Hey YOU! STOP IT!
Seriously, I don't want your ChatGPT generated comments on my stories.
Last night, I finally submitted my first story for the Tall Tail challenge. It took me a long time to research and get right and I am super proud of it, actually. Vocal says it has a 4 minute read time, although, in reality it takes me closer to 2 minutes. I'm a fast reader, as many of you are, I'm sure! Whatever, that's fine if every single read doesn't count. I enjoy the interaction with other authors in the comments more anyway!
Less than 2 minutes after I published my story, I noticed that I already had a comment notification... cool but weird!
One of my awesome subscribers must be up late reading and a speed reader too, I thought.
Then I saw the comment on my barely published story. It was PARAGRAPHS of superficially insightful and vague commentary on my story. It also called me "Author"... I immediately felt annoyed and insulted. I almost reported the comment but... instead I just said, "thanks!"
And then I went to that profile page and saw a ChatGPT article right at the top and it alllllll made sense. I replied again to see if you were even monitoring responses to your "comments."
And you commented AGAIN. Not in reply to me...another AI generated BS comment on the same story! And another one of my stories!
Come on, you can try harder than that...
These aren't your typical obvious spammy comments with "nice! Read mine now and tip me!" or "male enhancement pills for CHEAP! CLICK HERE!"
You know what though? It's still spam. And it is still really annoying.
I wouldn't be offended if you said you didn't care for my story. But you? You didn't even read my story. You either copied and pasted it into ChapGPT and told the AI to write a positive comment about it, or even more lazily, maybe you have a program that does this all for you automatically.
What's your point though? Do you do this to everyone? Have you noticed that I try really hard to reciprocate reads and comments?
I checked a few recent top stories and, shockingly (not) there you were again, and you weren't alone... there were several lovely, considered, kind, supportive, AI generated comments.
Honestly, some are pretty good and hard to tell apart from real comments and that is a little bit scary.
Is this the newest strategy to beef up your own reads?
I really love comments. I even love the one or two word ones. I appreciate that someone took the time to look through my story and let me know that they stopped by or that they like the photo I chose.
I don't want your ChatGPT comments though.
Because you were never really here.
In case you'll listen to ChatGPT about this, I asked it to explain why you shouldn't use ChatGPT in this way.
Here is what your little buddy had to say...
"As an AI language model, ChatGPT can generate responses based on the input it receives. However, it is not a substitute for genuine human interaction and empathy. Using ChatGPT to leave comments on other people's stories may come across as insincere and lacking in emotional depth. Moreover, the use of AI-generated comments can potentially undermine the authenticity and genuineness of online interactions. It is important to engage with others in a meaningful and authentic way, which requires genuine effort, empathy, and communication skills that an AI language model like ChatGPT cannot replicate."
So yeah, cut it out, okay?
Here is my Tall Tails story if you'd like to try to be a person again.
and here is Vocal's stance on AI generated content as well. Maybe you can at least have the courtesy to label your AI generated comments as such so no one bothers actually trying to engage with you?
About the Creator
Donna Renee
Hi! Thanks for reading! My hobbies include making coffee, drinking coffee, and starting to write a story and then rage-deleting it when I get the slightest bit frustrated.
Work in Progress: WOWH, cozy mystery (paranormal elements)
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Keep reading
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Comments (18)
Wow... I didn't even know this was a thing... I'm rattled, to be honest! I knew some people used this tool to generate story ideas or as a ghost written but I didn't know they might use it to generate more readers....... That's gross and I'm sorry that was happening to you!
I am up late reading people’s stories I missed… well, up late for me, anyways. So far, I only got one AI comment, but I wasn’t annoyed. I found it funny. I think it’s all going to blow over soon. Maybe I’m just an incurable optimist, but I think this is like a social experiment… one that will prove how invaluable human writers are.
it is six in the morning and I am on my second cup of coffee - we have so much in common. I found you through Shane's rabbit story - thought I would check your stuff...I do not think I have had anAI comment..Hardly anyone reads my stuff- (not including the dream poem thing). When they do read it, they mostly don't get it - hence Shane's skimming comment. In any case I am off to read your tale story. Best regards, Ward
I’m getting so sick on being spammed on Vocal, and sad to say, it’s mostly AI stuff as well as folks link dropping. And so many times now, I see a new subscriber, but when I click to view their profile, I see a mountain of ‘posts’ that are obviously AI generated without even the courtesy of labelling them as such. This behaviour will ruin every creative platform if we can’t find a way around it. I’m reporting spam every time now instead of ignoring it. This stuff makes me so sad and angry. Nice response, Donna 💕🙂
Omggg I saw that comment on your Octopus Dilemma story! I have never gotten a comment from that person, thank God. But it's so scary, like why even make these AI generated comments? And you said that some of these comments on Top Stories really seem legit. Makes me think how many of those I fell for. The world is being taken over by AI. It's so unsettling!
I get a lot of spam, but I have not assumed it was ShatGPT (sorry...how did I create such a typo?)...until now. Thank you for this one. Now, back to my scribbles...
Damn! It's getting wild in this space. I've started reporting anything that looks like spam now. I still love Vocal though. Mainly because as writers, we can sniff a fake from a real one. And if we're not sure, we check in with each other 👍.
Yes, they just do it to get attention and clicks. And it works. ;-) I just report them for spam and move on...
I got some andthe person was impersonating a real author, contacted the author and Vocal and that account and comments have gone. Excellent pertinent piece
thanks. i had no idea this was going on. as usual a great response
Oh, I hear ya. I got a couple of comments from that "person" myself. Ugh
Thank you for sharing your insight into this major issue. I'm so sorry you're getting inundated with spam AI comments. I think your writing is great and engaging. And great job on the challenge submission!
HaHa! Where'd you get the image? Perfect! I taught Lit for 30 Years (I know, right?) and with all this new AI Cheatbot BS I'm sooooo glad I'm retired. Great reminder to watch out for the endless horde of lazy sleazebags and arm-chair influencers who are busy ruining life for people who actually want to live it! Thanks Donna; you rock!
Got one, too! OMG! Scary, annoying and weird! I was just doing a cranky write-up myself long the same lines, but yours is soooo much better! 👀
I just watched Last Week Tonight's episode the other day where they discussed ChatGPT and the (poor) ethics around it. Your tall tail challenge story was really well developed and written! You should be proud of yourself :D
Also, dang. I was so excited when I opened the comment on my own story... It's like getting mail addressed with "real" handwriting, that you only realize after opening is for a timeshare or life insurance.
Here is another reason why your concerns regarding AI authorship are warranted: https://vocal.media/families/navigating-the-complexities-of-being-a-black-man (by the same commenter as you flagged)
I was dying at K.M. Weiland's response! What a hoot. I agree with you wholeheartedly, the spam and AI comments are becoming more and more frequent. I DID love your story. Keep up the great writing