AI as a Tool: Use with Caution
Using AI as an artist and using AI as a business owner are two different things—with two different lists of pros and cons.
AI is a tool.
As with any tool, you can use it for good or use it for bad. For example, if we see a woman in a white straitjacket walking toward us with a scalpel in her hand on the NYC subway, we'd be frightened.
If we were on an operating table needing a life-saving procedure and that same woman came walking toward us with a scalpel in her hand and wearing a white doctor's jacket, we'd be relieved.
Protecting My Brand - and Yours - From Lawsuits
I'm a content creator for both writers and authors through my Path To Publishing author and publishing assistance boutique. I'm a content creator and storytelling business subject matter expert for businesses and organizations through my Path To Connections brand.
Because people trust me with their words, stories, and content and have a level of expectation that I will protect their content and/or any content created on their behalf, I have certain forms of insurance in place to protect me, my business, and the content I create—author insurance, publisher insurance, general and professional insurance, etc. Learn more in my "Build Your Book Business" curriculum that you can purchase at pathtopublishing.com/conferencestore.
After all, we live in a litigation-happy society. Several of my colleagues have been part of plagiarism and copyright infringement lawsuits in the past. And although they may have won the lawsuit, they suffered the loss of their homes, properties, and assets fighting them. I encourage everyone who creates content to have the necessary insurance in place and take my "Build Your Book Business" course, especially if you claim that your book is your business.
As an almost 55-year-old "marginalized" artist and "marginalized" business owner, from my first job to my first book, I've had to fight for my voice to be heard, so even if lawsuit and insurance risks weren't factors, I don't believe I could hand over my voice (or my work) to another voice captor. Not after the battles and wars I’ve had to fight and, in some cases, am still fighting. And not after being part of a class action lawsuit where twenty of my books and publications were unlawfully used to train AI.
Because a huge part of my vision and mission—in business, in life, and as an artist—involves teaching, mentoring, nurturing, training, equipping, educating, and empowering others to build their own books and build their own businesses where they can share “their” voice loudly, quietly, softly, boldly, fiercely, confidently, unapologetically, etc., I still have time to work with human beings.
So, I haven't resorted to directly using AI to automate any areas of my business. I use high school and college interns and paid employees and team members . . . who are now or are also building, growing, and running empires of their own! Due to skills, experience, and expertise they received doing tasks that I could have easily had AI doing. But as long as I have the time and money to work with and employ humans, I will. That's my personal choice, pledge, obligation, and assignment.
But let's face it, AI is not going anywhere. You don't have to like it, but you kinda gotta get used to it. Another thing: AI is not new. It just has a bunch of new names and it's been enhanced over the years.
We've been using AI—knowingly and unknowingly—for quite some time. Now we just have to be mindful (of others) when directly, indirectly, knowingly using it.
I have to close by quoting one of my O.G., veteran literary artists, Shannon Holmes, when I say just “B-More Careful” out here in these AI streets.
Blessings!
 P.S. And for any authors and publishers having difficulties making money with their written content and books, make Your Book Is Your Business: Money-Making Sales Strategies by Joylynn M. Ross the first tool you reach for in your literary toolbox! |
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