NaNoWriMo’s AI Stance Stirs Controversy: A Clash of Creativity, Class, and Accessibility

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NaNoWriMo Leaders Spark Outrage by Defending AI, Citing Bias Concerns

The National Novel Writing Month, a beloved tradition encouraging participants to craft a novel in November, has always embraced a unique and grassroots spirit of creation. Participants are challenged to write 50,000 words amidst the hustle of holiday festivities and preparations. However, a surprising move by the 25-year-old nonprofit, affectionately abbreviated as NaNoWriMo, stirred considerable turmoil within the literary circle last Friday. Through a bold statement, NaNoWriMo revealed its stance on AI, suggesting that outright rejection of artificial intelligence carries hints of elitism and discrimination against those with disabilities.

Over the weekend, the announcement spread like wildfire across social media platforms, attracting criticism from both longtime 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 integrating generative AI into its offerings, has officially terminated its sponsorship.

The reasons behind the group's decision to issue the statement remain unspecified. This announcement was made on its Zendesk page, a platform for members to gain insights into the organization and resolve problems, rather than through NaNoWriMo's official blog. The statement clarified that NaNoWriMo neither endorses nor denounces any specific writing methodology. It further explained that outright rejection of 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 one's writing presupposes a degree of advantage not accessible to all writers. It further notes that individuals possess varying cognitive capabilities, and some might need external support or adjustments to reach specific objectives.

In a message sent to NaNo's governing body, Older, renowned for her best-selling fantasy series Outlaw City and her role as the narrative designer for the multimedia franchise Star Wars: The High Republic, vehemently criticized its stance on AI as "despicable, cowardly, and utterly indefensible."

"Older criticized the way you've twisted language meant to combat real injustices, using it as a facade for your clearly profit-driven stance, calling it inexcusable," Older stated further. (Up to the time of this report, NaNoWriMo had yet to reply to a series of inquiries from WIRED regarding the declaration and its repercussions.)

The controversy within the NaNoWriMo community is reaching a peak as both supporters and critics of artificial intelligence debate its role and value in creative endeavors. Writers of every genre, from fan fiction creators to professional journalists, are concerned about the possibility of their work being utilized without permission by AI. While some, like author Stephen Marche, have embraced AI as a useful tool, others firmly refuse to engage with it. In the midst of this debate, NaNoWriMo, traditionally a sanctuary for aspiring writers, appears to have adopted a position that criticizing AI is not only incorrect but also offensive to individuals with disabilities or financial challenges who might benefit from using it.

Upon discovering the announcement through a post by a Facebook friend early on Monday, Morris, who sits on the writing board of NaNo, acted swiftly by cutting off her connections with the group. She went as far as to remove her account on the NaNo website, which she had maintained for many years. "I maintain a strict stance regarding these AI creation tools," she stated.

In a blog entry, Morris detailed her concerns regarding the implementation of AI in artistic endeavors, criticizing the platforms for their unethical practices. She pointed out that these technologies unlawfully gather materials from existing authors without offering compensation or acknowledging their contributions, depriving emerging writers of the chance to develop their unique style and learn through trial and error. Morris expresses frustration each time she sees another entity partnering with an AI service, feeling overwhelmed by the continuous struggle creatives must endure across various fronts. “This ongoing conflict is draining for those in the creative field,” she stated.

C. L. Polk, the celebrated writer behind the Hugo-nominated The Kingston Cycle and who self-identifies as disabled in several ways, criticized NaNo's position as poorly conceived. Polk expressed their disapproval on Bluesky, arguing against the nonprofit's implication, stating, “NaNo is essentially claiming that disabled individuals lack the capacity to produce art by promoting the falsehood that opposing AI equates to ableism.” Furthermore, Polk vehemently refuted the notion that disabled individuals should settle for mediocrity in writing, dismissing it as utterly baseless.

Veteran members, many of whom have been involved in NaNo for years, are feeling let down once again by what they perceive as the organization's continual neglect of persistent problems with the platform and its estrangement of members and volunteers.

For over twenty years, Jenai May took part in NaNoWriMo, dedicating roughly ten of those years as a volunteer municipal liaison for her community. The event usually prides itself on a volunteer base of close to 800 leaders and coordinators. However, a number of them have reportedly stepped down from their roles recently, as indicated by various informants.

May attributes her newfound belief in her ability to write a book to NaNoWriMo, saying it sparked a profound personal change that led her to commit a decade of her life to volunteering for the organization on an annual basis.

May, who identifies as neurodivergent, points out that a significant number of authors in her area are facing financial hardship or living with disabilities. She finds it appalling that NaNoWriMo suggests that writers who are economically disadvantaged or living with disabilities should rely on artificial intelligence to produce quality writing and achieve success. Furthermore, she considers it extremely odd that NaNoWriMo labels those who criticize the use of AI as being discriminatory against people with disabilities or biased against people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Fantasy writer Rebecca Thorne, who has been involved in NaNoWriMo from her teenage years starting in 2008, recently went viral on TikTok for criticizing NaNoWriMo's disregard for public opinion on AI, accusing them of using "politically correct language" to make their position unassailable.

Thorne formed deep friendships with many individuals at events and gatherings organized by NaNo, valuing these relationships immensely even now. She found it surprising and unsettling that NaNo's announcement appeared to suggest that those facing financial hardships should turn to AI for assistance. Thorne believes that the essence of NaNo was about human connection and collaboration without monetary transactions. "It implies that human involvement isn't necessary for creating art, yet art is fundamentally a human endeavor. We shouldn't depend on machines to undertake that creative process for us," she argues.

Update: September 4, 2024, 12:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time: We have revised this article to more accurately describe the type of fiction Rebecca Thorne writes.

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