I’m surprised at how many people have asked me whether I use ghostwriters. (I don’t). I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Maybe it is a common practice in security. Recently, this question was supplemented by another. Do I use AI for writing assistance? No.
I refuse to use AI or ghostwriters. I have repeatedly refused requests to use my name on work that wasn’t my own. You can be sure that I wrote something if you see my name on it. If there’s one thing we don’t need in the field of security, it’s AI amplifying the shouting out of repetitive points with no pragmatic approach to addressing them.
Who knows? Maybe some people think of me as a relic from the past, or a fool. I have some good reasons for not using AI to help me with my writing.
1. I can speak to what I write
It can be awkward if someone is asked to speak intelligently about something that they have written about, but they are unable to do so. It’s even more awkward when someone can talk about a topic at an advanced level, but when questioned, they can’t pivot in a manner that shows a thorough understanding of the material. Fortunately, we who write our own material don’t face these problems. We must know what we’re talking about.
It is important to understand a topic before you can write about it. You must think about it, analyze it, organize your thoughts around it and then put pen to paper (or keyboard to fingers). This takes time and effort, but it pays off when I’m asked to speak, present or otherwise engage with a topic.
2. I like to include Emotion
The human brain is a special organ because it can feel emotions. Emotion can cloud our judgment, slow us down or pull us off course. The human capacity for feeling can, in many cases, be a positive force. Someone’s sympathy may inspire them to help someone else. Emotional stress can motivate someone to solve the problem that has plagued them. Someone who is optimistic will work hard for a cause that they believe in. There are many examples.
It is important to note that human writers may choose to appeal to a reader’s emotional side to achieve their goals. I think that AI-generated texts would lack emotional weight.
3. I try to have a sense of humor
William James, an American philosopher, once said that “a sense of humor is nothing more than common-sense dance.” This powerful quote is in line with James’ belief, that those without a sense humor also lack common sense. The ability of a writer to inject humor (or at least attempt to inject humor) into their writings may be a way to inject common sense. When used correctly, humor can also be used to keep the reader’s interest, illustrate certain concepts, and highlight certain points. Humor helps us better deal with challenges.
It is no surprise that comedians are among the most intelligent, witty and analytical people in the world. I don’t think a world of writings that lacks humor is very enjoyable.
4. Writing is a Skill – Use It or Lose it
I am one of many people who try to stay in shape. It is well-known that muscles atrophy when they are not used regularly. It is the same for different parts in the brain. We can lose our sense of orientation if we become dependent on navigational systems and never use it. Our ability to interact with people in person is hindered if we don’t do it regularly. If we don’t write regularly, we also lose the ability to do so.
I review other people’s writings periodically, and it’s usually pretty clear who has written and who hasn’t. I am not willing to hand over the art of writing, to machines and mercenaries.
5. People know the difference
The majority of people can tell if they are reading a ghostwritten article or one written by AI. In my experience, most people are disappointed when they discover that the text they are reading was not written by a person they expected. This is a sad but important lesson. I’m not sure, but it seems to me that writing is better when it comes directly from the source.
Both technical writing talent as well as AI present interesting possibilities. Although each option is appropriate in certain cases, I do not believe that writing under someone else’s name would be one of them. I may be considered a relic by history, but for me, writing my own work is the only way to go. I will not use ghostwriters or AI to help me. I think that my readers understand and appreciate this, and I owe them at least that.