I marvel at how the world's always changing as much as it's staying the same. The commonplace inclusion of AI takes me back to my opinion-writing days as a law clerk. On the regular, my cursor was hot because a case was hotter.
A pile of case files would lay to my left. A stack of statutes or regulations—hard copy, of course—would be to my right. Two windows would be open on the computer screen ahead of me. One would show an online database of other judges' opinions. (No doubt written by the law clerks under their tutelage in their chambers.) The other window was for the word processor where the blinking cursor would beckon my binding analyses. And in my hands would lay a recent draft of an opinion I'd written, speckled with markings from my judge for revisions.
Because my work was the judge's work. It was initiated by their specific, detailed instructions teeming with precision-oriented nuance. It was subject to their direct supervision. And it was under the judge's control: they had the first and last say on the style, tone, substance—everything.
Each legal opinion published under my judge's name that I drafted nurtured a combined sense of privilege and legitimacy… not to mention relief they were satisfied with my work. It was an understanding that stayed with me some time later when I was searching the files, opinions, knick-knacks, and personal notes of Supreme Court Justices in the Manuscript Reading Room at the Library of Congress. Among the treasure trove, I discovered correspondence between Justices and their law clerks, draft opinions clerks wrote, and the indelible marks they left on the nation's history.
It was a sense that not only pervaded the legal institution but the literary institution too. There are many ghostwriters who have followed an originator's instructions, abided by their supervision, and adhered to their substantive control. And likewise, have enhanced capacity, optimized efficiency, and ensured accessibility of material that has stimulated minds or captivated hearts for countless generations.
When it comes to ethical AI, Gwythus honors the same core principles to advance the same positive social impacts. Gwythus also highlights transparency and accountability to safeguard trust and legitimacy.
Core Principles
Initiation: Detailed Instructions
When Gwythus incorporates web content with the help of AI, it functions as the originator. As such, Gwythus initiates by providing an AI tool with detailed instructions that are specific, nuanced, and accuracy oriented.
Development: Direct Supervision
When Gwythus initiates substance for its online platform with AI's help, it monitors the AI's process closely. How the AI resource produces the work product Gwythus instructed is subject to its keen oversight.
Authentication: Substantive Control
Whenever Gwythus includes material on its platform with AI's assistance, it maintains complete control. From initiation and development to revisions and final production, Gwythus has the first and last say regarding style, tone, voice, audience, substance, objective, accuracy, and originality.
Positive Social Impacts
Enhanced Capacity
Without law clerks, countless cases would go untouched. And a dearth of engaging immaterial would fill ghostwriters’ absence. Likewise, Gwythus' inclusion of AI removes barriers to Gwythus' capacity. There's so much Gwythus wants to share. AI facilitates its generosity.
Optimized Efficiency
Can you imagine having a postponed case because law clerks weren't there to do the cite checking? Or your favorite book series coming to an abrupt halt because ghostwriters were no more? Similarly, Gwythus' incorporation of AI prevents productivity from slowing to a snail's pace while protecting creativity from burnout.
Ensured Accessibility
It wasn't all that long ago when case law was something for those of a certain ethnicity or wealth status. And a good read was available only to those who could afford a certain price point or to become literate. There's a time and a place for human teams of line editors, content editors, cite checkers, cover designers, SEO gurus, and marketing whizzes. Save for instances where they'd make resources inaccessible or unaffordable. And Gwythus' inclusion of AI online keeps it accessible in terms of equity and economics.
Transparency & Accountability
There was once an ongoing debate about the ethics behind affiliate or monetized links on websites. Would their presence make an online platform underhanded or illegitimate? "Not at all," was the response from various organizations that've used such links on their websites and done so responsibly.
The Booker Prizes website is a favorite platform I visit where its inclusion of affiliate links is noted. There’s also a hyperlink to a page detailing how funds from them support its mission. This dual approach of transparency and accountability maintains trust and protects the Booker Prizes’ legitimacy.
Gwythus believes ethical AI must take a similar approach. That's why it's honest about the inclusion of AI content. It's clear about the process it takes to incorporate AI material responsibly. And Gwythus encourages you to turn to tools to verify accuracy and anti-plagiarism. That way you can always trust Gwythus. It's legit.
Take Away
Oh, how things change yet remain the same. I was once a law clerk at a judge's right hand. Now, in a sense, I'm the judge. And my clerk's name is AI.
Gwythus is my brainchild born from TLC. There are so many haikus in my creative engine just bursting to get out. And AI helps me share them with you at a sustainable capacity. There are countless books I've read or am reading that you should know about. And AI helps me craft my book reviews for you to peruse. Plus, there are too many goodies out there to keep to myself. AI's what ensures that you can get in on my top picks in a way that's accessible and equitable.
But more than that, AI helps me to cultivate a sphere rooted in authentic connection. Because of it, I can devote finite resources to writing behind-the-scenes letters, various poetry, short stories, and books by hand. Heck, I spent days penning the page you're enjoying now—literally. And it's all worth it. Gwythus is worth it. You're worth it... and so much more.
So, keep enjoying the power of story. Keep living out your story. And, remember, stories tell us.
Peace ~ D.V. Gwyth