AI Poetry - Much Ado About Nothing - Tom Woody's Blog

Can you hear it? Have you felt it? The tremors. Seismic activity. Low rumbles. It threatens to shake up the poetry world and upend it. What is it? No, not AI poetry, but the paranoia surrounding it. Who is using it? How can we tell? Is there an app that can determine whether a poem has been AI generated with absolute certainty? Should we avoid poets we suspect of using it, even if we have no proof? Maybe you've read the poems ridiculing it. Or, you've seen the comments. Perhaps you've engaged in soupmail discussions about it. But, if you stop and think about it, does it really even matter? Why should what others do or don't do in any way impact what you are doing? All that's likely to happen is the community will become increasingly paranoid over the matter and further divisions will result. So, if unity, tolerance, and acceptance are the lofty goals that we, as poets, claim to aspire to, why not ignore the issue and just post our best poetry. AI poetry really is much ado about nothing. Let admins worry about it. Tommy

Sara Etgen-Baker Date: 10/12/2023 5:07:00 PM I'm not terribly familiar with AI and its use here on PS. When I taught English, oh so many of my students tried to pass off something generated as their own. I could usually tell, because what they gave me didn't at all sound like them. They were more interested in completing the assignment than learning or valuing self expression. To me, AI generated poems aren't creative or artist...but that's my opinion...just adding to the conversation. Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/13/2023 6:13:00 AM Your input is much appreciated

Suzette Richards Date: 10/11/2023 12:59:00 AM All's well that ends well :) You made valid points. I personally use an image generator as I do not wish to fall foul of the copyright act governing art. But the poems are my own ramblings ... Each to his own. :) PS I have now updated my example poems on my contest page keeping true to the hexameter, but I do not wish to labour over the metre for the French sonnet, Eidolon - maybe AI could do a rendition of it (I don't know how to use AI for poetry). Login to Reply Craig Cornish Date: 10/11/2023 12:14:00 PM But then, the operative word is "Ends" hmmm, you've given me inspiration for something...hmm, also, define "well" and BTW, I rarely use even syllable counters except for really weird short words but then I don't care about syllables either (I do care about meter when it comes to play)---NEVER even looked at AI for help with anything except directions to an obscure restaurant location? Oh, I have looked at rhyme zone when pondering continuance, but no, even a GPS will lead you down a dark road that ends. Suzette Richards Date: 10/11/2023 10:53:00 AM :) Tom Woody Date: 10/11/2023 5:06:00 AM Me either, and I have no interest in even trying. Re copyright issues, I think as long as someone doesn't claim an image as their own work it's more much ado about nothing. No money is being made from it and if an artist requested removal I think all of us would readily comply. YouTube probably couldn't survive without it. Some add disclaimers which helps but rarely do originators request removal

Kim Rodrigues Date: 10/9/2023 11:51:00 AM AI’s all over us like fleas in a circus. The high wire act is low to the ground. We are stirred or disturbed as if we heard they are setting up the big top. But like we all know, poetry comes from outside, inside, perspectives, etc.. Silly that a machine might think itself clever enough to write real poetry. No pseudonym here, but who am I, anyway ;) xx Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 12:49:00 PM Thanks for input Kim

I Am Anaya Date: 10/9/2023 11:13:00 AM Good morning, good point! Another excuse to be in control AI can be a useful tool for students by personalizing learning, if only we had that. Andrea has a good point as well. I left a message for EVE below, hope it helps! Login to Reply I Am Anaya Date: 10/9/2023 11:36:00 AM clean :) Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 11:35:00 AM Thx for being an intelligent, sane voice. No meanness allowed on this blog. Just friendly debate. I read your comment to Eve

Unseeking Seeker Date: 10/9/2023 10:08:00 AM Interesting; never thought of this or why anyone would choose AI - to what end? How to make out of a poem is generated by a program? Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 11:35:00 AM Lots of answers below US

John Lawless Date: 10/9/2023 5:08:00 AM I just post mine...As Is......hehhee Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:35:00 AM As is makes sense

Charlotte Puddifoot Date: 10/9/2023 5:04:00 AM AI poetry is the least of my worries..more concerning, though, is the fusing of the human mind with AI, connection to the smart grid, the imposition of a digital currency, endless wars orchestrated from the shadows etc etc.. Login to Reply Sam Scott Date: 10/13/2023 6:16:00 AM I have to agree Charlotte, too much emphasis on bots and too little on the puppet-masters :) Craig Cornish Date: 10/9/2023 9:00:00 AM Best perception I've read. Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:35:00 AM Thank you Charlotte. My point exactly. Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 5:20:00 AM Well that's ruined that! Nothing like a bit of perspective :)

