AI Use Policy

My Philosophy on AI

As you can tell from my bio, I enjoy independently researching, learning, and writing. I believe in using AI as a co-creative partner, not a replacement. Here are the AI tools I use and how they fit into my workflow.

How I Co-Create with AI

1. Research & Note-Taking

I spend most of my days reading about AI developments, data surveillance, and platform economics. While exploring a topic, I may ask ChatGPT to suggest related areas I should learn more about.

I’ve always been an information collector. Though I handwrite notes while learning, I retain information best by typing it into my Obsidian vault, where I tag, link, and structure research sources and my thoughts on them.

Using this method, I’ve created my own searchable knowledge base with accurate sources, so I don’t risk incorrect AI suggestions or depend on increasingly unhelpful search engines. (Yes, I’m looking at you, Google.)

2. Knowledge Management

I run a local Llama LLM on my laptop to query my research database and help structure outlines. This keeps my intellectual work private and ensures it’s not used to train commercial LLMs.

3. Writing & Editing

Throughout the writing process, I use LLMs to:

• Clarify points

• Tighten or restructure sentences

• Explore alternative phrasings

• Identify weaknesses in reasoning

Of course, like most writers, I also rely on spellcheck and autocorrect which are everyday tools powered by AI.

My models are configured with custom instructions that ask them to challenge my arguments and surface flaws in logic. I don’t want flattery from AI, I want a critical thinking partner.

4. Final Edits & Output Refinement

Before publishing, I use AI to review pieces for:

• Logical structure and clarity

• Accessibility (8th-grade reading level)

• Improved headings, subheadings, and pull quotes

• Shareable snippets

• CTA placement (subscribe/share)

• Suggestions for follow-ups or spin-offs

5. Visual Content Creation

I use either licensed stock photography or create digital illustrations (like the one above) with Canva. My process:

• For stock: I may alter colors, remove elements, or add overlays using AI-powered editing.

• For illustrations: I combine licensed elements to create original images, and if I can’t find the right fit, I’ll generate a custom asset with Canva’s AI.

• For inspiration: I use prompts with ChatGPT or Canva’s image generator to spark visual concepts if I can’t think of one, then build them manually.

6. Social Media & Communication

I personally write my emails and comment replies. However, because I don’t enjoy the “influencer” part of social media, I use LLMS to:

• Draft promotional posts

• Rewrite and simplify long-form posts for different platforms

• Generate post variations tailored to each channel

• Tone down my initial response to hostile messages

AI Training & Ethics

I believe scraping copyrighted work without consent for training LLMs was and remains deeply unethical.

Like many bloggers, my content was taken without permission, and my traffic (and income) was undercut by AI-generated summaries replacing my work in search results.

I continue to advocate for compensation and recognition for creators whose work was used without consent. But I also recognize that boycotting AI tools doesn’t fix this injustice and in fact undermines the ability to show how AI can be a collaborative partner rather than a replacement for humans.

Questions?

Want to know more about how I use AI or about my workflow? I’m always happy to chat — just ask!