Interlude: Human at the Helm, Reading Like a Scientist, and Bad First Attempts
When it comes to using AI tools for writing, we often hear the phrase “human in the loop.” This phrase reminds us that when we are using AI tools, we are accountable for the writing and need to be part of the process that involves these tools.
But after reading a comment from Afia K. on one of my LinkedIn posts, I think that “human in the loop” falls short.
Instead, I think we need to use “human at the helm.”
We are not just part of the process. We are responsible for the process. We are not a contributor. We are the leader.
AI tools might help you write faster. But they can’t be accountable for what’s written. That responsibility stays with us.
So the next time you sit down to write with an AI tool, remember that you are the human at the helm.
Now onto this week's round-up...
Round-up
Reading
How to Read Like a Scientist
In this article, the author shares how you can benefit from reading like a scientist, even if what you’re reading has nothing to do with science. She shares three practices you can use to approach any kind of reading: formulate a hypothesis to help you learn, exercise critical thinking using dialogue, and share what you learned in your own words.
Rekindling the flame: Back to roots on paper mills
"...we are reviving the original COPE Paper mill Working Group...The group’s first project will be a companion toolkit to COPE’s existing systematic manipulation guidelines. . . What the working group [also] offers is something harder to replicate elsewhere: a space to pool collective knowledge and experience, and to reconnect with a community that has been navigating these challenges in different ways."
Listening
Accent-uate, Don't Compensate: Why Clarity Matters More Than Perfection
In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast, Peter Novak shares "how accent bias influences the workplace, why clarity matters more than sounding 'native,' and the practical techniques anyone can use to communicate with greater confidence and impact."
Watching
Just Write the Bad Sentence
In this Instagram Reel, Pixar Director Andrew Stanton shares how writing is really rewriting, and you need to just write the bad first sentence so that you can stop wasting time and get to the good sentence.
Quote
"Your first attempt might not be very good, but nobody's early work is good. There will always be a gap between where you are and where you want to be. And the bridge between that gap is courage. The courage to look foolish in the beginning. The courage to show up again when your early work is criticized. The courage to look yourself in the mirror and say, 'I realize I'm not good enough yet, but the only way to get better is to keep working on it.'” –James Clear
Thank you so much for reading.
Warmly,
Crystal
