It's Fiction
Hi, I’m Daniel.
A while back I had an idea for a multimedia project that revolved around a secretive, corrupt prison complex. I wanted to play it as straight as I could, building a website and social media accounts for a mysterious hacker group whose mission was to bring down that prison complex and get justice for the inmates who’d been railroaded into some pretty awful circumstances. As I write this, the story is just getting started, and it’ll take years to complete.
The thing is, though, as straight as I’d like to play it, there are roadblocks and legalities. The biggest roadblock, of course, is that anyone with ten seconds to spare can figure out that DCI never existed.
And that brings us to the legalities.
Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of my imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely coincidental.
This whole thing—Blackout Collective, DCI, all the staffers and inmates—it’s all fiction. I mean, some things are real. Like, Vermont exists (and it’s wonderful).
Then, of course, there’s the issue of advertising and donations. You’re not supporting a Blackout Collective mission; you’re making it possible for me to pay some bills. My name is Daniel M. Clark, and, at the time of this writing, at least, this is a one-man show.
I hope you’re enjoying it.
Incidentally...
Do you know why modern films, movies, and fake-true-crime websites have disclaimers? You should. It’s interesting.
AI Statement
I view AI as a partner in the creative process, aiding in the development of ideas and enhancing my efficiency. AI tools help me think in ways I might not have considered otherwise, but they don’t replace me—they amplify my efforts. Every piece of AI-generated content is carefully reviewed, edited, and, importantly, transformed to align with my personal style, values, and goals. This project is, first and foremost, a human endeavor.
Transparency and Trust
I believe transparency is vital in these early days of AI, when many people don’t fully understand its capabilities or limitations. AI plays a fairly significant role in helping me develop content for Dayspring: Exposed, and I’m committed to being open about how and when I use it. That’s why I’ve dedicated this part of my disclosure page to talk about my AI use; I want to give you a clear understanding of my approach.
Ethical Considerations
The use of AI in creative work is still a legal and ethical “Wild West.” I believe that, just as a person can read and learn from a book, AI can also consume works to learn from them. While the courts may still be sorting out ownership and copyright implications, I feel that the content produced with AI should belong to the person who created the prompts and edited the results.
I acknowledge that AI systems can inherit biases from the data they’re trained on, but I’m proactive in recognizing and addressing these biases. If AI-generated content perpetuates harmful stereotypes or falls short of my standards, I cut it. I filter every AI output through the lens of my values, ensuring it aligns with me. And what are my values?
AI systems and their usage should prioritize human well-being, uphold dignity, and contribute to environmental sustainability. They should also ensure fairness, avoid bias, and promote equal access and opportunities for all.
The Role of AI in Creativity
Some worry about AI replacing human creativity, but I see it as a tool to enhance human potential. Just as the printing press or personal computer transformed industries, AI will inevitably shape the future. In my work here, I use AI to suggest ideas, develop short-form content, and help me overcome creative roadblocks. The final product, however, is always the result of human input, transformation, and vision.
A Collaborative Process
I know that not everyone sees it this way, but I want to stress that my work here is a collaboration between myself and AI tools. These tools help me generate ideas and build content, but ultimately, it’s my hand that guides the final output. AI is no different from any other tool I use in my work. It’s here to enhance the process, not to replace the human touch.
Privacy and Data
Your privacy is important to me. The data my site collects never leaves my control, except when shared with third-party providers for necessary services like newsletters or analytics. I don’t use AI in a way that would impact your privacy, and any AI tools involved operate under the same ethical standards I hold myself to.
Looking Forward
The horse has not just left the barn, it set the barn on fire on its way out. AI is here to stay, and it’s going to transform every industry to some degree. While it may challenge traditional views of authorship and creativity, I believe it can be used responsibly and ethically. My hope is that, as we continue to explore this evolving technology, we can strike a balance between innovation and integrity.
For those who have concerns about my use of AI, I understand your viewpoint—but I believe that AI, when used ethically, can be a powerful force for creativity. If you’re open to it, I think you’ll find what I’m creating here to be exciting and unique. But if AI use doesn’t sit right with you, I respect that, and I’ll be sorry to see you go.