I have mixed feelings about the usage of artificial intelligence. On one hand, I see it as an invaluable tool that is perfect for helping aspiring writers, especially fanfiction writers, to bring their work to fruition. There are also many other practical applications that AI can be used for that benefit individuals and society. On the other hand, however, I am directly opposed to its misuse; I do not believe someone should be given full credit for a project that is 100% generated by AI.

If you put an idea into a prompt, and then click "generate," then a seed is planted.  But it is up to you to make that seed grow, and flourish.  That is why I support AI as a tool, especially as far as HoloNet Audio is concerned.  I don't mind, and certainly have used (somewhat), an AI prompt to help me construct a story. But I then went into the story and made significant changes to mold it into the tale that I want to tell.  I see no issue with that whatsoever. 

Which leads me to the latest trend I am seeing on YouTube and social media.  I've always loved fanfilms, and obviously fanfictions. Especially good pieces of work.  I found "Skywalker Stories" on YouTube, and was absolutely blown away by the quality, both audio-wise and video-wise, of the short fanfilms they are releasing.  However, they are all AI developed.  Here is a sample of a Skywalker Stories video I enjoyed watching:

https://youtu.be/86WZyh5SG7w

Which leads me to a bit of a conundrum.  I've always regarded fanfilms and fanfiction as being very similar in nature. Both are outlets for the creator(s) to immerse themselves within the genres they are fans of, and to express that immersion openly, much like a kid does when playing with toys.  In a fanfilm (and cosplay, for that matter), you can become the action figure you played with as a child. With fanfiction, you have complete control over the crafting of a story set within a universe you enjoy. Fanfilms, cosplay, and fanfiction all give you the power of creative expression within your fandom. 

But does the video above, and others like it fall into that "fan-creation" category? At first glance, it can be perceived as a fanfilm, and is likely dismissed as such quite often. But there is more to it than that. 

With audio, and pursuant to the policy of this club, we never fully use AI.  Sure, I use it to help create background music (primarily to avoid copyright issues) when the small library of royalty-free music at my disposal is insufficient.  And I use AI voices to supplement my small team of narrators, when appropriate.  But, I never fully use AI to deliver the final product when I publish a HoloNet Audio track, because I want it to show that there is human creativity behind it, and that it was made by a true fan of the genre (Wars or Trek). 

Regrettably, people often dismiss my work as having been done completely by AI,  because I have been using an AI-created image as a thumbnail / supporting artwork for its corresponding audio track. And that hurts.  I don't put out audio on a regular basis, because it takes a LOT of time and work to create the audiofics that are on the HoloNet Audio podcast. 

So, I don't want to speak ill of Skywalker Stories.  Again, I enjoyed the video above, and others they've released.  It actually helped fuel my fandom for Star Wars a bit, because it was done so well.  Indeed, STAR TREK Continues (look for that on YouTube, especially if you are a fan of the original TREK series) is perhaps the best example of fan-created content out there.  I rate Skywalker Stories up there with it. Except for one thing. 

People.  They are not using people, but cloned voices of people. And each track that Skywalker Stories puts out is 100% AI.  That, I have a problem with.  I have always taken pride, and have constantly promoted, the expression of creative imagination, and AI does not do that. Unless, it is used as a tool only, and not as a means to do your work for you completely.

On each HoloNet Audio track, I credit the authors and human narrators. Usually within the track (which means you have to listen to it).  Skywalker Stories does not do that.  I see no indication of the stories being written by a person, as opposed to AI.  I suppose I would support it more, if I knew a human wrote the stories, before using AI to fanfilm-ify it.

To that end, I cannot support or endorse any fan-work that is fully driven by or created by artificial intelligence, and I certainly need to see credit given to the creator(s) of any fan work, along with a disclaimer that it is fan-created (like I always start my audio tracks with "this is fanfiction only".).

Sorry for the long post, but I needed to get that off my chest, and I also wanted to further clarify my stance as far as AI in fan-created content goes.  I am open to opinions on the matter, especially if they differ from mine.  However, ongoing HoloNet Audio policy will remain the same.

As an update to the posted rules in this thread above, members should remember that the "family-friendly" rule applies to all things on this forum, not just fanfiction.

I had to delete someone not long ago that registered with a suggestive name. If you register with a vulgar username, your account will be deleted and you will need to re-register with a more "family-friendly" username.

For the purposes of this forum, the term "family-friendly" means "acceptable in the presence of children." Minors are allowed to access and use this forum, with parental consent. 

Please message me privately (click on my profile name and use the "send personal message" option) if you have any questions or concerns.

"Her First Con" is now playing.

I will be working on another short STAR WARS audiofic in the New Year. Progress on that will be updated here.

After that, we will hopefully have other submissions on this forum, or at least another writer willing to submit a short fic to be put to audio.  Otherwise, I have no plans after the new project to start in January, other than preparation for the convention in May (see Members Only area).

Hello!

My name is Clarissa!
I know Joe personally and met though costuming!
I was the voice of a bubbly young Androian scientist!
I love pretty much everything Sci If!

That's pretty much it! 🤣

I've completed the rough draft of a very short new STAR WARS fanfic.  I've also started audio pre-production.   

As with Scars of Stormwind, this will have a combination of AI and human voices, which will be the norm from here on. 

I do not have an estimated completion date, but should be within a few weeks or less.