I'd like to start this off with a challenge for each of you that decide to read this.
I want you to think of at least 2-3 people in your life. It could be family, friends, peers, classmates--whoever. Just someone who has greatly impacted your life in some way. Have your person in mind? For each person, you'll (separately) make a list of things that make you drawn to this person. You can be enamored by their personality, their sense of style, their ability to help you get out of your shell, or for just the simple fact that they are there. Whatever reason you list, I then want to you to either call, text, write a letter, or speak face to face and you could start off with some thing like: "Hey, I'm really grateful to have you in my life, and I just want to express my gratitude by telling you the ways that you inspire me/light my world/etc." Be creative, personal, and let it come from the soul.
Inspired by this heartwarming video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg

I think we could all do with a little joy right now, and sometimes, it's the little things that can bring smiles. We're currently in an empathy desert and it's so concerning. So, strengthen your communities with just a little love.

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Now, for the real reason of this post: I'm leaving JAI.

I already made a post about my doubts here, but I din't think it would be so soon. However, the passing of a recent bill here in the states has made me rethink my decision. Per the new American Bill, it is prohibited over the next 10 years to regulate AI in any fashion. I'm sure I don't need to explain how incredibly dangerous this is. Aside from that, this new law directly threatens my job.
I hate admitting this here after posting bots over the last few years, but I am of the artisan class. I hate AI. I've participated in anti AI campaigns, spread posts about it dangers to not only artists, but the environment, and educated others about how dangerous this technological advancement is. Despite this, I willingly engaged in character bot making and chatting. I hate myself for it. I am a hypocrite and I don't possess the right to judge or warn others after knowing the risks and willingly participating in it for nearly 3 years.

The artisan class already has struggled for decades of being taken advantage of, and I turned my back on my community. I publicly spoke out about it, while privately engaging in it. I'm no better than the homophobic politicians.

Art is all I know. I live and breathe for it. I've studied it for the last 15 years and spent the last 4 getting offical high education for it. Only for my one purpose to be torn from me, and I willingly participated in the softwares used to do it. I graduated in December and before I could even bag an internship or job, I find out that my dream career as an illustrator won't even be protected.

Now, I have to choose: jump ship into one of my secondary interests as a career that I'll likely struggle in, or stubbornly stay rooted in place and fight a seemingly hopeless battle.

I don't have an immediate decision yet. But I need to know where I stand: On the side of artists, and hope that I can be forgiven. As for writing, I'm not quitting this fun hobby, I'm just moving it entirely off of here and to the fanfic sites. My early writing/bots I did use AI to help with because I was insecure of my writing skills. Though, I can ensure, I haven't used CHATGPT as a writing tool since early 2024. I intend to fully keep it that way.

I can't condemn y'all for using or choosing to stick with Janitor. That's not my place to judge, just be aware and educated of the effects that AI will have. I wish you all well, and thank you for enjoying what I have had here. I apologize for not keeping my promise of requests, and I don't know what to do to make it up to you.

I don't think I'll take down these bots, not yet at least. I know some have genuinely enjoyed them and no matter how guilty I feel about this whole thing, I can't just erase it entirely.

With Janitor gone from my day, I think I'll pick up sewing.