NaNoWriMo AI controversy trending among authors and here is why. National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is an annual event where writers from around the world aim to write a 50,000-word novel in November. This challenge encourages creativity and productivity, offering a structured goal and a supportive community. However, this year, NaNoWriMo has found itself at the center of a heated debate over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing.
NaNoWriMo AI controversy explained
Historically, NaNoWriMo has allowed the use of AI tools but has discouraged relying on them completely. The organization believes that using AI to write an entire manuscript goes against the spirit of the challenge, which is meant to encourage personal effort and creativity.
Recently, NaNoWriMo made a statement about AI that stirred up controversy. The organization suggested that opposing AI could be “classist and ableist.” They meant that AI could help those who can’t afford writing assistants or who have different cognitive needs. The statement aimed to show that while some people might choose to avoid AI, others might find it helpful.
Many people in the writing community reacted strongly to NaNoWriMo’s statement. Critics argued that using AI could harm the creative process and reduce the uniqueness of human writing. They worried that AI-generated content might become too similar and lack the personal touch that human writers bring.
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’s revised statement
After the backlash, NaNoWriMo updated its statement to address the concerns. The revised message clarified that the organization is worried about specific ways AI might be misused and that their stance is meant to consider both the benefits and potential issues with AI. They explained that AI includes many types of technologies and acknowledged the complexity of the issue.
NaNoWriMo rules
NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) has a few key rules that participants must follow:
- Word count goal: The primary goal is to write 50,000 words of a novel between November 1 and November 30. This amounts to roughly 1,667 words per day.
- Original work: The manuscript must be original work, not previously published or written before the challenge. It should be a new novel idea created specifically for NaNoWriMo.
- No pre-writing: While participants can plan and outline before November starts, no actual writing of the manuscript should occur before the first day of November. All writing for the challenge should take place during November.
- Write-in and tracking: Participants track their progress using the NaNoWriMo website or app. Regular updates on word count are encouraged to stay on track.
- Verification: At the end of November, participants must verify their word count on the NaNoWriMo website to be officially recognized as having completed the challenge. This usually involves pasting the text into a word count verifier tool provided by NaNoWriMo.
- Creative freedom: There are no restrictions on the genre, style, or format of the writing. It’s all about reaching the word count goal and fostering creativity.
NaNoWriMo is designed to encourage writing productivity and creativity, offering a supportive community and a structured goal to help participants push through their writing projects.
The bigger picture
This controversy highlights a larger debate about how technology fits into creative work. As AI continues to develop, it’s important for organizations like NaNoWriMo to balance embracing new tools with preserving the core values of creative writing. Finding a way to use technology ethically while maintaining the authenticity of artistic expression is crucial as the writing world navigates these changes.
In summary, NaNoWriMo’s recent controversy about AI reflects ongoing discussions about technology and creativity. It’s a reminder that as tools evolve, thoughtful consideration is needed to ensure that they enhance rather than diminish the creative process.
Featured image credit: NaNoWriMo
