I wanted to respond to this earlier, but my book writing efforts seem to preclude just about all other activity for now!
Anyway, belatedly to tell you that I really loved this! The creative approach to engaging AI, is inspiring to me in itself, as I mostly don't much want to get involved with it, and I found your results super-interesting. And the collective nouns are great! A slant of journalists! Love it!
Thanks for this lovely comment, Michael! Indeed, the more u okay with AI, the more I become both inspired by its potential and relived at its limits, the more I wanna try new things! I appreciate you swinging back and giving me some feedback.
What book ar estoy writing? If you’ve already explained that in your stack, can you leave a link? I’m intrigued!
Your comment is interesting, and I agree - when we see so starkly its limitations, we can relax and be more playful. I'm fascinated by your approach to this, and the results it produced. Since I only listened to it briefly last time, and not all the way to the end, I'm going to listen again, more closely, later today!
As to my book (I didn't write anything about it on my 'Stack yet), it's about the dramatic, unexpected strangeness of current and recent world events, and their roots in centuries of history. It proposes that the world is now involved in the biggest social and psychological shift in 500 years, and considers some ways that that could go well or badly. It argues for the difference between 'ideology' and an approach to understanding and engagement based on a more archetypal perspective. It goes on something of an odyssey through themes of science, philosophy, history and conspiracy in support of its arguments. Above all, it is - ambitiously - about what the way through the maze might be. Writing it has itself been an odyssey - I began it in 2011! Finally it is nearing completion, though it is sill a pretty demanding process!
OK, I listened again more attentively. It's wonderful. I'll extend my list of favourites from a slant of journalists, and veneer of news presenters, a shush of librarians, and wunch of bankers!
Question though - I'd love to understand what in the project was created by the AI and what by your good human self?
In this version, only the text is mine. I had voiced it for an earlier artistic exploration, but I was trying out CapCut for the first time and so I used its AI voice feature along with its auto image generation. Since doing so, I’ve figured out how to be more specific in image choices and how to even animate them (by using in conjunction with another app). I will try and post something that shows my progression. And these are only the free tiers of AI usage. I might have to splurge on something just to try its premier capabilities!
I fully enjoyed yer wordsmitherie, at times bitin', amusin' an' just pitch perfect when the unexpecTIVE collective just matches so uncannily!
I know this is just a test drive of da Soft Wear but I really found the AI imagery a distraction (sorry!) an' even if I didn't hate AI ta pieces (haha), if human hands had cobbled together the same eye-show (with so many generic scenarios that didn't enhance or add counterport--didn't even well-illustrate if I may say-so). I'd still have felt the same thing.
None of the imagery ADDED... so 'bout halfway thru I just closed eyes an' listened... an' enjoyed. Fully!
I also wish the voice were better (AI "Ani" or whoever could be doin' a car commercial...cool, calm, the seats are genuine pleather, you'll be riding high with 4ddx02 shock absorbers, choose black, silver, or embalmed corpse white and enjoy digital symphonic stereo with a free month of Sirius Radio or 3 hours with a dominatrix named Bob, always named Bob...) Real voice better unless you want a kinda robotic but soothing dental assistant kinda thang goin'-- I feel you'd do great with it Tonika....YOUR VOICE! human not AI....
Zo there's my 2cents! As I said, woids stand alone. If ya were ta illustrate my thoughts went straight to Norman McLaren as the right "feel"--a musical feel which could include words or just imagery but not fer every single line...an' yet "of a piece" not random...
Do I dare state the obvious that yer written work SO outshines the AI .... that I'd ruther see it typed up (in typewriter font!) onna blank sheet... there, quietly-loudly, "a poetry of words!"
ps A wee afterthought Tonika an' I DO hope yer silence means "jus' bizzy" an' that ya didn't take offense at my admiration fer yer verse an' mah not bein' thrilled with the AI portion (no offense intended!). So as back-ground, lemme say that I'mma longtime fan've collective nouns an' we own a couple kids books of 'em. What I'll also say is that "real-life non-AI" illustrators have often failed ta do 'em justice as well (I know yers are quirkier due ta bein' yer inventions but still...).
