The Crochet Crowd is currently in free-fall mode, collapsing right before my eyes. I'm explaining why.
When I started this journey back in 2008, what I do online has morphed so many times. Artificial intelligence (AI) came along and was first reported to be tested for the Google algorithm in 2015. It's been eight years already.
Many of the programming keys I did back in the day, including up to the current time have become obsolete and no longer criteria that need to be done as AI is looking at the content as a whole.
In the past year, the fear of AI has erupted in my sphere as people are tricking people into believing some items are crocheted when it's just an image. I know some people in my industry are pissed off about it.
The image below is from our last mega craft show of the nutcrackers with our crochet igloo.
AI has the power to create cool images but are not entirely accurate, yet.
Recently, Daniel and I learned to use AI to generate images that are tricking people online. Upon saving the image, there's a warning for us to be transparent on the AI-generated photo. It's fair.
Programming Change
A week ago, I decided to make a programming change and allow AI to make some decisions on its own. The truth is, it already was. Stuff that was in programming is bogging down the system, as AI isn't even considering my writing but looking at my words and context for the best search engine results.
It's honestly filled with fear as the system I have built, I'm relying on AI to take over some of my processes.
I eliminated 11,000 possibilities from my website, which is referred to as 'thin content' where the content doesn't have much value. That's scary on its own.
Since the changes, The Crochet Crowd has been in free fall. I'm waiting for AI to really dig deep and form the net that will catch me at some point. So far, it's pretty bleak.
I'm Hoping
AI can be positively used if a designer is using it to generate ideas, but at this time, for me, it isn't a replacement for natural thoughts. I'm not against the technology, in fact, I'm embracing it.
If you can continue to refer to The Crochet Crowd to stop the free fall, I would sincerely appreciate it. I'm convinced, and yes, I could be wrong, that we are already in the future and this will settle out, but I don't know where I will end up.
Thanks so much.
Lisa McCrillis says
I’m not sure what you’re asking us to do. Or if it’s really you asking or Ai trying to trick people…Be proud of what you’ve accomplished on your own. Don’t be so quick to embrace new technologies….let them exist for a while and see how they’re going to benefit you, if they can.
I’m sure you will never be replaced because creativity is organic. ❤️??❤️
Gloria Schlensker says
I am 80 years old and I don't know where I will be withhout your instruction. I've been following you for years and have been crocheting for at least 50 years. Your designs have prompted me to try very comblicated patterns. My granddaughter asked me to do the Twirling Christmas MCandy for her. It took 2 years for me to complete it but it is proudly shown every Christmas with just a little repair this year. Will be checking on your designs for ever.