Suzanne Delaney Date: 10/9/2023 4:31:00 AM I don’t think any sense of achievement could come from using AI to essentially write your poem. If you don’t want to put the time in to study how the real of essence of good poems can be achieved then go on and use AI, and bask in your mediocrity. Cheers, SuZ Login to Reply Suzanne Delaney Date: 10/9/2023 12:38:00 PM Thanks Tom and Craig: You are probably right. Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:36:00 AM Agreed Suzanne. I'm sure those using it are a tiny fraction of the community here, if at all Craig Cornish Date: 10/9/2023 5:24:00 AM exactly

Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 3:16:00 AM Just went and checked out some of the best and worst AI Generators. What a laugh! 5 Best (and Worst) AI Poem Generators These days, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can do just about anything! It can even draw pictures. What AI has a little (a lot, correction) more trouble with, however, is creating poems. Still, that doesn’t stop the world's AI writers from making valiant attempts. Here are the best (and worst) AI poem generators. This one is from the best called Sonnet Generator. Login to Reply Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 8:22:00 PM Ink Empress my dear friend, we've seen the amazing care and support you've shared with your huge following on Instagram. We all love and respect your work as an Ambassador. Keep shining bright star. Hugs Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 8:44:00 AM It's found a place in art already Tommy Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 7:40:00 AM Baseless accusations are the norm for a small minority, as you know Inky. So sad but every SM community has these factions. I do believe that plagiarism and AI generated poetry are separate issues (see my comment to Arlo). I re-examined the definition before posting this comment and am still convinced of such. Plagiarism is clearly offensive and should be sanctioned. AI poetry is probably going to eventually work its way into the mainstream, especially as programs are enhanced. It's not a good thing for sure, but probably inevitable Ink Empress Date: 10/9/2023 7:22:00 AM Yes exactly my approach too, it’s smart to know who we writing for but the issue here is dilly dally, some like accusing me of things i am against which is plagiarism. And i always find it shocking when i win a contest here and other places. Its just me. You write in a very resonating manner which I absolutely admire. Keep shining Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 7:16:00 AM Yes it would make the therapeutic pursuit of writing poetry a bit pointless. Whilst I don't use AI I do adapt my style to suit sponsors preferences. Having entered almost every contest for the past 10 months, I've got to know what several prefer. Plus I write based on mood. I'd never use a generated line or want a win if it wasn't fair and square. Ink Empress Date: 10/9/2023 7:03:00 AM Dilly dally, ive read your work few times and also left comments, and your work sounds real! They dont sound soulless to me, and i appreciate being able to read poets like you. As for winners in contests, not specifically soup , but on other places im on they are winning. Sad reality. And yes the change in writing style tooo is very obvious in the ones that use, and these same individuals steal lines from insta poets including have used some lines by me, (word to word) but will i confront? No. Why? Because a thief would never admit they stole. but it is what it is, ill let it slide, no point discussing. And as for judging contests here, it is not easy to spot ai in short forms. So its been a bit challenging. Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 6:43:00 AM It's just a web page. I'm happy to mention it as I think it's abundantly obvious that AI isn't writing my poetry. Knowledge of the technology and how to use it doesn't make someone guilty just as stating no knowledge of the technology wouldn't indicate innocence. Chat has only been available less than a year so anyone on PS for some time would have a notable before and after change of style. There are clear poetic voices that shine through on the regular contest winners, so I wouldn't be inclined to believe they are using AI at all. Ink Empress Date: 10/9/2023 6:30:00 AM Did u download chat gpt? Lolol beautiful maria you are so cute. I have no space on my phone even to check this device up! Oh trust me some poets are winning high in contests using ai lolol Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 5:48:00 AM It literally takes seconds Tommy. I use Chatgpt a bit like Google but it has a high error rating. It's good for specific questions though. Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:38:00 AM I thought they were both pretty decent lol. Thx for doing a bit of real time research Craig Cornish Date: 10/9/2023 5:32:00 AM Truly sophomoric & laden with cliché. Nothing fresh and original. Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 5:18:00 AM Haha it very much tried to stick with rhyming flight sight and night despite being asked for free verse :) Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 4:21:00 AM Hi Dilly, guess that's quite good, though I find it hard to believe it could generate free verse, could be wrong though. Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 4:09:00 AM This is what it generated when I put write a short poem on the beauty of night: Beneath the sable canopy, stars gleam bright, The moon, a pearl suspended in the night. Darkness cradles secrets, a symphony of grace, Infinite beauty, where dreams find their place, Night's splendor, a celestial embrace (That's pretty basic, but I've seen better if more work is fed into the instruction) Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 3:22:00 AM Now if this is what an AI Poetry Generator can do on its best attempt (my 10-year-old grandson can write better) What are we even worrying about here? What a laugh and a waste of time! Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 3:16:00 AM Ode to the Hades A Sonnet by Anonymous My wonder hades, you inspire me to write. How I hate the way you gaze, throne and dash, Invading my mind day and through the night, Always dreaming about the whisper pash. Let me compare you to a sere clover. You are more quiet, create and serene. Lead storms whip the twiglets of October, And autumntime has the whispering lean. How do I hate you? Let me count the ways. I hate your cthonic, shroud and narcissus. Thinking of your crafting shroud fills my days. My hate for you is the paper electrophoresis. Now I must away with an underheart, Remember my red words whilst we’re apart.