Fer eggzample, most of the kids illustration books are near-cloyingly "cutesie" generic animal illustrations that don't bring out the unique or truly bizarre qualities of the collective noun--an' the adult variations are usually overly serious (grim blockprints & such). Trooth be told, I've yet ta find the spot-on illustrations fer even the known ones. At one point I sawr a very spendy book usin' typeface & fonts & loved it. (fergot the name). Visually, this one comes closer than most: https://matadornetwork.com/pulse/illustrations-collective-nouns-animals-super-charming-edit-record-share/ Again, few an' far I think meet image ta words so it's not only the AI (if that makes ye feel any better?)
Hahaha, no no offense at all! I had clicked on your link and I was really into it but didn’t get to watch the whole thing. I wanted to respond after I had seen the whole video of the animation (which I still haven’t gotten around to doing!) I hear ya, Daisy! I’m just playing with these tools for now. I supplement sometimes where I need to in my video editing practice. But I still prefer analogue and acting and singing. For sure. It’s just a different thing and I like having fun with it.
Btw, I had started ató generate prompts for collective nouns - I had the same idea for a book with them. You’re right: there isn’t something out there yet that is satisfying!
good & yay! what about.... actin' out the collective nouns...is that too nutty an idear? kinda like a skit but I'm'a thinkin' of doin' it like the tableau game where folks shout stuff at'cha from the audience like... "dolphin in a diner car" or "ice cream avalanche" an' stuff an' ya have ta figger out how ta "embody" it an' make a visual pitch'er of it... since yer concepts are more human... of course the list would have ta be shortened so it warn't a year long project (lol) but there'z an idear there too (oh, an if ya like the animation, check out McLaren's other stuff--interestin' an' varied... but I like his abundant minimalism!)
Yes, I've bookmarked his stuff to check out once I get a moment. Been busy. I know you're not into AI, but please check out David Szauder: https://www.instagram.com/davidszauder/ It's creepy and surreal and visually rich. AI is just another medium. I am nowhere near using it in a way that I find satisfying yet, but I have to go through the growing process. I appreciate that you liked my words the best, though, truly. That makes me feel good.
I love the charade idea! going to a party tonight that sometimes breaks into charades. If we do, gonna pitch this and see if it works!
great! give it a look-see, so I checked out David Szuader an' what I felt wuz that this guy is (data-) minin' old photos, film clips, an' old moosick ta put 2gether what ta me is both kinda cool aesthetically but an' both kinda original an' kinda dishonest too... however fun. The truly AI generated images pale compare ta the "found ones." An' "better AI" would even be more creepy (i.e. more seamless stuff). The collage-pastiche film angle is old, not noo... Look up Harry Smith (his animations) or even think've Terry Gilliam--love both! It's harder woik fer sure but this guy, talented I kin see, is still not settin' right with me. I'd like ta see what he'd do without AI! It's not all thaaaat hard... Back in the day I had friends that animated thatta way--stop motion, collage, usin' the step printer / Oxbury... I might just be "old skool" thatta way...
I also am trooly distressed what AI is doin' ta people now--steerin' sum' ugly stuff (think-wize) in a way that even photography could never do.... It's not just a neutral tool imho... it's a weapon. I'm all fer the 2A as guns are mechanical an' there are perimeters set (eg a 12 year old cain't buy one!), there are safety regs, all that. But AI?! anyone has that weapon an' it's the wild west out thar....
OH! Also, look up the awesome work of Tibor Kalman fer inspiration fer visuals fer yer collective nouns!
Have fun at yer pahrty an' I hope the charades/tableau thang flies--it's super fun anyway!
Didn’t get around to charades, unfortunately, but we did jam a bit and that was nice.
For the record, that guy David is a media artist from before AI. He refers to AI as a tool (which I believe it is as well)- to yield it requires an artistry as well.
I will check out your other referrals though. You always bring such interesting people and art to my attention. 🥰
I loved this piece when you first posted it, and I love it even more now. For word-lovers like me, this is a feast of indulgences. Normally, you only find a few delicious phrases in someone’s article, but this is packed paragraph to paragraph with them!
