Some of you may have seen that NaNoWriMo has ruffled a lot of feathers with a recent statement regarding their stance on the use of Artificial Intelligence. And it’s an important conversation that needs to be had, because…WHOO boy, this was a disappointing read.
What’s The Issue?
On Monday 2 September 2024, NaNoWriMo posted an article on their website discussing their stance on the use of AI in writing. In the article, they openly state that they do not condemn the use of AI and shows support for the use of the technology for those who do not have the financial or creative means to write a novel. They have also said that condemnation of AI is classist, ableist and anyone who disagrees with it is inherently wrong.
Why Is This A Bad Take?
NaNoWriMo have deliberately chosen to ignore the general public sentiment around AI and have pushed the implication that disabled people can’t write without the use of AI, which is incredibly offensive and harmful. The entire basis of NaNoWriMo was to bring writers together and show that you can write a novel in a month; the whole process of writing a novel which includes writing, editing and drafting is something that AI can and will never truly replace. For NaNoWriMo to come out with their full support of AI feels like they are turning their back on their creative origins.
Being against AI is NOT ableist or classist. Some of the most poignant and beautiful pieces of work I’ve read have come from disabled and low income writers. AI completely dimishes any creativity and takes the heart out of the entire writing process. For a community like NaNoWriMo to take this stance on AI is deeply disturbing and worrying for the future of the platform.
So…What Happens With NaNoWriMo Now?
As someone who has participated in NaNoWriMo seven times, completing it four times and having two of my published novels be born from NaNoWriMo drafts, this is incredibly heartbreaking for me. NaNoWriMo was a challenge I always enjoyed undertaking, even in the times where I didn’t complete the challenge (the very first draft of my debut novel was a failed NaNo project). I’ve written many posts on my website tracking my progress and looking back on them now with this knowledge leaves an incredibly sour taste in my mouth. With NaNoWriMo taking this stance on AI, I will no longer be supporting them and would encourage fellow writers to do the same.
If you are interested in learning more about this controversy, I highly recommend seeking out opinions on this from disabled and low income writers; they will bring a perspective to this that I feel I cannot. With all of the other controversies that NaNoWriMo has faced over the years, it is very clear to me that I can’t support an organisation like this. And remember – AI will never replace the unique, creative spark that writers bring to the world. Keep writing and keep creating!