Gary Radice Date: 10/9/2023 2:21:00 AM Not sure about "Much Ado About Nothing" when it comes to the use of AI it's more "Love's Labour's Lost" for me. So what's the answer? Well, I'm not even sure what my question is but here goes: "As I'd Like It": Perhaps a first step might be for poets to use their true name rather than some nom de plume? Just a thought. It might remove some suspicion that falls on those poets (unfairly or otherwise) who often use a plethora of adjectives in their work. Somewhere in MetaLand there must be a big long list of all works generated by AI. I'm not sure where they are and when / if such lists will ever become available but they must exist. I live in hope for true poets' sake. Cheers - Gary Login to Reply Gary Radice Date: 10/12/2023 12:16:00 AM Anaya, I did think about it - thanks. I totally understand reasons why people don't use their real names. That was never an issue for me.I suggested that if any person is accused of using AI then it might help alleviate suspicion on that person if they use their real name. Like I say it was just a suggestion - perhaps not a very good one in hindsight and not very well articulated - but just a suggestion.. I will add that I'm sure that PS will only accept poems for their anthologies under the author's real name which means a lot of good poems may miss out. That would be a great shame in my opinion. Cheers - Gary I Am Anaya Date: 10/11/2023 8:20:00 PM Gary, there is an option for using your real name or not using your real name and why is that? Think about it.. Gary Radice Date: 10/9/2023 7:37:00 AM Thanks for all your replies. Much appreciated. Cheers - Gary Ink Empress Date: 10/9/2023 6:29:00 AM There’s many reasons I use a pen name, and one of that being, my background and stalkers i have in real life that can interpret and use my words and my emotions against me, i write about mental health issues, i write about child abuse, i write about so many other things that can be taken wrong from where I come from! so i think its completely safe to use a pen name. As you can see most insta poets that joined soup here have another name but they are not anonymous on their page, thats just how it works and we are not comfortable using real name when we are targeted also by hackers and scammers alot, using a plethora of adjectives does not mean our poems are AI generated. Suspicious humanbeings would suspect everything so we cant control their perception. But I thought i should share my reason here for being anonymous :) no need to explain but thought of stating my views. Thanks for bringing this up. Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:40:00 AM The question or issue is: is it worth our time and effort to worry about it. My take is no, more important things so let's stop writing poetry about it, stop the suspicions about fellow poets. Just write Di11y Da11y Date: 10/9/2023 2:40:00 AM Ahh Gary, I get what you are saying but non de plumes are for a variety of reasons - sometimes expressing very personal emotions within poetry needs the freedom of it not being your own name. I'm not sure we'll ever be able to identify ai poetry because it's taken from real poetry and rehashed. A poem written entirely by ai lacks heart but if you give it something to work with it can actually be quite moving. I just don't see any point in claiming to be a poet when something isn't all your own work. I ran a few of my poems through and asked it to rework them, in a lot of cases it removed emotion but in some instances it came up with killer lines I'd have loved to have thought of (but I didn't, so just thought it was a shame but kept my own original). I see it the same as photograph filters - if it's not you then there's not a reality to accepting the praise. There would be no point getting hired as a model only to turn up and look nothing like your picture - same with a generated poem.