As far as the video goes, the voice was surprisingly decent save for a few hiccups (some funny). Of course I would prefer to hear you read it if you have the opportunity.
The music was appropriately whimsical and suited the material well.
The graphics were okay in and of themselves, but I honestly found them distracting because the words themselves were so captivating. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them and didn’t want to.
I think what would be *amazing* would be to do animated typography since this is so much about the words. Animated typography + your voice + the music = WOW.
What a treat Tonika! I missed this when you first posted it.
I also found the graphics a little distracting from the lush word-pairings which were the stars of this show. Loved the light and clever tone contrasting the weighty message.
You just burst with talent, Tonika. 🌸 (Or should I say a talent of bursting?)
Never. Confusing it even more seems to be in good fun. Hopefully when the singularity hits, it makes my death swift and painless based on how less serious I was about it all.
Hey sis how the hell did you write that? Was it ai assisted? A Pathos of Mourners! I mean there were too many impeccable links. I'm writing my head off trying to do this.
Sheesh.
Very inspiring. I'm gunna steal that idea and use it as seasoning (rather than the main course) for a jam at some stage. Really got me cogitating.
And no, the words were the only thing that was me- everything else was AI: voice, music, visuals. But CapCut can actually create a script from scratch with a prompt. It’s very multi-pronged. I’ll explore more.
😂 hell yeah!! I love the ones you came up with! They’re called “collective nouns” and are quite popular. Some are pretty cool and popular like a “murder of crows” but most are made up by poets and writers. I tried to incorporate as many as I knew and also made up my own.
They can be obscure or niche or ironic. And you can make anything work.
A Substack of bloggers.
A theory of conspiracists.
A Concupiscence of sinners.
I’d love to hear a jam with some collective nouns sprinkled in!
I actually had to go back and read to realize it wasn't AI with some perceptive prompts. Your use of alliteration and wide-ranging allegory was so masterful in its language. For the second half, I had a different page open so I could listen without the distraction of reading and watching. I think the AI is a good trick for putting something together but there's a vitality to what you choose and create. Both good for different purposes.
Agreed. It’s also often that some people have an aversion to AI right out the gate. Which is legit. Yeah, I miss writing more poetically. I’ll get back to that.
I have no aversion to AI as a tool for expression. To me, it's another medium and very powerful. I don't think that boycotting ways to get our ideas out there is the way to go--like taking my book off of Amazon. It's the purpose that matters, the medium is NOT the message.
Well it isn’t a part of the built-in voices. But you have the option to sample a voice (your own or another person) and use that. I hardly played around with the voice options so I can’t say if there are any restrictive parameters. I know that I was able to reproduce Golden Gollum’s voice in Eleven Labs and then about two years ago, they nixed that, along with sleepy Joe and Kamala’s voices. Something something integrity of elections something.
I absolutely loved this piece, Tonika -- let me count the ways :) -- seriously so good! I realized after a bit with the mispronunciations (and after I read the accompanying text) that it was not your voice narrating. But what great words, and such a cool video. Chapeau! 👏🏽
Hi Tonika,
I wanted to respond to this earlier, but my book writing efforts seem to preclude just about all other activity for now!
Anyway, belatedly to tell you that I really loved this! The creative approach to engaging AI, is inspiring to me in itself, as I mostly don't much want to get involved with it, and I found your results super-interesting. And the collective nouns are great! A slant of journalists! Love it!
Hope you are well.
Thanks for this lovely comment, Michael! Indeed, the more u okay with AI, the more I become both inspired by its potential and relived at its limits, the more I wanna try new things! I appreciate you swinging back and giving me some feedback.
What book ar estoy writing? If you’ve already explained that in your stack, can you leave a link? I’m intrigued!
Your comment is interesting, and I agree - when we see so starkly its limitations, we can relax and be more playful. I'm fascinated by your approach to this, and the results it produced. Since I only listened to it briefly last time, and not all the way to the end, I'm going to listen again, more closely, later today!
