I'm old enough to remember when people thought using word processor programs with grammar check was "cheating" and you weren't a real writer unless you wrote everything by hand or used a manual typewriter. And that's not even a joke.
The arguments against AI sound the same to me. Every new tool is the end of the world for some people until it is finally just accepted.
Concerning the environmental impact, AI isn’t uniquely wasteful. Every cloud service, digital service, Google, Netflix, even power plants, consumes water and energy. The real issue is efficiency, and tech companies are already working on sustainability.
Plus, AI isn’t just an energy drain; it's a tool that is used to help by optimizing grids, predicting wildfires, and reducing waste in industries. The benefits far outweigh the costs if used wisely.
We can't just overlook AI’s vast potential to enhance human productivity in writing, research, education, medicine, and countless other fields. AI can help researchers find cures faster, assist students in learning more efficiently, and even support disaster response efforts. Dismissing AI due to current inefficiencies ignores its transformative potential.
Should we push for better practices? Yes. Should we refuse to use it or shut it down? No. Singling out AI while ignoring other resource heavy tech seems unfair and unnecessary.
well said! Powerful tools are dangerous. You can cut off your hand with a table saw. The solution is not to go back to sawing by hand; it's to learn to use your tools with expertise.
I remember that "advice" from high school... you can't REALLY write unless it's with a pen and paper. It might have been true before my typing speed reached a certain level... what changed was learning to use the tool better.
I’ve spent the past 10 days or so creating my own ai assistant, specifically to turn my Substack articles into bite size social media posts that mostly sound like me, are taken directly from the original article, and are structured for each channel. I’ve trained it to have the attitude of a stroppy grad student, able to defend each and every line and explain its reasoning. This has meant I can post on all channels without stress and focus on my research, writing, and coaching, and not stress over promotion. Its success is entirely dependent on what I give it. This sounds like an interesting tool/editor.
The key with using AI as a writing aid is to train it. The more of your own words it has access to, the more what it spits out will be yours and not some generic mishmash. My creative collaborator always gives ChatGPT the instruction "Do not change my words" Or "Use my own words." You still have to go over it and mess it up a bit so that it's not quite so shiny/bland, but it saves a lot of time.
I was glad to see your post and tool yesterday Tom.
I feel like all of this AI talk is where we need to be with it right now. A tool like yours is part of a democratization process; not unlike the introduction of pro-super digital cameras was to filmmaking.
It pushes the barrier to entry - it provides some editorial assistance. [or for me check grammar-ish things and double check spelling]
AI is an editor already! HOW each of us use it will be the distinguishing factor.
I love your post. I agree with you that AI is a writing aid. If “writers” just use it for the AI to do all the work then that’s a problem. However, when a writer uses it as a tool to enhance their writing then it’s beneficial. To me it’s a faster feedback responder and honestly much cheaper. Overall I appreciate your post. Thank you for sharing!
As someone who facilitates writing workshops, I'm very very tired of hearing people say things like "I can't write - I can't even spell." Spelling has nothing to do with creativity. Good writing is primarily content, and secondarily the way it's expressed. Maybe the use of AI to fix spelling and grammar will help people realize this, and not stifle their creativity because they got school essays back covered in red pen.
I get it! I posted the following just last week. The framing is important - GenAI is an assistant and must be given the same level of scrutiny. Actually, I like to think of it as the friendly guy next to me at the bar (well, more coffee shop these day) with lots of ideas, some of which I'll listen to, all of which I'll vet for myself before taking action. https://alignandthrive.substack.com/p/writing-with-ai-how-to-align-your?r=552vsl
While I've yet to use the tool I gotta agree. AI can be one of the best forms of education out there. Its all about how you use it and what you learn from it. Just like Human editors or teachers.
I know a lot of people think that AI might make us dumber, but my friend @Max Bernstein told me the other day on a call something like “I swear it’s making me so much smarter.” I concur. I feel way smarter now than I was a few months ago after using it as an assistant/coach.