Ink Empress Date: 10/8/2023 7:37:00 PM Am I threatened- No, Am I disheartened-Yes Are there AI detector- Yes Are AI detectors accurate always- No Is using AI plagiarism- YES I’m sorry I refuse to tolerate cheating, or plagiarism of any sort, and AI is now a curse, I dnt isolate ai poets, but i dont want to be anywhere where majority supports it, and funny some people think using clustered words is AI! First, sit down, learn whats AI. Poetry falls under creative, linguistic, intelligence, we use our heart, so when one uses a device to generate poems, that means they are pretend poets. They have no idea what they are doing.#saynotoplagiarism Login to Reply Ink Empress Date: 10/9/2023 7:18:00 AM Thank you, Art of silence , is necessary to ignore ignorant ones, ill try. Let them be. But I will always speak my heart out. Through poetry and also in other ways. And if anyone has anything’ to say about my writing they should man up come talk to me, and stop accusing me of things i strongly am against (plagiarism), yes you are right there are far better things to worry about. So much going on in the world! I pray for world peace today. Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 6:13:00 AM We appreciate you and your pals and hope you all keep gracing us with your unique voices Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:45:00 AM I just say: let them be. It's got to be just a tiny minority and getting fired up about it requires emotions that are better spent on more important things. But I get that some feel strongly about it. We're all different and yet the same. Ink Empress Date: 10/8/2023 11:14:00 PM Ah Andrea I can only imagine how difficult it must be, same here Ive attended few online workshops, that raise awareness and teach how to identify AI generated poems. It helps. But still sometimes we have no proof. Andrea Dietrich Date: 10/8/2023 9:34:00 PM As a teacher, I am now being forced to listen to workshops teaching ME how to identify AI using programs online. Good grief, I am crappy already with technology. This stupid AI crap is making my life more miserable by having to cope with it as a teacher. If anyone's using it here at Soup, I find that totally ridiculous.

Frederic Parker Date: 10/8/2023 4:46:00 PM If you need AI to write poetry then you are not a poet you are a machine operator, like the guy who stands on the corner of walk and don't walk pushing the button for amusement... Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 5:02:00 PM Spoken like a true poet Fred, which you are. I don't think anyone in their right mind would say it's okay. I think the message here is: let's stop the paranoia and sly accusations and do what we do best, ie, write more heartfelt honest to goodness poetry

Arlo Parker Date: 10/8/2023 3:41:00 PM Is using AI plagiarism? The beauty of human poetry is the communication essence that "isn't always perfect". Ever turn on your auto-correct and send a garbled message far from your meaning? Thots. :o) Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 3:56:00 PM I don't think it's possible to plagiarize a non-sentient creation. I do like the recommendation that if you are using it to make a notation acknowledging such, though unlikely to happen, especially here since I believe the rules forbid its use Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 3:44:00 PM agreed - it's totally plagiarism

Brandy Nicole Date: 10/8/2023 3:34:00 PM Technology is amazing and helps in many ways. I think there's a time and place for everything. From observation: "Artificial intelligence" is not the definition of true emotions written from the heart (A Human being.) The answer is easy for me. I'll embrace the moments and emotions from my heart. It's not up to me, how others express themselves. ~ Brandy Login to Reply Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 3:53:00 PM @craig of course. But plagiarizers probably aren't the type of folk who are going to own up. All you can do is report blatant plagiarism to admins Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 3:52:00 PM Exactly Brandy. Nobody here is getting paid. Why fret or overanalyze? Your heartfelt writes are amazing Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 3:48:00 PM Brandy, agreed, but using other's words is not expressing yourself unless you credit them, whether it's AI or any author.

Silent One Date: 10/8/2023 2:54:00 PM As you know Tommy I have a poetry community on Instagram with Ink Empress. Instagram poets always call out those who use AI and those who plagiarise... Ink is very good at spotting AI, I am not. Although I would never use AI, as I like to write from my heart, I am no offended if others use it..even those who enter contests... although that is not fair to other poets... I'm not going to sit there and check for AI as a contest judge.. AI detectors are not always accurate. I think there is only one that is a good one.. I can understand why people have an issue with those who use it and they should not comment and place in contests as their personal choice. Login to Reply Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 3:25:00 AM I really dont think AI is capable of writing poetry. Much ado about nothing. Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 3:57:00 PM Amen to your latter comment! Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 2:56:00 PM Balanced pov. Thanks for contributing Silent One Date: 10/8/2023 2:56:00 PM Each to their own is what I'm trying to say..most important thing is to not hurt others, I would rather read a poem that used AI than one that defamed or bullies others. Also I don't think admins have time to check if poems have AI..

