NaNoWriMo’s AI Stance Sparks Outrage: Claims of Classism and Ableism Divide Writing Community

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The NaNoWriMo Team Claimed Criticizing AI Was Elitist and Discriminatory, Sparking Major Controversy

For years, National Novel Writing Month has been celebrated for its unique, grassroots method of fostering creativity: Challenge yourself to write a novel in November! Aim to hit 50,000 words amid holiday preparations and cooking festivities! However, last Friday, the beloved 25-year-old nonprofit, commonly referred to as NaNoWriMo, surprised numerous members of the literary community by releasing a divisive statement outlining its stance on AI. In this announcement, NaNoWriMo argued that outright rejecting artificial intelligence suggests bias rooted in elitism and discrimination against individuals with disabilities.

Over the weekend, the announcement spread like wildfire across social media platforms, attracting criticism from veteran participants and renowned writers, many of whom acknowledge the organization for helping them complete their debut novels. In reaction, four members of the NaNoWriMo writers board, including notable figures such as science fiction/fantasy author Daniel José Older and fantasy author Cass Morris, have resigned from their positions. Additionally, one of the organization's backers, Ellipsus, known for positioning itself as a "principled alternative to Google Docs" and its firm stance against the incorporation of generative AI in its offerings, has officially terminated its support.

The reasons behind the organization's decision to share the announcement remain uncertain. The statement was made available on its Zendesk page, a platform for members to gain insights into the organization and resolve any problems, rather than NaNoWriMo's main blog. In the message, NaNoWriMo clarified that it neither officially endorses nor disapproves of any specific writing methodology. The statement went on to explain that outright rejecting AI technology would overlook the class and ability-related concerns associated with its utilization.

The group points out that the opportunity to employ a person for critique on written work is indicative of a certain privilege not accessible to all authors. It further elaborates that individuals possess varied cognitive capabilities, and some might need external support or adjustments to reach specific objectives.

In a message directed to the board of NaNo, Older, renowned for her best-selling fantasy series Outlaw City and as the creative force behind the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia project, criticized their stance on AI as "despicable, cowardly, and utterly indefensible."

"Older criticized the egregious manipulation of language, originally intended to combat real injustices, being co-opted as a veil for your blatantly commercial positioning, deeming it inexcusable," Older stated further. (Up to this point, NaNoWriMo has yet to reply to a set of inquiries from WIRED regarding the declaration and its consequences.)

The controversy within the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) community is reaching a peak, as supporters and critics of artificial intelligence (AI) debate its merits and utility in the realm of creativity. Writers across the spectrum, from those crafting fan fiction to professional reporters, are concerned about the possibility of AI harvesting their online content. While some, like Stephen Marche, have embraced AI as a beneficial tool, others firmly reject its use. Amid these differing opinions, NaNoWriMo, traditionally a sanctuary for budding writers, appears to have adopted the position that criticizing AI is not only incorrect but also an insult to individuals with financial or physical disabilities who might find it helpful.

Morris, who serves on the NaNo writing board, became aware of the announcement through a post by a friend on Facebook early on Monday. She quickly responded by openly cutting off her connections with the group and went as far as removing her account on the NaNo website, which she had maintained for many years. "My stance on these AI creation tools is quite firm," she states.

In a detailed blog entry, Morris discussed her problems with integrating AI into creative processes. She criticized these platforms for being morally wrong, for utilizing content from existing authors without compensating them, and for depriving aspiring writers of the chance to develop their unique style and benefit from their errors. She experiences a feeling of loss whenever a new group decides to support an AI platform. “This is a multifaceted struggle that creatives are forced to contend with, and it's incredibly draining,” she commented.

C. L. Polk, the writer behind the Hugo Award-nominated series The Kingston Cycle and who identifies with multiple disabilities, criticized NaNoWriMo's position as poorly conceived. Polk expressed their disapproval on Bluesky, challenging the organization's viewpoint by stating, “NaNo is essentially claiming that disabled individuals lack the capability to produce art by promoting the falsehood that rejecting AI equates to ableism.” Furthermore, Polk strongly refuted the idea that disabled individuals require bland and derivative content, labeling it as utterly absurd.

Veteran members, several of whom have been involved with NaNo for many years, are expressing their dismay over what they perceive as another letdown by an entity they accuse of neglecting persistent problems within the platform and distancing its community and volunteers.

Jenai May engaged in NaNoWriMo for over 20 years, dedicating roughly 10 of those years as a volunteer municipal liaison for her community. Typically, NaNoWriMo is supported by a network of around 800 volunteer leaders and coordinators. However, recent reports from multiple informants indicate a significant number of these volunteers have departed from the organization.

May attributes her newfound belief in her ability to author a book to NaNoWriMo, stating that it sparked such a profound internal change in her, she committed a decade of her life to volunteer for the organization on an annual basis.

May, who identifies as neurodivergent, has noted that a significant number of authors in her area are economically disadvantaged or live with disabilities. She finds it appalling that NaNoWriMo suggests these writers rely on artificial intelligence to produce quality work and achieve success. Furthermore, she considers it utterly strange for the organization to label those opposing AI as being discriminatory on the basis of ability and class.

In a widely shared TikTok video, Rebecca Thorne, a writer of fantasy novels and a participant in NaNoWriMo since her teenage years in 2008, criticized the organization for overlooking public opinion on artificial intelligence and using "politically correct language" to make it difficult to challenge their position.

Thorne forged deep connections with many of her best friends at events and gatherings hosted by NaNo, valuing these relationships immensely even now. She was taken aback by a part of NaNo's announcement that seemed to suggest a link between financial hardship and the necessity of turning to AI for assistance. "The essence of NaNo was about interacting with fellow human beings without any financial transactions, exchanging creative efforts in a friendly manner," she states. "To imply that we can substitute human collaboration with artificial intelligence in creating art is to misunderstand art's fundamentally human nature. We shouldn't depend on technology to fulfill this role for us."

Latest Revision: September 4, 2024, 12:30 PM Eastern Time: The content has been revised for a more accurate representation of the literary category associated with Rebecca Thorne.

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