Geek Native publishes an AI content policy

The rise in machine learning to help create text and images has and will continue to significantly impact publishing, creation and creativity.

In the RPG space, companies like OneBookShelf (DMsGuild, DriveThruRPG, etc.) have an AI policy, and Getty Images has banned machine-learning generated pictures for resale, whereas other platforms embrace it. For example, in 2006, the FT explored how Thomson used computers to automatically turn earning results into proper articles.

Geek Native’s Patreon raises money to pay human creators. The cash kindly given by site supporters is spent on article or art commissions, not site costs. But, this has been challenged by some readers. Why not offset losses, not pay for art and use technology instead?

Today, Geek Native has published an AI content policy.

It says;

• A goal of the site is to support Geek Native as a sustainable business model.
• Therefore money raised will go to pay for human-created articles and art.
• However, machine learning technology is used as well, and at the time of writing, that includes;
  • Grammarly is used for spellchecking and grammar.
  • Quillbot is used for spellchecking, grammar and helping to re-write press releases and blurbs.
  • IMG Larger is used to enhance thumbnails or upscale other images.
  • Midjourney is used to produce some images.

It also says;

• When (as with this post) an article contains AI-generated art that that use will be fully disclosed.

The AI content policy will be revised as it is expected the rapid pace of development and use cases will continue. Reader feedback is also likely.

The hope is that this level of transparency is helpful and appreciated; while it’s acknowledged, not everyone will be happy with it. It’s a challenging field, mistakes will be made, and lessons learnt. The site’s health through machine assistance and people’s concerns are appreciated, while the ethical considerations around machine learning and copyright are very strong.