A Fox's Thoughts on NaNoWriMo and the AI Controversy

NaNoWriMo dug itself an even deeper hole to get out of in August when the board released its stance on writing with AI. After stating that they support the use of AI as a tool in the writing journey, support for the organization plummeted. Many authors dropped their support and asked to no longer be associated with the platform. Commentary on Reddit and Twitter (disgustingly now called X by some) shared a common idea that the so-called support came from a push for the product of one of their sponsors, ProWriting Aid. Whether these thoughts and opinions are grounded in any sort of fact is not what this Fox will talk about. No, this Fox has her own thoughts on the use of AI in writing, and some of those thoughts will be reflected soon. However, why this Fox is dropping her support for NaNoWriMo is simple: They called those who opposed AI ableist and classist.

To be given this label is something that shouldn't be done lightly. These are words that are thrown around a lot in today's society, often with good reason. NaNoWriMo took a stance using language that does not promote the very inclusivity they are arguing for. If anything, they have done more to alienate. Did they propose this argument in good faith or simply because one of their biggest backers happens to be an AI writing tool? Does the Fox believe AI is a good tool for writing, editing, and creating? Yes, the Fox does believe that AI is a tool that can be utilized for writing. Fox is aware that this may make some roll their eyes, stop reading, etc., but maybe take a moment to indulge a bit of explanation.

The Fox wears many hats, one of these is a freelance editor. The Fox is very well aware that not everyone is going to be able to afford her services. She takes no offense when someone argues that AI can do it better. She, in fact, recommends them to Grammarly. Fox knows that in the grand scheme of things, AI is not going to be able to catch the nuances that a human eye is going to be able to. In the early days of her writing, Fox used Word Tune to help structure her sentences and switch words around. Maybe it is the nature of her autistic mind that wants her to play with new shiny technologies when they come out. This Fox uses ChatGPT for quick reference lookups. If she needs to know when the last time Mt. Fuji blew its top and the impact it had, the information is there. It gives her a springboard to bounce off.

Fox does not feel that using AI to write everything for a person is the way to go, especially in the circles that she frequents where people want to use AI to get rich quick. Some may consider this hypocritical thinking, which maybe it is. Fox feels that writing the majority of a text yourself is half the battle and reaps the most rewards. This does not mean that Fox is going to hold it against anyone who does it. Nor should anyone who fully opposes AI and feels that it steals from others' works be labeled something they are not. Would it be considered classist to oppose electric cars on a personal level vs. a diesel truck?

Accusing people of being ableist for their thoughts on the matter is another gross misuse of the word. Some believe that the use of AI has ethical implications from how it learns. NaNoWriMo's choice to use this wording underscores their inability to understand the truth of what the word itself means. In no way are the people opposed to the use of it telling those with a disability that they can't use any sort of tool that may help them with their creativity.

For an organization that promotes that they are an inclusive community, NaNoWriMo has done a good job of further pushing people away. Backtracking their statements or attempting to further explain their meaning may do more harm than good at this point. Across the globe, many are now forming their own organizations. Fox does not know if she will be joining any new charters or groups in the future. NaNoWriMo helped set her on a path for so many projects that letting it go hurts. Fox does not like it though when an entity or person falsely accuses others of being something they are not, nor does she like unfair judgments. And in her mind, that is exactly what NaNoWriMo has done to so many: judged and labeled them as something they aren't.

The impact of NaNoWriMo's stance on AI has rippled through the writing community, causing division and heated debates. Many writers who once found solace and motivation in the annual writing challenge now feel betrayed and misunderstood. The organization's attempt to embrace new technology has inadvertently alienated a significant portion of its user base, leaving writers to question the true motives behind this sudden shift.

As the dust settles, writers are left to navigate this new landscape, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of AI in their creative process. Some, like Fox, see the potential for AI as a supplementary tool, while others view it as a threat to the authenticity and integrity of the craft. The debate rages on, with no clear consensus in sight.

In the wake of this controversy, writers are seeking alternative platforms and communities that align more closely with their values and creative processes. The writing world is in flux, adapting to technological advancements while striving to maintain the human element that makes storytelling so powerful and unique.

As we move forward, it's crucial to have open and honest discussions about the role of AI in writing, without resorting to labels or accusations. The writing community must find a way to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in this ongoing dialogue.