I think it comes down with how well you communicate with your AI of choice. As someone currently on the job market, ChatGPT helps me write all my cover letters with my own unique voice. I’ve “trained her” lol
I tried signing up, pasted my note in, then it wanted me to verify my email, which I did, and when I returned and pasted my note again it told me I'd run out of uses. Would love to try your tool but it refuses to allow me. Please advise!
Hey Janet! Let me know how this tool I’ve created, in your opinion, doesn’t respect author’s ideas? Especially when, to use it, they need to write up a Note of their own by themselves to input into it for feedback? The underlying idea for each Note doesn’t change at all, actually. How it’s written might change if the author chooses to take the NoteSmith’s suggestions, but the underlying stories, ideas, and perspectives are ALWAYS preserved. Looking forward to your response. :)
Look out for tomorrow’s email, Janet! :) You’l see how good it is as reflecting the writer’s style, voice, culture, and background with a few viral Notes that people had the NoteSmith edit. Can’t wait for you to see it! :)
Thank you for writing something I've wanted to articulate for a long time. I just started using AI to help me edit my work, and although it doesn't always do what I want it to do if nothing else, it can show me what direction I SHOULDN'T go in. In the case of your The NoteSmith tool, though, I've had nothing but good experiences. It tightened and reworked my usually verbose words into more concise notes.
I was afraid of using AI for a while until I realized exactly what you said - that it just takes your existing work and offers suggestions. As my mom says when I get angry at Grammarly, 'it's up to you to implement those changes'. The same goes for AI. I don't listen to it often, but sometimes, it can help me structure and refine my work. I would expect the same of a human writing coach, so I don't see how it's an issue. We're still putting the work in. :)
I won't say whether or not someone should use AI. That's for each person to decide. It certainly has a use case for when something is well-established and quick information is needed. I don't see how one decides to write as one of these cases for that matter.
My issue with it is how it's pitched as both a learning and change platform.
One, it's built from past knowledge so it's more of a knowledge perpetuating and preservation tool than it is a learning tool. I think the lines between knowledge and learning have been blurred through years of marketing toward the higher claim and it might be helpful to re-establish a difference between them.
Two, tech is simply a tool. Tech does not change underlying paradigms and models of systems. It's like thinking we can make the Toyota chassis a Ferrari by putting Ferrari panels and tech on the existing Toyota chassis.
In my own case as a photographer, I become more of an artist by working on my vision and talent for the art I produce. I don't become a better artist by relying on the camera (the tech) to tell me how to make better images. The camera simply augments my vision and talent.
So, use AI if you must or like it but let's frame it as it actually exists in a hierarchy of system levers for learning and change. Tech is simply a tool for augmenting whatever paradigm or model is already in place with the person using the tech.
I'm old enough to remember when people thought using word processor programs with grammar check was "cheating" and you weren't a real writer unless you wrote everything by hand or used a manual typewriter. And that's not even a joke.
The arguments against AI sound the same to me. Every new tool is the end of the world for some people until it is finally just accepted.
Concerning the environmental impact, AI isn’t uniquely wasteful. Every cloud service, digital service, Google, Netflix, even power plants, consumes water and energy. The real issue is efficiency, and tech companies are already working on sustainability.
Plus, AI isn’t just an energy drain; it's a tool that is used to help by optimizing grids, predicting wildfires, and reducing waste in industries. The benefits far outweigh the costs if used wisely.
We can't just overlook AI’s vast potential to enhance human productivity in writing, research, education, medicine, and countless other fields. AI can help researchers find cures faster, assist students in learning more efficiently, and even support disaster response efforts. Dismissing AI due to current inefficiencies ignores its transformative potential.
Should we push for better practices? Yes. Should we refuse to use it or shut it down? No. Singling out AI while ignoring other resource heavy tech seems unfair and unnecessary.
