Can we just let zach experiment?

Ai images are going to be inevitable. We don't need to keep fighting about this. That wasn't even what this thread was for I get that there are polar opposites on this stance and some close to neutral, however, this is Zach's site and I think we should let him do what he wants. He is the one that codes and tries to make the theme and styles of forums fit with what the backgrounds are.

If you are truly not so pleased about it, then respectfully, maybe come up with drafts and store those for later. However, as Zach said, it is awkward enough having to tell someone that you're not going to use their art for the background for different reasons ranging in awkwardness. Example- maybe he doesn't like the art style, so it is very uncomfortable to have to tell someone that you're not going to use their art. Maybe the image is too small, resolution wise. Whatever the reason is, Zach is not obligated to use your backgrounds nor theme the site around that background.

Remy Break wrote: Yesterday, 17:04 Can we just let zach experiment?

Ai images are going to be inevitable. We don't need to keep fighting about this. That wasn't even what this thread was for I get that there are polar opposites on this stance and some close to neutral, however, this is Zach's site and I think we should let him do what he wants. He is the one that codes and tries to make the theme and styles of forums fit with what the backgrounds are.

If you are truly not so pleased about it, then respectfully, maybe come up with drafts and store those for later. However, as Zach said, it is awkward enough having to tell someone that you're not going to use their art for the background for different reasons ranging in awkwardness. Example- maybe he doesn't like the art style, so it is very uncomfortable to have to tell someone that you're not going to use their art. Maybe the image is too small, resolution wise. Whatever the reason is, Zach is not obligated to use your backgrounds nor theme the site around that background.

Ngl I kinda agree
I undrstand everyone’s concerns about ai. But I feel like in the end it’s Zach’s site and Zach’s choice. Though it is nice to feel like I have a say in smth

I understand what you’re saying and I respect the fact that Zach has put so much effort into this site and is making it transparent. But I almost feel like the desicion was made already and there wasn’t a serious discussion about having art made for the site. People would all be working together for a common goal and are volunteering their time, and I feel like, as many people are saying, because we are working towards the common goal of making sure there was no extra energy used in decorating the site, that these peices would be made and edited accordingly without being emotional about it. If we just took the time to try and organize a comp or something, Zach could also choose the artists he thought fit best with the vibe of the site.

I think certain comments being made are completely ignoring the solutions offered and ignoring the desire of player base. I understand waiting for Zach to make changes, but a toggle option will unfortunately not ridden the issues which arise:

1. AI being used to replace 400+ backgrounds
2. Multiple players no longer wishing to be a part of the community due to their voices not being heard
3. No vote given for the changes

A solution of simply textured background will take the same amount of time and less to perfect and configure AI generative images which are beyond harmful to the already dying planet. Loss of tenured community members actively being ignored is beyond upsetting too.

Essentially the option is, deal with it or leave.

A community should at the very least have an anonymous vote before decisions are made, I understand the desire to do things quickly given, however this still places a burden on Zach to do things quickly. AGAIN, why are we not considering a simple textured background? I would be willing to create it, it would take less than 15 minutes to create.

@Remy Break this thread was made for people to give their opinions. They don't all have to agree or capitulate. People shouldn't be discouraged from sharing their feelings, if Zach decided only his opinion mattered, he wouldn't have made this thread.

I will likely repeat what others said before. I apologize for that in advance, also I apologize if I sound anything but like I am debating the circumstances of this or at least saying my opinion on it.
Personally, I am against AI use in terms of the background art.
I can see the purpose/uses of AI overall, yes. But while it is more convenient and comfortable for some people, it may have other disadvantages.
For one...I fail to see how it's more cost-effective. 400 (maybe more) images, that supposedly should be alright enough and not just AI slop; and somehow less expensive than commissioning an artist or more artists for a bigger project (which people might actually make a whole package out of it, likely especially with such a big quota).
In terms of time, I understand from your message, Zach, that this has been an issue since 2019. It's been 7 years since then. It's not a one-year, two-year problem, 7 years we have been infringing copyright law if that is the case, and suddenly the issue stands now and is of such urgency that it requires the use of AI to mitigate so quickly?
It can be that urgent, I may be wrong, I do not know the inner workings, if we have any time limit given, legally speaking, etc. If it is that urgent that we cannot risk postponing things to whenever we would have all those images, I do advocate we keep to no background or textured backgrounds until there is actual art done, even if it takes much longer than it would take an AI to do that.
We may lose some users that way, possibly yes. We may also lose users if AI is being used so much.
This also brings another issue. We say yes to AI in background art, and sooner or later this will muddle into saying yes to AI in writing. In which case, it defies the point of a roleplay site.
I also understand that yes, you want to make the site in your own vision and imagination. And that is alright, completely fine by me it is your site your ultimate decision. I don't see how that can be gained with AI which until not even an year ago would turn people into 6 fingered uncanny abominations in images. AI evolved a lot, it will keep evolving whether me or someone else agrees with it or not that is not something to be debated. It is still not perfect as of now. Perfecting images even from AI will take time and effort and likely cost more. Which again, could be communicated with a comissioned artist to get things however you want them to be.
And yes, it is your ultimate decision, Zach since it is you who are building the site and keeping it up, but that site also caters to people. People who currently are using this thread to voice their opinion on it and as it seems from what I read at least a bit, would like a vote to be made (preferably anonymously so people do not feel like they will get hated for their view) so we get a better idea of what is wanted by a collective of people before things are being put into action.

I believe I have already addressed most of these points, and I don't want to give the impression that I'm repeating myself too much or refusing to engage in the discussion.

I've reread my previous messages, and I think they accurately reflect both my mindset and the questions I raised (many of which I think have received little response). I completely understand that people may disagree with me, or even strongly oppose it.

I will run a poll, but I want it to be anonymous, as I don't believe a public topic is representative, and only once there is something concrete and visible for people to express an opinion on.

Some of the messages have affected me a little, so I would appreciate it if you could understand my decision to take a bit of distance from this topic for now. I'm going to get some rest and distance and then finish my work.

(That doesn't mean you can't and shouln't continue to debate, I'll read everything of course!)

Thanks to you all,

Zachary

Y’all just let Zach have a goods night sleep he does so much for us already man

I apologize if any of my messages made you uncomfortable, that wasn’t my intention.

As a complete different approach to this problem,
would it be feasible to let us each upload our own background to the site?

It could be handled similar to a profile picture, everyone sees what they want to see, some can keep it black, others can hand draw a background, or use a photo.
(Every user gets to pick one wallpaper-image they see at all time)