Is a creator legit if they use AI?
What you need to know about the legitimacy of humans using machines
š Hello!
As a regular user of Midjourney, Chat GPT, and various AI tools, I've found myself contemplating a topic that's been on my mind lately: the legitimacy of creators who utilize AI. Personally, my stance on this matter is a resounding "yes, they are legitimate creators." However, as I engage in discussions with diverse publishers and cultural influencers, this question looms larger like an alarm bell, reminding me that not everyone shares my perspective.
Some individuals approach this issue with concerns rooted in business and industry interests, such as intellectual property considerations and related matters. Meanwhile, others simply grapple with the challenge of comprehending what lies ahead or accepting the need to adapt to an evolving technological landscapeāan imperative to harness technology's potential before it, potentially, exerts its influence over us.
It's with these considerations in mind that I find myself composing this letter today. My hope is that it serves as a source of insight and clarity on a subject that increasingly shapes our creative and technological horizons.
Stay with me, keep reading, and share your views.
š
Short on time? Donāt worry, hereās a summary! Today, in this issue:
š The Rise of AI Creators: A new generation of creators is utilizing artificial intelligence to push the boundaries of traditional creativity.
š¤ Smart Contracts and Trust: The role of smart contracts in automating tasks and maintaining transparency in the digital age.
š Blockchain's Expansive Role: Blockchain validates content and enhances trust in various creative industries, going beyond traditional art.
š¤ "Proof-of-Humanity" Beyond Ownership: "Proof-of-humanity" goes beyond ownership and traceability, preserving the creator's heart and soul in a tech-driven world.
š Is a creator legit if they use AI?
In a world where technology and creators twirl together, where creativity isn't bound by hands but by algorithms, a new generation of creators is on the rise. They wield artificial intelligence as their secret ingredient, crafting masterpieces that challenge the norm and redefine human ingenuity.
But in this digital land where the line between human and machine blurs, there's a longing for something more tangible, something that keeps the human touch alive in these creations. It's not just about the art; it's about the soul within it. That's where "proof-of-humanity" steps ināa concept that goes beyond buzzwords and becomes vital in the world of AI and blockchain.
Imagine a masterpiece born not on canvas but in lines of intricate code. These AI-generated wonders find their home in the world of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). Creators breathe life into unique digital assets, turning them into tokens that give digital art real ownership and an unerasable history. Platforms like OpenSea and Rarible become galleries for these AI-born artworks, each as unique as a fingerprint.
But here's the catch: how do we ensure that the human spirit, the artist's essence, remains in these digital creations? NFTs can prove ownership, but can they capture the passion and intention that fuel creativity?
Notable NFT sales include Beeple's "Everydays: The First 5000 Days," which sold for $69 million, and the CryptoPunk #7804, which was sold for 4200 ETH (over $7 million at the time).
In the world of AI, cryptocurrency-powered crowdfunding platforms like ICOs (Initial Coin Offerings) or STOs (Security Token Offerings), which involve the issuance of tokens on blockchain networks in exchange for cryptocurrency investments, play a pivotal role. Creators not only get the funds to bring their AI dreams to life but also earn the trust of a community that believes in their vision.
Ethereum's initial coin offering (ICO) in 2014 raised around $18 million, kickstarting the development of the Ethereum blockchain.
The decentralized finance (DeFi) space, powered by blockchain and cryptocurrencies, saw significant growth, with total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols surpassing $200B in November 2021.
Value Locked in Defi in 2023 Remains Above $40B but Stagnates Below $50B.
Yet, beyond financial support, there's a desire for something deeperāa way to infuse the creator's dedication into every pixel and line of code. How can we translate this essence into the digital world?
Trust is the cornerstone of the digital age, and smart contracts are the conductors of this trust. They automate tasks, from paying royalties to sharing content, all with the grace of transparency and fairness. Creators using AI become the guardians of trust.
According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global smart contracts market size is projected to grow to $345.4 million by 2026, at a CAGR of 18.1% during this period (Compound Annual Growth Rate).
Major enterprises are increasingly adopting blockchain and smart contracts for supply chain management, reducing administrative costs, and ensuring transparency.
But as we celebrate these smart contracts, we must also ask whether they truly capture the human spirit and creativity that drive art. How can these contracts reflect the essence of human innovation, beyond automation?
Blockchain, with its vast potential, extends beyond artistry. Imagine AI not just as a creator but as a validator of content, using blockchain's features for data proof, traceability, and authenticity. Here, creators don't just use AI tools; they gain legitimacy from blockchain.
The art world has seen blockchain-based solutions like Artory and Verisart used to verify the authenticity and provenance of artworks. This has helped combat art forgery and improve trust in the art market.
The music industry has explored blockchain for royalty tracking, ensuring that artists are fairly compensated for their work.
The choice of blockchain platform often depends on the specific needs of creators and the communities they wish to engage with.
However, as we explore blockchain's potential, we must ask: can it go beyond verifying a creation's digital fingerprints? Can it validate the creator's heart and soul?
Collaboration weaves the fabric of creativity. Creators, artists, and experts come together like a symphony. Established creators in the crypto world champion AI-driven innovators, adding layers of credibility.
But in this rich catalogue of collaboration, there's a deeper story to tell. How can we ensure that this collaborative symphony resonates with the human essence of creativity, beyond the exchange of digital tokens?
In a world often hidden behind digital screens, transparency becomes our guiding star. Creators shed light on their journey, explaining how cryptocurrencies and blockchain strengthen their creative process. Trust grows in this transparent environment.
But transparency alone can't capture the entire human journeyāthe late-night inspirations, the relentless experimentation, and the sheer passion behind art. How can we infuse these elements into the digital narrative?
Blockchain platforms offer a canvas for creators. Ethereum rules the NFT world, but alternatives like Binance Smart Chain and Flow provide different strokes of innovation. Creators carefully choose their canvas.
But as they select their digital canvas, they long for more than just a space to showcase their work; they crave a canvas that tells the human story behind every masterpiece.
Ethereum remains the dominant blockchain for NFTs, but other platforms like Binance Smart Chain and Flow have gained popularity due to lower transaction fees and scalability.
The choice of blockchain platform often depends on the specific needs of creators and the communities they wish to engage with.
In this grand creation, adherence to laws and ethics is essential. Creators navigate tax rules, protect intellectual property, and respect local regulations, preserving the purity of their creations.
Regulations related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology vary by country. Creators must be aware of tax implications, intellectual property rights, and any local regulations that apply to their work.
The need for compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations is also a concern for blockchain-based projects.
Yet, legality and ethics are only part of the story. How can we ensure that the creator's journeyātheir dedication, struggles, and victoriesāalso finds a place in this digital harmony?
In a world where AI breaks boundaries and blockchain amplifies creativity, creators who embrace this fusion become pioneers of a new era. They aren't just creators; they're architects of innovation, visionaries redefining artistry's core. In this digital adventure, remember that legitimacy isn't a destination but a never-ending journeyāa perpetual symphony where AI, blockchain, and humanity blend harmoniously. The stage is set; let the creative voyage begin.
"Proof-of-humanity" must go beyond ownership and traceability; it should embody the creator's heart and soul, preserving humanity in a world dominated by AI and blockchain. It's not just about the art; it's about the human touch within it.
See you next time,
Eduardo
great post. thanks for sharing.