THIS KS GORGEOUS WOAHHHH

This!!! In their blog post they now say that if the environmental impacts are too large they’ll abandon the project, but I really want to see some numbers on how large is too large.

Is it?

Google will have zero access to your data, messages like this are moving into fear mongering territory. The grant is money for iNat to develop their own tools, not to use Google’s. I agree its still bad though, I worry for the environmental impacts

In their blog post they did say that if the environmental costs are too high they’ll abandon it. I am curious to know what they will deem “too high”, though. I really hope they publish some numbers

Google won’t have any access to iNat’s data. iNat will still be in full control over their genAI, in the same way they currently control theirs. I still disagree with this move, though

It wouldn’t fully remove the human ID process, it would be the same as the current system of using iNat’s AI to load suggested IDs. But I agree that I think it will lead to more people being lazy, and a possible decrease in human learning and connection

I think the AI that iNaturalist currently has implemented is sufficient. It’s my belief that we shouldn’t lead iNat to be an AI-based platform, the nature equivalent of people asking ChatGPT to do their homework. Doing this will only make the AI seem more trustworthy to users when it mightn’t be

I am comforted by most of these points, but I ultimately think that this step is not necessary. I have deep concerns in how much people are trusting AI, and as many others have said a community-led wiki or something where experts write the common ID points would be so much better

And don’t forget I instantly cried (positively) when I saw your gorgeous gift of the Skitties!! Those weren’t fake tears I can reassure you hahaha

Late to this, but there is definitely nothing “wrong” with you!!! I can guarantee you, all of the artists you look up to have felt or are currently feeling the same way about their own art. It’s a process, a journey, and progress is rarely linear. I hope you can feel the love soon 🫂

Ramza is the hero we all need in times like this.

(Sadly, I don't recall who originally created this, since I've only seen reposts. Definitely ping and credit whoever it is if someone knows, though!)

Great work! You captured the reflection really well. I’m always impressed by what people can achieve with watercolours, I hope to get into it one day

So cute!! Nudibranchs are the best

Woah, so bright

yOOOOOOO

SO CUTTEEEE