Jason this comment is *chef's kiss*
well said! Powerful tools are dangerous. You can cut off your hand with a table saw. The solution is not to go back to sawing by hand; it's to learn to use your tools with expertise.
I remember that "advice" from high school... you can't REALLY write unless it's with a pen and paper. It might have been true before my typing speed reached a certain level... what changed was learning to use the tool better.
I’ve spent the past 10 days or so creating my own ai assistant, specifically to turn my Substack articles into bite size social media posts that mostly sound like me, are taken directly from the original article, and are structured for each channel. I’ve trained it to have the attitude of a stroppy grad student, able to defend each and every line and explain its reasoning. This has meant I can post on all channels without stress and focus on my research, writing, and coaching, and not stress over promotion. Its success is entirely dependent on what I give it. This sounds like an interesting tool/editor.
I'm working on a similar tool to give paid subscribers next March.. stay tuned.
The key with using AI as a writing aid is to train it. The more of your own words it has access to, the more what it spits out will be yours and not some generic mishmash. My creative collaborator always gives ChatGPT the instruction "Do not change my words" Or "Use my own words." You still have to go over it and mess it up a bit so that it's not quite so shiny/bland, but it saves a lot of time.
That's actually a really good thing I could input into my prompts in the future in some way.
Go for it! Still hoping to be able to try out your Note Improver -
"Shiny/bland" is the best description I've heard of ChatGPT's tone when it's not mansplaining.
Thanks! You're so right, it does mansplain.
I was glad to see your post and tool yesterday Tom.
I feel like all of this AI talk is where we need to be with it right now. A tool like yours is part of a democratization process; not unlike the introduction of pro-super digital cameras was to filmmaking.
It pushes the barrier to entry - it provides some editorial assistance. [or for me check grammar-ish things and double check spelling]
AI is an editor already! HOW each of us use it will be the distinguishing factor.
Great job!
Thank you Brett! Cheers!!
I love your post. I agree with you that AI is a writing aid. If “writers” just use it for the AI to do all the work then that’s a problem. However, when a writer uses it as a tool to enhance their writing then it’s beneficial. To me it’s a faster feedback responder and honestly much cheaper. Overall I appreciate your post. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Mike!
As someone who facilitates writing workshops, I'm very very tired of hearing people say things like "I can't write - I can't even spell." Spelling has nothing to do with creativity. Good writing is primarily content, and secondarily the way it's expressed. Maybe the use of AI to fix spelling and grammar will help people realize this, and not stifle their creativity because they got school essays back covered in red pen.
Agree. Great points. I think everyone has to do what’s best for them, if you don’t like AI, don’t use it. Thanks for sharing! 🙏☺️
Thank you Vas ! :)
Thank you for being brave enough to tackle this here. ☺️
I get it! I posted the following just last week. The framing is important - GenAI is an assistant and must be given the same level of scrutiny. Actually, I like to think of it as the friendly guy next to me at the bar (well, more coffee shop these day) with lots of ideas, some of which I'll listen to, all of which I'll vet for myself before taking action. https://alignandthrive.substack.com/p/writing-with-ai-how-to-align-your?r=552vsl
Love it!
While I've yet to use the tool I gotta agree. AI can be one of the best forms of education out there. Its all about how you use it and what you learn from it. Just like Human editors or teachers.
I know a lot of people think that AI might make us dumber, but my friend @Max Bernstein told me the other day on a call something like “I swear it’s making me so much smarter.” I concur. I feel way smarter now than I was a few months ago after using it as an assistant/coach.
Been writing for 10 years and not a native English speaker.
AI is a tremendous help to me and I wish it came out sooner.
A little side story:
I replied to a post on Facebook.
He was asking for some help about sales.
So I suggested email marketing and used AI to organize my thoughts and give the best answer that I can.
I wasn't expecting anything...
But he got furious telling me why am I using AI lol.
Then, I found out that back in the day, he used a dictionary if he could not understand a word.
