NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month, is a non-profit organization that provides the tools or community you may need to write a novel. It basically gives you a yearly goal of writing a book of at least 50,000 words during the month of November. Approaching its 25th year, NaNoWriMo has had NYT Bestselling authors like Marie Lu, Marissa Meyer, and Erin Morgenstern participate. Needless to say, it is a huge organization that thrives on human creativity, which is why their stance on AI is so… interesting.
What Is NaNoWriMo’s Stance on AI?
On Monday, September 2, NaNoWriMo released a statement on its website about its position on the use of AI. It said,
“We believe that to categorically condemn AI would be to ignore classist and ableist issues surrounding the technology, and that questions around the use of AI tie to questions around privilege.”
They went on to say, “Not all writers have the financial ability to hire humans to help at certain phases of their writing” and that they “recognize and respect writers who believe that AI tools are right for them.”
Later, after public backlash, they edited the post, adding a paragraph to acknowledge that there are people who misuse AI and they are specifically harming writers. They stayed firm on their stance that there is no one approach for writing, stating that the size of AI as a whole “is simply too big to categorically endorse or not endorse.”
How Are People Reacting?
Many people, especially writers, are deeply upset and disturbed by NaNoWriMo’s position on AI. Laura Elliot wrote on X that, as a disabled author, she was “furious” and that promoting AI “is a slap in the face to all writers, and this excuse is appallingly ableist.”
Several authors who had written on and worked for NaNoWriMo have stepped down following this controversy. Marie Lu, a NYT bestselling author, announced publicly on her Instagram page that she is cutting ties with the organization. Lu wrote that “their recent AI stance is deeply disturbing to me, and I both disagree with and cannot condone it.” She encouraged others to read and decide for themselves whether NaNoWriMo was a company they felt comfortable with or not.
A Board Member Steps Down
Daniel Jose Older, a board member, publicly resigned from the organization on X. In a letter to NaNoWriMo, he stated, “Your position on AI is vile, craven, and unconscionable. You are harming writers and you are harming the planet.”
Hello @NaNoWriMo this is me DJO officially stepping down from your Writers Board and urging every writer I know to do the same. Never use my name in your promo again in fact never say my name at all and never email me again. Thanks! https://t.co/KDKZ0zVx3H
— Daniel José Older (@djolder) September 2, 2024
NaNoWriMo is sponsored by ProWritingAid, an AI-powered writing tool. A lot of people think this relationship is what is spearheading their stance on AI. What do you think about NaNoWriMo’s stance? Let us know on our socials!
Are you a writer seeking a writing community? Check out Abigail Caswells blog article here.
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