Ted is one of the few pushing back against the endless hype. Also worth reading Ed Zitron; his latest from yesterday called "The Hater's Guide To The AI Bubble" (https://www.wheresyoured.at/the-haters-gui/) is a masterpiece. I don't understand why the news media doesn't muster a smidge of skepticism and question the AI industry's ludicrous claims. Our society is at stake.
Good stuff! Just as bad behavior can use a spotlight, good (or good-ish) behavior also deserves to be pointed out. I respectfully disagree with other commenters who want to downplay Spotify's response. Sure, they are reacting in a way that they perceive to be in their self-interest.... but they still reacted appropriately. Perhaps these commenters have never thanked their kid for (a) taking out the garbage, (b) cleaning their room, (c) walking the dog, etc. Positive reinforcement is OK. It's not consorting with the enemy.
Spotify and others depend, not only on a decent reputation, but on an industry and environment that respect copyright, fair use, and all-around honesty when it comes to accurate labeling and avoiding deception.
The art/photography site DeviantArt worked through this a few years ago with AI-generated images and with theft of material. They clarified existing policies and promulgated new ones, and have worked to enforce them consistently. They enlisted members and contributors to help with spotting and reporting abuse. It's worked, from what I can see.
Out of the many things I love about the honest broker is how civil, respectful, positive and wholesome the comments are. I was first introduced to Ted's blog from Tyler Cowan's podcast. I jumped onto his blog yesterday for the first time in a while and the discourse could not be more different. Guess the point I'm making is thanks to all the commenters who also make this blog great!
This story is also unfolding in the games industry (which is larger than film + music combined).
Significant fan backlash against studios and publishers that use GenAI. So much so that publishers are now describing use of GenAI to investors as a "reputational risk." Tommy Thompson's substack is probably the best to follow for new stories here: https://substack.com/@aiandgames
The Steam game store (one of the largest) has policies that require devs to disclose what type of AI they used in their games.
Thank you for shedding light on this important subject! I have reported the AI albums appearing on Ernestine Anderson’s profile to them a few times. It seems one is gone but one is still there. If they were serious they should have an easier miscatalogued or deceptive flagging tool than having to actually get through to chat with customer service.
Thanks Ted, and Spotify may also be impressed by the fact that a number of people are dropping Spotify subscriptions. Both myself and another musician, quite independently of discussing it, dropped Spotify Premium for the same reason, that we no longer are sure what we're getting. With so much AI slop almost certainly having already been dumped into the pot, I was no longer interested in ladling from it. And I agree with an earlier comment that Spotify likely has responded only because it's in their financial interest. While in the process of cancelling my account, they were offering me substantial discounts to stay.
Kidding aside this is so true. You better be able to bring it live because that is going to be where people craving human interaction will go. And small not giant stadiums. Maybe. I kind of hope!
I count Substack as a new media source compared to 'old media'. A new community. Didn't you say something like a subculture/newly developing community being where the change will come from Ted? These responses from Spotify, whilst not being in any way a white flag, give me a little hope. As do you. Thanks Ted.
I'd suggest that people should remain deeply cynical about the Spotify beast. They are surely responding only because it is in their business interest to tackle the issue.
Ted is one of the few pushing back against the endless hype. Also worth reading Ed Zitron; his latest from yesterday called "The Hater's Guide To The AI Bubble" (https://www.wheresyoured.at/the-haters-gui/) is a masterpiece. I don't understand why the news media doesn't muster a smidge of skepticism and question the AI industry's ludicrous claims. Our society is at stake.
Good stuff! Just as bad behavior can use a spotlight, good (or good-ish) behavior also deserves to be pointed out. I respectfully disagree with other commenters who want to downplay Spotify's response. Sure, they are reacting in a way that they perceive to be in their self-interest.... but they still reacted appropriately. Perhaps these commenters have never thanked their kid for (a) taking out the garbage, (b) cleaning their room, (c) walking the dog, etc. Positive reinforcement is OK. It's not consorting with the enemy.
hahahaha! well put!
Spotify and others depend, not only on a decent reputation, but on an industry and environment that respect copyright, fair use, and all-around honesty when it comes to accurate labeling and avoiding deception.
The art/photography site DeviantArt worked through this a few years ago with AI-generated images and with theft of material. They clarified existing policies and promulgated new ones, and have worked to enforce them consistently. They enlisted members and contributors to help with spotting and reporting abuse. It's worked, from what I can see.
Out of the many things I love about the honest broker is how civil, respectful, positive and wholesome the comments are. I was first introduced to Ted's blog from Tyler Cowan's podcast. I jumped onto his blog yesterday for the first time in a while and the discourse could not be more different. Guess the point I'm making is thanks to all the commenters who also make this blog great!
This is great. I’m honestly impressed that Spotify responded to your article!
It's great to know there are companies (services?) that react to constructive criticism. Thanks for getting involved, Ted.
This story is also unfolding in the games industry (which is larger than film + music combined).
Significant fan backlash against studios and publishers that use GenAI. So much so that publishers are now describing use of GenAI to investors as a "reputational risk." Tommy Thompson's substack is probably the best to follow for new stories here: https://substack.com/@aiandgames
The Steam game store (one of the largest) has policies that require devs to disclose what type of AI they used in their games.
Keep up the good coverage Ted!
This is what DeviantArt did a few years ago. It's worked.
Thank you for shedding light on this important subject! I have reported the AI albums appearing on Ernestine Anderson’s profile to them a few times. It seems one is gone but one is still there. If they were serious they should have an easier miscatalogued or deceptive flagging tool than having to actually get through to chat with customer service.
Happy thank you to you
Happy thank you to you
Happy thank you to you
Etc.
Congratulations Ted!! Your posts (and your subscribers) are paying off with positive change. I’m really glad to see it.
YES!!!! Great job.
All I can say is “Bravo!”
Thanks Ted, and Spotify may also be impressed by the fact that a number of people are dropping Spotify subscriptions. Both myself and another musician, quite independently of discussing it, dropped Spotify Premium for the same reason, that we no longer are sure what we're getting. With so much AI slop almost certainly having already been dumped into the pot, I was no longer interested in ladling from it. And I agree with an earlier comment that Spotify likely has responded only because it's in their financial interest. While in the process of cancelling my account, they were offering me substantial discounts to stay.
Good news at last - brilliant.
Also, thank you.
The revolution will not be televised. The revolution will be live.
Kidding aside this is so true. You better be able to bring it live because that is going to be where people craving human interaction will go. And small not giant stadiums. Maybe. I kind of hope!
Will it be livestreamed?
Probably but you’ll need to pay $10 and have at least 10 subscribers.
Can I suggest it may depend on the ethics/behaviours of the streaming platform(s) that host it?
I count Substack as a new media source compared to 'old media'. A new community. Didn't you say something like a subculture/newly developing community being where the change will come from Ted? These responses from Spotify, whilst not being in any way a white flag, give me a little hope. As do you. Thanks Ted.
I'd suggest that people should remain deeply cynical about the Spotify beast. They are surely responding only because it is in their business interest to tackle the issue.