption and appears to be driven more by sustenance and comfort, but will not hesitate to consume anything else in its path in pursuit of said comfort.

Immunity and Longevity C. vitaserie is biologically immortal, lacking any sign of natural aging or mortality. Additionally, this species appears immune to physical harm, with no recorded injuries or adverse effects from environmental hazards. The underlying xenobiological mechanisms of this resilience remain unknown.

Curiously, C. vitaserie shows no indication of reproductive behavior, rendering it incapable of self-propagation. Its population remains limited, suggesting that its immortality may be an engineered response to its reproductive limitations.

Conservation and Ethical Concerns C. vitaserie’s unique characteristics present ethical challenges and concerns regarding its origin and interactions with human hosts. Its venom, attachment behavior, and physical immortality raise questions about the intentionality behind its creation and how best to accommodate the species in human-inhabited areas. Current research is constrained by safety precautions, and many questions remain regarding its genetic and behavioral complexities.

[godisasimp]

Guys do any of you know what the hell is the drawing on the dorm card.

[chocolix76]

I feel like Solar Flare and Jack's existence is extremely messed up. In this essay I will.

I want to start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE Solar Flare and Jack and I'm happy they are/were in the show. My problem is the way they were created and why.

Both Lunar and Bloodmoon were originally created to be tools for Eclipse, just as Solar Flare and Jack were created to be tools. The difference is that Lunar and Bloodmoon were created sentient. They both had the ability to recognize that Eclipse was abusing them and were aware of the fact that they were tools. Both of them had the power to actively change their fates, or at least attempt to. Solar Flare didn't have that ability. Jack doesn't have that ability either.

While Solar Flare's existence wasn't at all surprising to me considering what Eclipse did with Lunar and Bloodmoon, it caught me off guard that he wasn't sentient. That's a problem for many reasons considering he wouldn't know he was being mistreated or that he didn't want to serve the purpose he was built for. Yes, he grew more sentient as time went on, but think about it. He was built and then a little while later, Eclipse took over his body and forced Solar Flare back into the headspace where they both later died. Solar Flare never actually got a chance to live.

Jack on the other hand was created to protect Lunar. He no longer has that purpose because he annoyed and angered Lunar when he simply didn't know better. Jack also has the problem where he can't escape his situation and is stuck doing the bidding of others because yet again, he doesn't know better. But what irks me with Jack is the fact that he was created by Solar and was neglected and ignored the same way that Eclipse had done with his creations. In his attempts to please Lunar, Solar left behind his own creation which now no longer has a purpose

[eileen-crys]

I totally feel how bad Brian May might be feeling now, he said he felt "violated" by seeing that AI video of himself.

I know that because it's what artists have been feeling for the past few years as AI stole their work, their art, their essence and yes even their faces. Photographer, model and artists Jingna Zhang found her face being replicated and warped thousands of times in Midjourney's Discord, "Words can't describe how dehumanizing it is to see my name used 20.000+ times in Midjourney. My life's work and who I am - reduced to meaningless fodder for a commercial image slot machine. [...] I've been called ungrateful, arrogant, dramatic, entitled -because I expressed how heartbreaking it is to see generative AI reduce my life, experiences and choices into nothing more than a keyword." (Source)

The illustrator Kelly McKernan found AI images replacing her art when people search for her name on Google and she was forced to open a lawsuit about it.

"Screaming, crying, throwing up (in my heart). Last night, out of morbid curiosity, I searched my own name. There it is - counterfeit AI “art” made by someone choosing to violate my name, my identity, and my unethically scraped artwork.

How am I to compete with these doppelgänger monstrosities, when one person can generate a lifetime’s worth of images with my name in hours? It only took a year for this to happen to me. And I’m far from the only one being displaced by counterfeit art created by stealing my own.

This was supposed to be my 11th year as a full time artist, but I’m sorry to share that I’m not longer making ends meet with my art alone. The timing is not a coincidence.

AI is theft."

