On using AI responsibly, admitting when I do, and why I still won’t turn on Pangram
Generative AI has been around for years and comes in many forms. Most of the time, people use AI without even realizing it. Siri, Cortana, Alexa—all AI, just in different packages. When I came to Substack, I never imagined I’d encounter such passionate crusaders for righteousness in the form of Anti-AI advocates or people who decry AI Slop whenever it appears. While AI certainly has its place, there are times when its usage is inappropriate, so it’s crucial that when we use it, we do so responsibly and with intention.
As a software engineer who works primarily in AI systems, I see both the merit and dangers of AI. I often caution people that using AI in certain fields—like writing—can stifle the creative process. The technology is powerful, but it can also flatten the unique voice that makes creative work compelling. I’ve seen a lot of content on Substack that is AI-assisted, fully AI-generated, and some work where I think AI would actually be helpful. Regardless, I believe the usage should be a personal choice, and whether rightly or wrongly, that choice should be respected.
Where I draw my own line
I personally don’t use AI in my writing. If I did, it would pull me toward the safe zone where characters don’t get the comeuppance they so richly deserve. The algorithm wants smooth edges and predictable arcs, and that’s not how I write.
I do occasionally employ AI in an editorial capacity, and narrowly at that. Since I write primarily in first person present tense, “tense slippage” can happen from time to time, so ensuring a document maintains consistency throughout is where AI excels. I’ve also used AI to generate character names and locations, and for research purposes. For example, in All the Time in the World, I gave Jackson the background of Navy helicopter pilot—I needed to know what his rank would be, the time it takes to warm up a chopper, and that the “stick” used to move the chopper’s rotors is called the “Collective”. I didn’t know these details off the top of my head, and to remain factually accurate, AI came in clutch.
Now, while I respect people using AI in whatever form they choose, I don’t respect those who use it and then lie about it. That’s disingenuous and undermines trust between creator and audience. But again, I’m not here to call anyone out or shame anyone.
Where the images and video come from
When it comes to images and video, some images come from various X, BlueSky, and other social accounts. I don’t claim ownership of those. Some images and videos are generated using AI. The tools I use for generating these include ChatGPT, OpenArt.AI, Venice.AI, Google Veo, and similar platforms.
Why I won’t turn on Pangram
As far as the AI software Pangram that Substack employs, I never intend to turn that on. We already live in a world where most of our creative work is stolen, scraped, or used in various capacities including AI training, and as someone who works in this field, I see and can vouch for the dangers. Utilizing a detection tool like Pangram doesn’t totally mitigate that risk, but it does add a layer of exposure that I’m not willing to accept. So while I personally choose not to participate, I still want to be transparent with you as much humanly possible—did you see what I did there.
Happy reading, folks.
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