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Writer's pictureRIck LeCouteur

AI and the Written Word: Protecting authors in a digital era

Updated: 6 days ago



 Imagine a world where your carefully crafted stories fuel the creativity of AI,

reaching audiences you never dreamed of - but at what cost?

 

As publishers and technologists navigate the intersection of literature and artificial intelligence, authors are left wondering: will this new frontier amplify their voices or overshadow their artistry?

 

Should Authors’ Work be Available to Large Language Models (LLMs)?

 

As an author, particularly one with a passion for creating children's picture books that celebrate animals, the environment, and themes of resilience, the concept of making my work accessible to Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT is a compelling yet complex issue. LLMs have revolutionized the way people access and interact with knowledge, but their integration into the literary world has sparked a debate about copyright, ethics, and the future of storytelling.

 

The Potential Benefits

 

There’s no denying the enormous potential that LLMs offer when they are trained on high-quality literary works. These AI tools can make literature more accessible, spark interest in underappreciated genres, and even inspire young writers and illustrators.

 

  • Global Reach: By incorporating literary works into their training data, LLMs can summarize, discuss, and even promote books to a wider audience. Imagine a child in a remote village discovering the magic of storytelling through an AI that introduces them to the themes of your book.

  • Educational Use: LLMs are increasingly used in classrooms. If my books, which focus on animals and the environment, were part of their dataset, it could encourage young readers to explore these important themes.

  • Support for the Next Generation of Creators: By analyzing the structure, themes, and artistic elements of existing works, aspiring writers and illustrators can learn the craft in a way that feels personalized and inspiring.

  • Preservation of Stories: Making work available to LLMs could ensure that stories are preserved in digital formats, preventing them from fading into obscurity.

 

The Concerns

 

Despite the benefits, there are valid concerns that arise from allowing publishers to make work accessible to LLMs.

 

  • Copyright and Compensation: Authors pour their hearts and years of effort into their creations. If a publisher makes these works available to LLMs without proper compensation or attribution, it risks devaluing the creator's effort. How do we ensure fair remuneration for authors whose work contributes to an AI model's capabilities?

  • Dilution of Originality: While LLMs can produce derivative content, there’s a risk that they might inadvertently dilute the unique voice and style of an author. For creators of children's books, this is particularly important, as the tone and artistry are integral to the magic of the story.

  • Ethical Misuse: If an AI generates new stories or educational content based on an author’s work without proper oversight, it could misrepresent the original intent or propagate inaccuracies.

  • Impact on Small Authors: For authors like me who are not household names, the risk of their work being overshadowed by AI-generated adaptations is significant. The struggle for recognition becomes even harder when AI can generate similar content more quickly.

 

Finding Common Ground

 

As with any disruptive technology, the key lies in balance.

 

Publishers, authors, and AI developers must work together to ensure a fair and ethical use of literary works.

 

  • Opt-In Systems: Authors and illustrators should have the choice to make their work available for training LLMs. This empowers creators to decide how their intellectual property is used.

  • Transparent Agreements: Publishers should communicate with authors about their intentions to share works with AI companies. Clear contracts outlining compensation and usage terms are essential.

  • Attribution and Promotion: If a work is included in an LLM’s training data, the model should reference the original author whenever possible. For instance, an AI recommending my book on the Australian white ibis should mention my name and provide links to purchase or learn more.

  • Revenue Sharing: Publishers and AI developers could establish revenue-sharing agreements to ensure that authors benefit financially from the use of their work in LLM training.

  • Ethical Guidelines for AI Content: Clear guidelines on how AI can use existing works to create new content would help preserve the integrity of the original material.

 

Rick’s Commentary

 

As someone deeply invested in storytelling, education, and the environment, I see immense value in technology that can spread these messages far and wide. But as a creator, I also feel protective of the voice and artistry that make each book unique.

 

  • The idea that an AI generating derivative works without my involvement is unsettling.

  • The possibility of reaching new audiences and inspiring future generations is undeniably exciting.

         

Ultimately, the decision to make my work available to LLMs would depend on the assurances provided by publishers and AI developers. Respect for intellectual property, fair compensation, and ethical usage are non-negotiable. If those standards are met, I’d be open to seeing how technology can amplify the impact of my books and the messages they carry.

 

This is a conversation that authors, publishers, and technologists need to have together. The story of how we navigate this new frontier will shape the future of literature - and I, for one, am hopeful that we can craft a narrative that honors creativity while embracing innovation.

 

 

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