An Update from Vocal on AI-Generated Content

When we first heard about ChatGPT, we were excited, curious, and a bit trepidatious. How would this invention create a new normal for our community of creators? We could see the potential to enhance our own existing workflows and creative processes, but also the difficulties this technological innovation might pose for Vocal. As a platform that prides ourselves on elevating the original work of our creators, the idea that anyone could generate a 600 word story in seconds was intimidating.

It's undeniable that AI technology is incredibly powerful and full of potential for a wide breadth of applications. In the fall of 2022, we joyfully experimented with DALL·E 2, a free AI text to image generator, to generate the cover image for Christopher Paolini's Fantasy Fiction Challenge. We even encouraged creators to use it to generate their own hero images for their stories. In a world previously limited to free, stock photos (or original art), DALL·E 2, Midjourney, and other free AI text to image generators have unlocked the ability to beautifully illustrate stories like never before.

With the emergence and rapid development of AI technology, creators may generate an unprecedented volume of content quickly and easily. We have noticed the increasing popularity of this type of content on our own platform. Although deep down we wish we could recognize AI-generated content immediately (we have seen tools being developed to do just that) and remove it from the platform, we strive to consistently embrace change with agility and allow creators to create how they see fit. As a technology company, we will not take a hard stance against AI-generated content. However, there are guidelines that should be followed to create trust within our community and elevate the best quality of content for our readers.

What is Vocal's stance on AI-generated content?

It is important to recognize that AI-generated content should be used with discretion. Although AI technology can quickly generate large amounts of content, it is not always a reliable source of information. AI-generated content should not be used as a substitute for the hard work created for and cherished by the Vocal community. Creators looking to monetize their work should also be aware that a ChatGPT-generated listicle will not give them the engaging content needed to foster readership and a community of subscribers.

AI-generated content on Vocal should be labeled clearly as such. This labeling should be included at the beginning of the content itself as well as in any accompanying materials, whether it be links to AI-generated content or AI-generated images within the story. All AI-generated content should also be clearly attributed to the AI software that generated it. If you dabble with AI-generated content on Vocal, it is important to also be aware of the potential for copyright infringement.

We believe the rise of AI-generated content does not represent the death of creativity. While it can automate certain tasks or surface useful content, it should not displace the human imagination and experience. ChatGPT is simply a tool that can potentially help writers and other content creators be more productive and efficient, freeing up time and energy to focus on their creative work. As AI tech continues to develop, so will our policy towards AI-generated content. At this time, any content that utilizes AI to support its creation must contain a disclaimer.

How can AI platforms like ChatGPT enhance the Vocal community?

We do recognize several benefits to AI-generated content, such as:

Writing Assistance: AI can assist writers in generating new ideas, finding the right words, and improving grammar and syntax. It can also provide suggestions for alternative phrasing and help writers find the right tone for their content.

Research Assistance: AI can help writers with research by providing quick access to information and helping writers find relevant sources.

Collaboration: AI can facilitate collaboration between writers by allowing them to share ideas, provide feedback, and make suggestions in real-time.

Time Management: By automating routine tasks such as data entry and research, AI can help writers save time and focus on their writing.

Personalized Feedback: AI can provide writers with personalized feedback on their writing, including suggestions for improvement and constructive criticism. This can help writers identify areas for growth and make them better over time.

Have you tried out ChatGPT? How has AI impacted your creative process or day-to-day life? What do you think can be done to create an equitable creative space and ensure the livelihood of human creators? Let us know in the comments below.