Keeping it real

January 28, 2023 by
 |  10 Comments  |  Leave Comment

I’ve seen a lot of promoted posts in recent days informing me that I could write blog content faster and easier by using AI (artificial intelligence) writing tools. While it was tempting to see what the automated system would gin up with only a slight prompt, I didn’t want to give my information to these companies nor do I want to promote this burgeoning industry. Call me a Luddite, but I abhor the idea of fobbing off creative human pursuits to robots. It seems doubly wrong in the area of food writing, because no AI tool will ever taste a ripe peach, enjoy the snap of well-tempered chocolate, or be comforted by a steaming bowl of noodle soup.

My ultimate chicken noodle soup from Smitten Kitchen by Deb Perelman

I will admit, occasionally there are days where I struggle to drum up the energy and enthusiasm to pen a post. It would be easier to pitch an idea to a bot and let it write an article for me, but it wouldn’t be fair to our readers, who expect and deserve someone to actually consider the topic at hand and present it in a meaningful manner. There’s also a bit of pride at stake; I want my work to be associated with thoughtfulness and care (even if I do have a typo now and then).

There are reports that Buzzfeed, which laid off 12% of its workforce in December, plans to use AI to “create, personalize, and animate” some of its content. Its stock price soared following the announcement. Some news outlets and websites have been using AI to create articles for years, but it hasn’t always gone well. For example, CNET discovered that posts providing financial advice generated by AI technology contained many inaccuracies.

While we are sure to see more sites embracing this tech (with or without disclosing its use to readers), one place you won’t find it is on the EYB blog. Jane, Jenny and I are real human beings who write about topics that excite us and delight us, and we only share stories that we believe are of genuine interest our Members.

Category: Antipasto

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10 Comments

  • LeilaD  on  January 28, 2023

    Hear, hear!

  • lean1  on  January 28, 2023

    thank you

  • Jane  on  January 28, 2023

    I would also add that none of our posts are ever sponsored or “guest” posts i.e. paid content promoting something which are very prevalent on most other blogs.

  • franniepie  on  January 29, 2023

    Thank you. A part of what makes this site so special.

  • dgiles  on  January 29, 2023

    Thank you. I could not agree more.

  • cookbookaddict2020  on  January 29, 2023

    who would ever want to read AI generated content? gross.

  • Zephyrness  on  January 30, 2023

    Honestly, if the content is generated by an AI, why would I need to use Buzzfeed or CNET? I could just go to the AI and give it the prompts. I want to hear what other people think, based on personal experience and research. Also, I think your job would be a lot more fun if it involved research and not just putting prompt words in a box!

  • Ajammies  on  January 31, 2023

    Bravo

  • KarenGlad  on  February 1, 2023

    Me too…thank you

  • Kitiara121  on  February 1, 2023

    I prefer Human Comradery. Thanks to everyone that is part of and contributes to this adventure of ours.

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