AI tools are becoming common in writing, raising questions about their role and ethics. Many worry that using AI might undermine creativity or authenticity. In reality, AI can enhance clarity, improve efficiency, and help us focus on crafting ideas that resonate, making it a practical tool for professional and creative work.
In contexts like books, blog posts, or essays, the aim is to engage, inform, or drive change. Here, using AI is not only logical but also aligns with effective writing practices, such as those advocated by Larry McEnerney, a renowned expert on writing and communication.
Writing as an Audience-Centered Craft
Larry McEnerney teaches that good writing is not about self-expression but about producing value for the reader. He emphasizes that writing should focus on the reader’s needs, expectations, and context, shaping ideas in ways that resonate with them. AI tools support this audience-centered approach by helping us refine our language, clarify complex points, and structure our arguments to maximize impact.
Far from being a shortcut, AI enables us to shift our focus from mere mechanics to the substance of our ideas and the connections they create with our audience.
The Goal: Persuasion and Logic
Professional and creative writing is not judged by the process used to create it but by the strength of its ideas and the effectiveness of its delivery. McEnerney stresses that writing is not about “what you want to say” but “what they need to hear.” AI tools help us align our content with our audience’s values, sharpening arguments and ensuring clarity.
Efficiency and Innovation
Time is often a critical factor in professional and creative settings. We may face tight deadlines or the challenge of synthesizing large amounts of information. AI tools enable us to work more efficiently, generating drafts, brainstorming ideas, and refining language in ways that free up time for deeper, strategic thinking. McEnerney’s insights remind us that good writing involves continual revision and adaptation. AI serves as a catalyst for this iterative process, enhancing productivity and innovation.
Ethical Use and Ownership
The ethical use of AI in writing depends on transparency and intention. Writers remain responsible for ensuring that the final product reflects their voice, ideas, and purpose. As McEnerney points out, writing is a tool for achieving goals, and using available resources to meet those goals is both practical and sensible. AI is no different from other tools—its value lies in how it is used to serve our objectives and the reader’s needs.
AI as a Postproduction Tool in Writing
AI tools like ChatGPT mirror the principles of postproduction art, as described by Nicolas Bourriaud. Just as postproduction artists remix and recontextualize existing cultural materials, AI enables us to sample, refine, and recombine ideas, fostering creativity and audience-centered content.
AI enhances our writing by automating repetitive tasks, freeing us to focus on crafting ideas that resonate with our audience. This aligns with Larry McEnerney’s emphasis on creating value for the reader. This iterative process allows us to experiment with styles, structures, and tones, much like remixing cultural elements in postproduction.
Ethical use of AI involves transparency. We act as curators who ensure our unique voice guides the final output. By blending human creativity with AI’s capabilities, we enter a new era of collaborative storytelling, reshaping how content is created and experienced.
To explore the parallels between AI-assisted writing and Bourriaud’s postproduction concept, refer to The Postproduction Paradigm – AI and the Art of Remixing.
Conclusion
Using AI to assist in professional or creative writing is not cheating; it is a logical and effective way to achieve clarity, persuasion, and audience engagement. Larry McEnerney’s perspective on writing reinforces this view, reminding us that the true measure of good writing is its ability to deliver value to the reader.
AI tools empower us to focus on the core purpose of our work: creating content that resonates, informs, and inspires. When used responsibly, AI is not a crutch but a powerful collaborator that enhances the craft of writing.
AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance our work rather than replace our creativity. When used thoughtfully, it can refine our ideas, improve clarity, and connect more effectively with our readers. While we focus on our purpose and creative vision, AI can take care of repetitive tasks, enabling us to write better and achieve our goals.
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