As to my book (I didn't write anything about it on my 'Stack yet), it's about the dramatic, unexpected strangeness of current and recent world events, and their roots in centuries of history. It proposes that the world is now involved in the biggest social and psychological shift in 500 years, and considers some ways that that could go well or badly. It argues for the difference between 'ideology' and an approach to understanding and engagement based on a more archetypal perspective. It goes on something of an odyssey through themes of science, philosophy, history and conspiracy in support of its arguments. Above all, it is - ambitiously - about what the way through the maze might be. Writing it has itself been an odyssey - I began it in 2011! Finally it is nearing completion, though it is sill a pretty demanding process!
I’m thrilled to hear you will finish an entire book! I will certainly look out for it if you give us a heads up here on Substack!
Thank you so much - you can be sure you will hear about it on Substack, and probably more than once ;-)
OK, I listened again more attentively. It's wonderful. I'll extend my list of favourites from a slant of journalists, and veneer of news presenters, a shush of librarians, and wunch of bankers!
Question though - I'd love to understand what in the project was created by the AI and what by your good human self?
In this version, only the text is mine. I had voiced it for an earlier artistic exploration, but I was trying out CapCut for the first time and so I used its AI voice feature along with its auto image generation. Since doing so, I’ve figured out how to be more specific in image choices and how to even animate them (by using in conjunction with another app). I will try and post something that shows my progression. And these are only the free tiers of AI usage. I might have to splurge on something just to try its premier capabilities!
Looking forward to the future experiments!
I fully enjoyed yer wordsmitherie, at times bitin', amusin' an' just pitch perfect when the unexpecTIVE collective just matches so uncannily!
I know this is just a test drive of da Soft Wear but I really found the AI imagery a distraction (sorry!) an' even if I didn't hate AI ta pieces (haha), if human hands had cobbled together the same eye-show (with so many generic scenarios that didn't enhance or add counterport--didn't even well-illustrate if I may say-so). I'd still have felt the same thing.
None of the imagery ADDED... so 'bout halfway thru I just closed eyes an' listened... an' enjoyed. Fully!
I also wish the voice were better (AI "Ani" or whoever could be doin' a car commercial...cool, calm, the seats are genuine pleather, you'll be riding high with 4ddx02 shock absorbers, choose black, silver, or embalmed corpse white and enjoy digital symphonic stereo with a free month of Sirius Radio or 3 hours with a dominatrix named Bob, always named Bob...) Real voice better unless you want a kinda robotic but soothing dental assistant kinda thang goin'-- I feel you'd do great with it Tonika....YOUR VOICE! human not AI....
Zo there's my 2cents! As I said, woids stand alone. If ya were ta illustrate my thoughts went straight to Norman McLaren as the right "feel"--a musical feel which could include words or just imagery but not fer every single line...an' yet "of a piece" not random...
Here's one've his animations...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VrnXw9waJI&list=RD2VrnXw9waJI&start_radio=1
Do I dare state the obvious that yer written work SO outshines the AI .... that I'd ruther see it typed up (in typewriter font!) onna blank sheet... there, quietly-loudly, "a poetry of words!"
ps A wee afterthought Tonika an' I DO hope yer silence means "jus' bizzy" an' that ya didn't take offense at my admiration fer yer verse an' mah not bein' thrilled with the AI portion (no offense intended!). So as back-ground, lemme say that I'mma longtime fan've collective nouns an' we own a couple kids books of 'em. What I'll also say is that "real-life non-AI" illustrators have often failed ta do 'em justice as well (I know yers are quirkier due ta bein' yer inventions but still...).
Fer eggzample, most of the kids illustration books are near-cloyingly "cutesie" generic animal illustrations that don't bring out the unique or truly bizarre qualities of the collective noun--an' the adult variations are usually overly serious (grim blockprints & such). Trooth be told, I've yet ta find the spot-on illustrations fer even the known ones. At one point I sawr a very spendy book usin' typeface & fonts & loved it. (fergot the name). Visually, this one comes closer than most: https://matadornetwork.com/pulse/illustrations-collective-nouns-animals-super-charming-edit-record-share/ Again, few an' far I think meet image ta words so it's not only the AI (if that makes ye feel any better?)
