“They are making money from my content, for free, and I’m not.” // GenAI free content problem, regulation is required
The author clarifies the motivations behind writing and sharing content, emphasizing that it serves not only to enhance understanding and initiate crucial discussions but also as a strategic effort to establish a personal brand and be acknowledged as an expert in their field. Describing their articles and blog posts as “loss leaders,” the author explains that this content, offered for free, aims to attract interest in their ideas, potentially leading to book sales, speaking engagements, and other opportunities. The concern arises when generative AI vendors, such as OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, pirate and distribute this copyrighted material without attribution. This practice not only denies the author due recognition but also results in financial loss, particularly when subscription-based AI services profit from their content while the original creator does not. The author underscores the importance of proper attribution for the sake of acknowledgment, professional recognition, and potential income.
The author highlights the economic interconnectedness underlying the seemingly “free” informational contributions on websites such as TDAN, Dataversity, and DMReview, as well as on LinkedIn. These platforms, which publish articles often contributed by consultants, generate revenue through conferences, consulting services, book sales, and workshops. The author also notes the financial stakes involved, with various individuals and organizations dependent on these business models. The potential commoditization of these models could result in significant financial losses for those involved in publishing, sponsoring conferences, selling books, and offering consulting services within this ecosystem.