So, just to get things right, Brian's case is not an isolated one, and the same thing has been happening for years because of all the endorsment and validation generative AI has gotten, it's out of control. This is why Queen's use of generative AI in The Night Comes Down music video is more linked to Brian's identity theft than you might imagine. They used the same technology that's built on stealing other people's likeness and works, they're enabling, appreciating and validating it. Please don't be nitpicky just because Brian pities you.

[starflungwaddledee]

alright. look, we're going to go into this because i genuinely want to think you didn't mean harm by this, but it's unacceptable to use this sort of manipulative phrasing. especially with strangers, some of whom are kids.

this is not a call-out. i've hidden all names except my own. i just need to address this post i was tagged in, and don't want to add it onto the end of the original post. i could also have done this privately, but i want this to be here for the other folks who were @'d. i won't @ anyone else who was mentioned in this post, but many of us are mutuals, so if you see this post and you're feeling at all stressed out or bad, i recommend just clicking through because i'm going to go into this.

firstly, and i'm going to make this transparent, person who @'d me: i don't think you're being malicious or did anything purposefully bad. i don't think you intended harm or that you are "a bad person". i don't have a single negative thought about you as a person. i don't make this post to be mean. i truly think you made an earnest mistake that could easily have hurt others, and i am stepping in with the hope this can be avoided in the future! per my usual boundaries on reassurance seeking, i will not reassure about this further.

secondly, the post that you tacked this onto IS important and a helpful resource, and it is great to bring attention to it. we should be doing everything we can to not only defend against, but actively fight back against generative AI. many people cannot access the most commonly recommended tools (myself included), so a resource like this is fantastic and i'm glad to learn about it and share it! i don't speak for anyone else, but i've said before that i personally don't mind being tagged in resources that could help me or others and i'm usually happy to share them, especially if i think the latter

but, assuming that you are genuinely well meaning and don't know better, you need to know that this is not the way to go about it. i don't mean mass-tagging, which is fine in times like this imo, i mean your written add-ons that actively guilt trip every single person you tagged.

"if you weren't convinced by the idea of being a good person" and "I do hope anyone I @'d isn't a bad person" in particular.

you may not have realised, but these are profoundly manipulative and cruel things to say. regardless of how you intended them, they are inciting guilt in the reader, and especially in the people who you actively called to come and look at it. here's what it sounds like:

"hey! you! yeah you! come look at this!! come closer! now, do what i ask you to do, or you're a bad person."

there are a million and one reasons someone might not reblog something. being tired, offline, anxious, even needing to run a specifically professional blog with exclusively your art on it for your own financial survival which makes it hard to reblog important posts like this; none of those are bad.

in this case, only one thing makes them a "bad person", and it's "they're pro-generative AI and did not reblog because they want to hide this information to ensure they can continue stealing from creatives".

i'm fairly confident you don't actually think anyone you tagged here has that point of view, or that you really have any doubts about their stances on generative AI. in fact, of the folks i recognise here, they're all independent creatives, sharing artwork with fandom for free on the internet. they are the victims of generative AI, and like most of us, are facing a terrifying future and are already desperate to find a way to defend/fight back.

you do not need to use manipulative language like this to get us to care about this sort of content! this affects us all, content creators and content consumers alike!

in future if you want to direct folks to something like this, which is super helpful and it was good of you to do!, you can just @ them so they see it. you can even say something like "this is important and some reblogs would sure help to boost it!". this is still a call to action, but without the manipulative phrasing, just in case they cannot act for any reason.

in the end, guilt tripping people like this, intentional or otherwise, is dangerous.

at best it will make them feel like shit and they'll feel forced to reblog + share from you out of guilt rather than just believing in the cause. and sometimes it feels like it's most effective, especially when things are urgent; but in my opinion the risk of harm is just too high. because at worst, you could accidentally send someone into a negative thinking spiral. you can never know what people are going through offline, or outside of your spaces, and how something like this will hit them.

[dreaminterlude]

i had to talk to a student today that might have been using chatgpt to write their discussion posts 😵‍💫

[eddiediaaz]

at the call center there's an AI transcript tool that listens to our calls and it often helps, but sometimes...sometimes it gives us such funny moments, such as:

it's really hard not to laugh during a call sometimes kdsfjndsfdfs