I remember a middle school essay I wrote. Well, actually, I don’t. I do remember the teacher’s correction. She wielded her red pen to explain that she docked my grade for misspelling the word “truly” seven times (truely). I wanted to ask her two questions.
- Since I thought I’d spelled it correctly the first time, why would I spell it any other way subsequently? (The essay was written in longhand, before pre-spellchecking existed.)
- Why did she not justifiably criticize my overuse of the word? (It was a short essay.)
In fairness to Mrs. Alexander, I never mispelled “truly” again.
What lessons are you learning that you aren’t actually (truly?) being taught?
Quick Quips are a developing feature of the Walter Writes Blog, which explores simplicity in a complicated world.
Another writer on social media was curious about what “motivated your AI move” and what tools others are using. She expressed concerns about “getting around” Amazon and copyright issues, potentially revealing her perspective.
I don’t think I moved. I adapted. I use AI to increase my efficiency, not to do my writing — so I’ve had no need to get around anything. If a writer uses a human editor, does that remove ownership of the final work?
“‘Just because AI tells you to put your finger in a pencil sharpener doesn’t mean you should,’ said every mother ever.”
Seth Godin
Where’s the line between adapting and giving up ownership of what’s actually yours?
Quick Quips are a developing feature of the Walter Writes Blog, which explores simplicity in a complicated world.
Exploring simplicity in a complicated world
