In the rapidly evolving digital writing landscape, the presence of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniably disruptive. Substack, a popular platform among independent writers and newsletter creators, currently lacks a formal policy addressing AI’s role in content generation. As AI technology advances, its integration into writing practices raises both opportunities and ethical considerations. Hamish McKenzie, one of Substack’s co-founders, aptly described this phenomenon as an inevitable transformation that every writer must reckon with, regardless of their stance on technology. Writers today are positioning AI as an essential tool rather than a replacement, paving the way for a collaborative relationship between human creativity and machine assistance.
Writers using Substack have resorted to AI not as a crutch but as an enhancement to their creativity. Interviews conducted with several authors reveal a common theme: AI serves primarily as an editorial assistant. David Skilling, who orchestrates the successful soccer newsletter Original Football, articulates this shift in perspective. He considers AI a means to boost productivity while reinforcing that it is important to differentiate between content that is AI-generated and that which is merely AI-assisted. For Skilling, utilizing AI tools represents progress in business efficiency, where AI detection technologies may unfairly categorize his nuanced use of AI as fully automated writing.
In the world of startups, Subham Panda describes his utilization of AI within his newsletter, Spotlight by Xartup. For Panda’s team, AI functions as a means to curate content more swiftly while ensuring that the essence of the writing still stems from human effort. This sentiment resonates across the board, highlighting that no AI tool replaces the writer’s insights, creativity, and competency in presenting ideas. The collaborative model underscores the notion that while AI can expedite tasks, it does not possess the inherent human ability to grasp contextual meanings and intricate details that breathe life into narratives.
Various newsletters utilize AI to refine their content. Max Avery, associated with the financial newsletter Strategic Wealth Briefing, relies on AI-driven software like the Hemingway Editor Plus to elevate the quality of his drafts. Here, AI acts as an editor, helping writers articulate their ideas more clearly and succinctly. By integrating such software, Avery is able to address structural weaknesses in his writing, allowing him to focus on content creation without sacrificing clarity.
In financial realms, the importance of precision cannot be overstated. Josh Belanger, founder of Belanger Trading, effectively uses tools such as ChatGPT to enhance his writing process. By crafting custom prompts that allow for greater specificity and relevance, he demonstrates how AI can adapt to niche fields that require technical jargon and insight. These tailored GPT models not only streamline the writing and editing process but also mitigate potential inaccuracies, often referred to as “hallucinations”, that generic AI systems might produce. His proactive approach to AI underscores the importance of human oversight in maintaining the integrity of technical content.
While AI-generated content proliferates on many platforms, Substack seems to maintain a relatively low amount of AI-derived writing. For instance, competing platforms like Medium report a high incidence of AI-generated material—nearly 40% of published works. Substack’s writers appear to favor a more balanced, human-centric approach in creating content. This trend underscores a commitment to authentic communication, a principle that has become increasingly vital in a market inundated with automated content.
The absence of comprehensive AI guidelines within Substack may also foster a sense of responsibility among its writers. As they navigate the complexities of content creation with AI assistance, they are propelled to develop a deeper understanding of the technology’s potential and limitations. A culture that embraces AI while vowing to uphold quality and originality reflects the evolving nature of writing in the digital age.
The discussion surrounding AI’s role in Substack illustrates a pivotal moment for writers navigating an increasingly digital landscape. By employing AI as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement, writers can harness technology to bolster their creativity and productivity without compromising authenticity or quality. As we move forward, understanding and effectively integrating AI into writing practices will be crucial—recognizing that the future of content creation lies in the balance between human ingenuity and technological advancement. For Substack writers, embracing this paradigm shift may well define their success in the years to come.
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