The database* used to train many generative AI platforms has been made public, so authors/writers can now see whether pirated copies of our books were used in order to train the AIs.
Spoiler alert. FOUR (4)❗️of my books were used. That’s easily three years of my life (+$ for art, editing, etc), not including all the years of experience (writing, filmmaking, etc) and education that came before the actual conceiving and writing of those particular books.
I’m just … a little sad, I guess.
I keep my prices low and I publish wide and in multiple formats for accessibility. I make my ebooks free for libraries and put them in subscription services like KoboPlus and Scribd to help those who choose to pirate out of financial hardship.
But using my work without permission to train AIs to write, to somehow mimic the act of storytelling?
It’s just … done, I guess.
It’s done.
Just yet another thing taken from me without thought, another violation, only this time of my mind and the precious little time I have to create. Another little death. Four of them, in fact. And not the good, endorphin-releasing kind.
Just me and 183,000** other writers who struggle, fight, to get the words out of our heads and on the page, then often fall even further apart as we edit and smooth it all for publication (yet another well-documented battle).
There is nothing to be done.
Because it’s already been done.
But I thought you might want to know about it.
Thank you to Lisette from the FaRo Discord who drew my attention to the article and the database linked below.
* Database: https://full-stack-search-prod.vercel.app/
What a crime. Hope you can get retribution
This should be considered a crime and the creators of these AI’s should be held accountable.
Sadly this is not the first time in science (or commercial development) where someone was used without their permission. As a biologist I am very familiar with the story around Henrietta Lacks. She was the source of some of the first immortal cell lines that are still used in research today. So called HeLa cells have advanced science in uncountable ways – but neither she nor her family or heirs ever saw a penny.
What will generative AI lead to? No idea. But you are very correct that you and your fellow authors were unfairly leveraged to make it happen.
For the record – I have purchased (and enjoyed) every one of your books. So, please write more 🙂
Wow. That can be done?! So not fair. That is not right! Hopefully something can be done about it.
Artists in all genres are experiencing the fallout of AI. Hopefully, the legal system will catch up soon and hold AI creators accountable!
I am so, so sorry 😞. This really is unspeakable. Part of what I enjoy about ready is a feeling of bonding with the writer shares as generously as you. Hugs and cupcakes.
That just sucks!
How horrible. It’s like something that was a part of you – your creation – was stolen. I saw a post on twitter about it, but I didn’t look up your books. I should have! I’m so sorry for you and really wish something could be done.
Can you sue?
There might be class action lawsuits??
Criminal. And disappointing in relation to the human’s behind this.
Soooo sorry. That is just horrible. Compensation is in order!!
Sounds like they should be paying you and all of the other authors they stole from!!
Meghan, I am so sorry that this happened to you and all the authors. It’s wrong, amoral, unethical, and illegal and I hope the people programming the ai are held accountable because this just plain sucks. Is there anything we can do to help?
This is just so very wrong! It is basically theft. If they wanted to copy books why didn’t they use books from authors who are dead. The least they could have done was ask for permission. Grrrrrr!
I am so very sorry that this has happened to you and other authors. It would seem that this is a violation of copyright laws! We really need additional protection for writers and other creative folks as AI becomes more prevalent. I can only imagine what pain this must cause you as I know how much you put of yourself when you create your books. Please know that your readers truly appreciate you.
Outrageous and criminal! Another example of how creative pursuits and artists are devalued in our culture. I hope you join the class action suit, and win…win BIG!
Hitting them in the pocketbook is probably the only thing that will stop them.
Ps… no AI bot could ever write anything as good as you write! Your creativity is amazing!
You’re ability and magic can never be replicated.
I’m sorry this has happened to you! Sending big love and hugs xx
I hope you and the rest of the authors can do the class action law suit. It is WRONG to steal your work! So training AI to write in a like style? I will have to check out the website.
I have a big issue with AI. The writers, actors, artists of any kind image or work is used to “train” AI, or the AI has just blatantly used, should be compensated. Their permission should be requested. I’m sorry that this has happened to you in particular Meghan. Your blood, sweat, tears and laughter went into your work and it belongs to you. Only you.
I’m sorry. It should not have happened. It’s a shame you can’t bill whoever put your books in the system for copyright infringement
They were discussing this on CBC yesterday morning on the Current. There are old episodes on their website if you’re interested in listening. Matt Galloway interviewed two authors whose books were also in this list. (It was Tuesday, October 10th).
Thank you!