Di11y Da11y Date: 10/8/2023 1:48:00 PM AI poetry is a bit like propaganda - it's meant to fool people. It's impossible to know who is genuine in this World but deliberately fooling people can feel like being treated like a fool. Often those using it will be more interested in receiving praise than mocking the audience, plus there's a half way house with AI - you can put something average in and get it improved by a computer, so some might feel it is their work. Personally I'd be embarrassed to use something I hadn't written and thought of myself and I only like genuine feedback too. Poets are typically sensitive people who put their heart on the line - so anything that feels mocking of that can cause an emotional response Login to Reply Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 2:42:00 PM The only way AI improves a write is relative to grammar, if one needs it to begin with, they should go back to the school of the afore mentioned noun. Or they could truly learn and move beyond the mundane. Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 1:56:00 PM Fake news, fake friends, fake politicians, fake advertising etal, you'd think we'd be used to it by now. I don't feel threatened by AI poetry in the least, nor am I going to worry myself over it. Too many legit things to fret about

Eve Roper Date: 10/8/2023 1:36:00 PM I am really confused of Artificial intelligence. but I am to old to care. I just worry about myself. I don't need the guff of people.. Thank you tTommy Login to Reply I Am Anaya Date: 10/10/2023 1:40:00 PM Eve, you are welcome, I'm not on social media, PS is the only place I want to be. I'm so sorry for your loss, sending healing wishes to you, and strength to keep on painting. I love it too. :) Eve Roper Date: 10/9/2023 7:38:00 PM Thank you, Anaya. I've never heard of it. My experience is by reading and following some instruction of what poetry is. I am an artist. I painted and still paint not as much, but I paint what I see and feel. and still life is so inspiring. Your colors are created by how you feel and I've gone through a few phasis. My writing is the same. Since my husband's death it's been pretty down in emotions. But i see nature and it changes. Criag, my husband was 8 years older then I I Am Anaya Date: 10/9/2023 10:34:00 AM I myself have not tried this below, and do not plan on it.... I Am Anaya Date: 10/9/2023 10:33:00 AM I looked it up… Poet Assistant: This app uses artificial intelligence to help you write poems. It offers a variety of features such as rhyme suggestions, syllable counting, and more. Access it at poetassistant.com Poem Generator: This app generates poems based on the user’s input. It has a simple interface and is easy to use. You can access it at poem-generator.org AI Poet: This app uses machine learning algorithms to generate poems. It has a user-friendly interface and offers several customization options. You can access it at ai-poet.com Poetry Generator: This app generates poems based on the user’s input. It has a simple interface and is easy to use. Access it at poetry generator.org I hope this helps EVE! Think I’ll stick to learning poetry techniques through the contests and from reading your unique styles. Too much emphasis on it makes for paranoid poets’ accusations, that's what mean poets do. :) Tom Woody Date: 10/9/2023 5:46:00 AM We appreciate your input keith Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 2:58:00 PM Speaking of follically challenged folk, we need Keefer's input. He'll have some humorous input for the subject matter, no doubt Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 2:52:00 PM Mr Woody, Buzz Lightyear is always waiting in the wings (no pun)--at least you have hair to worry about and...those of us who are follically challenged will be envious Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 2:24:00 PM Love ya Eve - and yes, I'll be 76 but it's only a number! Never be too old to care - my wife isn't 70 yet, so I guess I'm a male cougar - hugs Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 1:59:00 PM Guff stinks Eve. I'm with you. I'm more worried about whether my hair is combed right than anything having to do with AI Eve Roper Date: 10/8/2023 1:54:00 PM Craig, you might be I'll be 73. Take care of yourself and your lovely wife. Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 1:42:00 PM I'm probably older than you Eve - don't ever give up the fight, but yes, take care of yourself!

Craig Cornish Date: 10/8/2023 12:25:00 PM Computers at this point only write greeting card poems because they are derived from a fixed library of all poetic thought and therefore, will only be average. Creativity is not like mathematics - it is not static, it is dynamic. Therefore, truly creative and inspirational writers will not be challenged by AI, at least for now - perhaps always, yet it depends on who perceives perfection and who defines perfection.....and, that is the key...there's no such thing, and computers don't know that - nor do many of us! Login to Reply Maria Williams Date: 10/9/2023 3:30:00 AM Hi Craig, please read the Sonett above which I've just posted from 'The Best' poetry generator. What a load of crap, but you can be the judge of that. Tom Woody Date: 10/8/2023 1:57:00 PM Nice comment Craig. Real poetry comes not just from the mind, but the heart as well, something AI does not and will never possess