As you have surely heard by now, there are a few changes coming up with Writing On Whidbey Island. One chapter has come to a close, and a new chapter is beginning … with a little time off in between. Tom Trimbath has moved on from WOWI, giving the show (the joy and all of the responsibility that comes with it) to me, and the “show must go on!” While re-debut of WOWI is planned for Fall 2023 … an interim podcast session was recorded in June where the question was asked, “Is AI-OK?”
Tom and I recorded our last WOWI session together on 15April2023. Following the show, we discussed some ideas for the show going forward. We had discussed several ideas over the past 3+ years while producing and hosting the show together. These ideas are in the works – and Tom gave me a few new ones. Soon after I recruited three former guests – some of my favourites – Sarah, Lauren, and Daniel. Really to say, I prayed to The Podcasting Gods and got lucky! Sarah, Lauren, and I got to talking about things to come … and it became clear that we should get together for an in-between podcast session.
We wanted to discuss a current and rather hot topic – the use of Artificial Intelligence software in the creative arts. What is it and what can it do? Where is the technology at and were is it going? What are its strengths and weaknesses? How are artists using it? Most importantly … what are the moral aspects within the industry?
We met at the Coupeville Library. This was Sarah and Lauren’s first time on the host side of the mic – this AI topic proved to be spirited and incredibly fun. What was planned to be a 40 minute session turned out to be 73. Meeting with these two not only made for a magnificent session, it helped affirm that I was right in seeking them as new WOWI hosts and that the show’s future looks bright!
I even learned a new-to-me AI-related term with this recording session – Uncanny Valley!
So where is this recording?
Spring and summer is a doubly busy time for me. It’s the busy time in the bagpiping world, and I do seasonal work as a SCUBA diver. Taking on the whole of WOWI came at an awkward time. Historically, Tom did the heavy lifting during this season – so this constituted the show taking a break. The plan has been – and still is – for the show to re-launch this Fall. And this “Is AI-OK?” session launches … NOW!
~ Don
Writing On Whidbey Island (WOWI) Episode 46
AI Okay? V Oh No!
The new movie “The Creator” is intended to open on 29September2023 — an AI system has taken over the earth … oh yeah, it’s on people’s minds!
Elle Cordova – The Day The Robots Rise — a fun little parody song … or a warning
“AI Has Reached A Tipping Point, The World Is About To Change Forever, And My Head Hurts”
When AI writes an obituary, it gets the job done! Well …. sort of.
Hey! I get to listen without knowing what already happened. Mysteries.
And yes, I am fascinated by the topic.
And yes, I am glad such fine folk are getting to play with it now.
And for clarity, I was – encouraged – to pass it along because I got a job where people were sensitive to mentions of Whidbey that didn’t refer to Island County. Here’s a bit of that story.
Irony, I quit that job a few months later because I was contacted by a firm that liked the way I write, and because I know a lot of little things about Whidbey. So it goes. https://trimbathcreative.net/2023/03/28/tom-got-a-job/
At least now I have more time to work on my books (note the plural), my photos and those books, and my first screenplay. As Don said, I’m busy.
Good luck and have fun! It sounds like you are already doing that.