7 Comments
Jul 2Liked by Jackie Bryant

Hi — I'm a subscriber and first-time commenter. I enjoy your writing and this newsletter so much, but I needed to say something after yesterday's piece. I would like to suggest to you, if possible, to not use AI art to illustrate your newsletter. I find it aesthetically unpleasing and I don't like what it portends for human artists. I would rather see generic, stock or Creative Commons art than AI-generated stuff. I appreciate what you do and I want to keep supporting your work, and I hope you'll take this into consideration. Thank you!

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After thinking about this a lot the last few days, I’ve decided I’m done experimenting. You’ll see no more from me. Thanks for commenting, again!

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Jul 4·edited Jul 4

Hey, I meant to respond earlier, but I really appreciate the thoughtful response. I feel like I was a little out of line and my initial comment now sounds overly whiny/judgmental to me. I appreciate that you're also a creative worker in a challenging time and I shouldn't have been nagging you for using one of the tools available to you. I also realize I'll have to adapt to a future with AI despite my misgivings (which are as much about the aesthetics as anything else). I want to keep supporting your work either way. Please keep it up, know that it is appreciated, and thanks again.

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But perhaps to your point, I’ll make sure I note where I used it, what prompt I use, and why I did so. I think that’s worth discussing, personally!!

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Jul 2·edited Jul 2Author

Comment heard, it’s an experiment I’m doing as a creative person who makes art, myself! It’s not just visual artists who contend with AI and I find it an interesting experiment to see how it interprets prompts from an illegal culture. I probably won’t continue, but I’m having fun exploring it and considering its implications. Also, I really don’t make a lot (or any money), so it’s a constant creative challenge to illustrate this newsletter cheaply and well. If folks donated, that would be easier for me to do! Anyway, it’s something I’m having fun with, and I hear your concerns, I probably won’t use it all the time or I’m sure I’ll stop, honestly. Still, please consider that I’m ALSO a creative worker whose livelihood is threatened by AI and who is trying to contend with the fact it’s not going away on a very limited budget. Most likely, we will have to find a way to live with it, and I’m trying to do just that. Thanks for commenting!

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This article shows how tough life is in federal prison, especially with all the rules around drug use and cannabis. It’s surprising how much focus is on punishment instead of helping people. If you want to find some good cannabis products, I suggest checking out geticglass.com for some quality choices.

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It's fascinating, yet disappointing, to see how even something like weed becomes a game of political poker inside these walls. The dynamics of access, control, and favoritism reveal a lot about challenges within the system. Thanks for shedding light on this lesser-known aspect of prison life. Cheers!

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