Hahaha, no no offense at all! I had clicked on your link and I was really into it but didn’t get to watch the whole thing. I wanted to respond after I had seen the whole video of the animation (which I still haven’t gotten around to doing!) I hear ya, Daisy! I’m just playing with these tools for now. I supplement sometimes where I need to in my video editing practice. But I still prefer analogue and acting and singing. For sure. It’s just a different thing and I like having fun with it.
Btw, I had started ató generate prompts for collective nouns - I had the same idea for a book with them. You’re right: there isn’t something out there yet that is satisfying!
good & yay! what about.... actin' out the collective nouns...is that too nutty an idear? kinda like a skit but I'm'a thinkin' of doin' it like the tableau game where folks shout stuff at'cha from the audience like... "dolphin in a diner car" or "ice cream avalanche" an' stuff an' ya have ta figger out how ta "embody" it an' make a visual pitch'er of it... since yer concepts are more human... of course the list would have ta be shortened so it warn't a year long project (lol) but there'z an idear there too (oh, an if ya like the animation, check out McLaren's other stuff--interestin' an' varied... but I like his abundant minimalism!)
Yes, I've bookmarked his stuff to check out once I get a moment. Been busy. I know you're not into AI, but please check out David Szauder: https://www.instagram.com/davidszauder/ It's creepy and surreal and visually rich. AI is just another medium. I am nowhere near using it in a way that I find satisfying yet, but I have to go through the growing process. I appreciate that you liked my words the best, though, truly. That makes me feel good.
I love the charade idea! going to a party tonight that sometimes breaks into charades. If we do, gonna pitch this and see if it works!
great! give it a look-see, so I checked out David Szuader an' what I felt wuz that this guy is (data-) minin' old photos, film clips, an' old moosick ta put 2gether what ta me is both kinda cool aesthetically but an' both kinda original an' kinda dishonest too... however fun. The truly AI generated images pale compare ta the "found ones." An' "better AI" would even be more creepy (i.e. more seamless stuff). The collage-pastiche film angle is old, not noo... Look up Harry Smith (his animations) or even think've Terry Gilliam--love both! It's harder woik fer sure but this guy, talented I kin see, is still not settin' right with me. I'd like ta see what he'd do without AI! It's not all thaaaat hard... Back in the day I had friends that animated thatta way--stop motion, collage, usin' the step printer / Oxbury... I might just be "old skool" thatta way...
I also am trooly distressed what AI is doin' ta people now--steerin' sum' ugly stuff (think-wize) in a way that even photography could never do.... It's not just a neutral tool imho... it's a weapon. I'm all fer the 2A as guns are mechanical an' there are perimeters set (eg a 12 year old cain't buy one!), there are safety regs, all that. But AI?! anyone has that weapon an' it's the wild west out thar....
OH! Also, look up the awesome work of Tibor Kalman fer inspiration fer visuals fer yer collective nouns!
Have fun at yer pahrty an' I hope the charades/tableau thang flies--it's super fun anyway!
Didn’t get around to charades, unfortunately, but we did jam a bit and that was nice.
For the record, that guy David is a media artist from before AI. He refers to AI as a tool (which I believe it is as well)- to yield it requires an artistry as well.
I will check out your other referrals though. You always bring such interesting people and art to my attention. 🥰
That was such a freaking video of rollicks!
I loved this piece when you first posted it, and I love it even more now. For word-lovers like me, this is a feast of indulgences. Normally, you only find a few delicious phrases in someone’s article, but this is packed paragraph to paragraph with them!
As far as the video goes, the voice was surprisingly decent save for a few hiccups (some funny). Of course I would prefer to hear you read it if you have the opportunity.
The music was appropriately whimsical and suited the material well.
The graphics were okay in and of themselves, but I honestly found them distracting because the words themselves were so captivating. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them and didn’t want to.