Which made me think...
What's the difference between him using a dictionary before versus people using AI today?
Oh and whenever I use AI, I always give it a sample of my style, tone and all that good stuff.
AI is the writers version of a calculator.
Great comparison!
I think it comes down with how well you communicate with your AI of choice. As someone currently on the job market, ChatGPT helps me write all my cover letters with my own unique voice. I’ve “trained her” lol
Welcome to the future, María! :)
I KNEW this post coming, and I'm so glad! Looking forward to reading it! And I will say, great catch on the title/framing of where you're coming from!
I tried signing up, pasted my note in, then it wanted me to verify my email, which I did, and when I returned and pasted my note again it told me I'd run out of uses. Would love to try your tool but it refuses to allow me. Please advise!
Hey Allegra! I'm sorry about this. Give me one second here as I troubleshoot.
thanks!
Some interesting points - I'm still on the fence about using AI beyond idea generation and exploration. But the point about Grammerly hit home.
Thank you Chris. I appreciate you.
I'm interested in the ideas YOU generate much more than what AI comes up with!
Hey Janet! Let me know how this tool I’ve created, in your opinion, doesn’t respect author’s ideas? Especially when, to use it, they need to write up a Note of their own by themselves to input into it for feedback? The underlying idea for each Note doesn’t change at all, actually. How it’s written might change if the author chooses to take the NoteSmith’s suggestions, but the underlying stories, ideas, and perspectives are ALWAYS preserved. Looking forward to your response. :)
The "how it is written" reflects the writer's style, voice, cultural background. What is lost? What value is added by using this tool?
Finding Your Voice in a Ventriloquist’s World – AI and Writing
https://scholarlykitchen.sspnet.org/2025/01/28/guest-post-finding-your-voice-in-a-ventriloquists-world-ai-and-writing/
Originality and Our Scholarly Voice
https://janetsalmons.substack.com/p/originality-and-our-scholarly-voice?r=410aa5
Look out for tomorrow’s email, Janet! :) You’l see how good it is as reflecting the writer’s style, voice, culture, and background with a few viral Notes that people had the NoteSmith edit. Can’t wait for you to see it! :)
Thank you for writing something I've wanted to articulate for a long time. I just started using AI to help me edit my work, and although it doesn't always do what I want it to do if nothing else, it can show me what direction I SHOULDN'T go in. In the case of your The NoteSmith tool, though, I've had nothing but good experiences. It tightened and reworked my usually verbose words into more concise notes.
I was afraid of using AI for a while until I realized exactly what you said - that it just takes your existing work and offers suggestions. As my mom says when I get angry at Grammarly, 'it's up to you to implement those changes'. The same goes for AI. I don't listen to it often, but sometimes, it can help me structure and refine my work. I would expect the same of a human writing coach, so I don't see how it's an issue. We're still putting the work in. :)
I won't say whether or not someone should use AI. That's for each person to decide. It certainly has a use case for when something is well-established and quick information is needed. I don't see how one decides to write as one of these cases for that matter.
My issue with it is how it's pitched as both a learning and change platform.
One, it's built from past knowledge so it's more of a knowledge perpetuating and preservation tool than it is a learning tool. I think the lines between knowledge and learning have been blurred through years of marketing toward the higher claim and it might be helpful to re-establish a difference between them.
Two, tech is simply a tool. Tech does not change underlying paradigms and models of systems. It's like thinking we can make the Toyota chassis a Ferrari by putting Ferrari panels and tech on the existing Toyota chassis.
In my own case as a photographer, I become more of an artist by working on my vision and talent for the art I produce. I don't become a better artist by relying on the camera (the tech) to tell me how to make better images. The camera simply augments my vision and talent.
So, use AI if you must or like it but let's frame it as it actually exists in a hierarchy of system levers for learning and change. Tech is simply a tool for augmenting whatever paradigm or model is already in place with the person using the tech.