I think what would be *amazing* would be to do animated typography since this is so much about the words. Animated typography + your voice + the music = WOW.
What MAA said.
What a treat Tonika! I missed this when you first posted it.
I also found the graphics a little distracting from the lush word-pairings which were the stars of this show. Loved the light and clever tone contrasting the weighty message.
You just burst with talent, Tonika. 🌸 (Or should I say a talent of bursting?)
I love you, and your compelling sense of creativity and fun, but...
I am almost violently AGAINST AI. On principle. It's like being forced to eat bugs instead of meat.
So I refuse to entertain it.
And especially when it has to do with WORDS. This is part of my religion, words.
Bringing AI into language is like bringing a wheelbarrow full of shit into a cathedral...
Sorry, no offense intended toward your lovely self. xo
😂 fair! For the record, the words are the only element that wasn’t AI. But I hear ya. I just like playing with the toys.
I hear you, too, dear you. xo xo
Me brain is confused.
😂 I think the AI’s brain was confused at least half a dozen times too. The images it came up with were a little… off.
When has Simulated Intelligence ever NOT been confused?
Never. Confusing it even more seems to be in good fun. Hopefully when the singularity hits, it makes my death swift and painless based on how less serious I was about it all.
🤣🤣
Hey sis how the hell did you write that? Was it ai assisted? A Pathos of Mourners! I mean there were too many impeccable links. I'm writing my head off trying to do this.
Sheesh.
Very inspiring. I'm gunna steal that idea and use it as seasoning (rather than the main course) for a jam at some stage. Really got me cogitating.
A Thesaurus of Rappers!
A Childhood of Narcissists
A Salad Bowl of Permaculturalists
Omg I can't fucking stop. You messed me up Tonika
And no, the words were the only thing that was me- everything else was AI: voice, music, visuals. But CapCut can actually create a script from scratch with a prompt. It’s very multi-pronged. I’ll explore more.
😂 hell yeah!! I love the ones you came up with! They’re called “collective nouns” and are quite popular. Some are pretty cool and popular like a “murder of crows” but most are made up by poets and writers. I tried to incorporate as many as I knew and also made up my own.
They can be obscure or niche or ironic. And you can make anything work.
A Substack of bloggers.
A theory of conspiracists.
A Concupiscence of sinners.
I’d love to hear a jam with some collective nouns sprinkled in!
It's the writing that floors me, Tonika. What a vocab and imagination!
Thanks T! Way to boost my ego with liking the one element that wasn’t AI.
I actually had to go back and read to realize it wasn't AI with some perceptive prompts. Your use of alliteration and wide-ranging allegory was so masterful in its language. For the second half, I had a different page open so I could listen without the distraction of reading and watching. I think the AI is a good trick for putting something together but there's a vitality to what you choose and create. Both good for different purposes.
Agreed. It’s also often that some people have an aversion to AI right out the gate. Which is legit. Yeah, I miss writing more poetically. I’ll get back to that.
I have no aversion to AI as a tool for expression. To me, it's another medium and very powerful. I don't think that boycotting ways to get our ideas out there is the way to go--like taking my book off of Amazon. It's the purpose that matters, the medium is NOT the message.
Lots of potential there. What are the range of voiceover options? If they start putting in some specialised Moonchild voice filters I’m all in
Well it isn’t a part of the built-in voices. But you have the option to sample a voice (your own or another person) and use that. I hardly played around with the voice options so I can’t say if there are any restrictive parameters. I know that I was able to reproduce Golden Gollum’s voice in Eleven Labs and then about two years ago, they nixed that, along with sleepy Joe and Kamala’s voices. Something something integrity of elections something.
I absolutely loved this piece, Tonika -- let me count the ways :) -- seriously so good! I realized after a bit with the mispronunciations (and after I read the accompanying text) that it was not your voice narrating. But what great words, and such a cool video. Chapeau! 👏🏽
Ha! I was just watching your videos on your stack! Thanks, SF! I heard you have a collab coming too! Can’t wait!!
Yeah as soon as I get a minute I’m jumping in to that!