Paul Benson
@paulbenson-writes.bsky.social
Terrible at self-promotion. Not bad at writing. Okay at being queer.
Pinned
I’m writing something! It’s fiction. It’s funny. It’s a podcast. It’s @whatlittle.bsky.social. And it’s not out yet.
I’ve started this account to talk about the frustrations, grind and sheer joy that come from creating something yourself. Even if it takes a while.
#audiodrama #writing #podcast
I’ve started this account to talk about the frustrations, grind and sheer joy that come from creating something yourself. Even if it takes a while.
#audiodrama #writing #podcast
Reposted by Paul Benson
Sir Terry Pratchett is best understood as one of the most interesting, deeply ethical practical (I would say Pragmatist but I cede to actual experts) philosophers of the late 20th Century who just happened to work in deconstructed fantasy literature as his medium.
Discworld QOTD, from Hogfather
December 25, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Sir Terry Pratchett is best understood as one of the most interesting, deeply ethical practical (I would say Pragmatist but I cede to actual experts) philosophers of the late 20th Century who just happened to work in deconstructed fantasy literature as his medium.
Reposted by Paul Benson
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.” https://cnn.it/4b6g3rd
Oklahoma instructor removed from teaching for failing a Bible-based gender essay | CNN
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.”
cnn.it
December 24, 2025 at 6:21 PM
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
Reposted by Paul Benson
The news that AI was being trained on stolen works?
It was broken first about the BooksCorpus, on May 11 of 2021, and it was discussed in major news media thereafter. Romance authors talked about it. A lot.
The first archive they stole was largely romance.
arxiv.org/abs/2105.05241
It was broken first about the BooksCorpus, on May 11 of 2021, and it was discussed in major news media thereafter. Romance authors talked about it. A lot.
The first archive they stole was largely romance.
arxiv.org/abs/2105.05241
Addressing "Documentation Debt" in Machine Learning Research: A Retrospective Datasheet for BookCorpus
Recent literature has underscored the importance of dataset documentation work for machine learning, and part of this work involves addressing "documentation debt" for datasets that have been used wid...
arxiv.org
December 24, 2025 at 2:54 AM
The news that AI was being trained on stolen works?
It was broken first about the BooksCorpus, on May 11 of 2021, and it was discussed in major news media thereafter. Romance authors talked about it. A lot.
The first archive they stole was largely romance.
arxiv.org/abs/2105.05241
It was broken first about the BooksCorpus, on May 11 of 2021, and it was discussed in major news media thereafter. Romance authors talked about it. A lot.
The first archive they stole was largely romance.
arxiv.org/abs/2105.05241
Reposted by Paul Benson
I have always said it, I will continue to say it, we are limiting the productive potential of millions of freaks by demanding they earn a wage to survive instead of enabling them to do whatever thing their brain is broken for
December 22, 2025 at 12:45 AM
I have always said it, I will continue to say it, we are limiting the productive potential of millions of freaks by demanding they earn a wage to survive instead of enabling them to do whatever thing their brain is broken for
Reposted by Paul Benson
12% public approval is an actual sign of failure.
December 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM
12% public approval is an actual sign of failure.
Seconded. Just listen.
The second segment on the Ship of Theseus episode of Imaginary Advice is one of the scariest horror stories I've heard in a long time m.soundcloud.com/ross-sutherl...
Ship of Theseus
Play Ship of Theseus by Imaginary Advice on desktop and mobile. Play over 320 million tracks for free on SoundCloud.
m.soundcloud.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:31 AM
Seconded. Just listen.
Reposted by Paul Benson
The episode has been taken down from YouTube (due to copyright lulz) so get it here
December 23, 2025 at 2:12 AM
The episode has been taken down from YouTube (due to copyright lulz) so get it here
Reposted by Paul Benson
Check out this excellent writer who is being delisted elsewhere!
Okay if I can be selfish for a moment:
I'm delisted from itch. In the UK you literally can not see my profile.
A big chunk of my income, my living money, comes from bundles like this. It would mean a lot if you could share it, send it to friends. 🧵
itch.io/s/175443/ver...
itch.io/b/3377/bundl...
I'm delisted from itch. In the UK you literally can not see my profile.
A big chunk of my income, my living money, comes from bundles like this. It would mean a lot if you could share it, send it to friends. 🧵
itch.io/s/175443/ver...
itch.io/b/3377/bundl...
December 22, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Check out this excellent writer who is being delisted elsewhere!
Reposted by Paul Benson
After seeing Ley’s atrocious rant today, it is as well to remember this is the party John Howard destroyed projecting internal division out into the world. It’s ugly and dangerous, aided and abetted by an equally broken media, but it isn’t winning them any friends.
December 22, 2025 at 10:03 AM
After seeing Ley’s atrocious rant today, it is as well to remember this is the party John Howard destroyed projecting internal division out into the world. It’s ugly and dangerous, aided and abetted by an equally broken media, but it isn’t winning them any friends.
Reposted by Paul Benson
Just try to contemplate that those who marched in protest of such murders occurring (in much greater numbers) are now being blamed by the Liberal Party for the Bondi Massacre.
“Israeli troops kill six Palestinians sheltering in Gaza school, bringing the total number of Palestinians killed by Israel to 401 since October ceasefire.”
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Israeli troops kill six Palestinians sheltering in Gaza school, say hospital chiefs
Attack brings total number of Palestinians killed by Israel to 401 since October ceasefire took effect
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Just try to contemplate that those who marched in protest of such murders occurring (in much greater numbers) are now being blamed by the Liberal Party for the Bondi Massacre.
Reposted by Paul Benson
This kind of legal action against universities will chill the free speech of all who advocate for the rights of minoritised peoples. This was the bill’s intent. Lobbyists are already using it to shut down speech they don’t like.
Unless universities stand up strongly for ALL freedom of expression…
Unless universities stand up strongly for ALL freedom of expression…
Total gaslighting. Anti-trans activist; chooses to speak in person, provoking students who want to protect trans rights; they exercise their freedom of speech to tell her she isn't wanted; she gets to speak anyway; the BBC dutifully platforms her again; and now she threatens to sue everyone.
University threatened with legal action after protest at event
Prof Alice Sullivan says her talk at the University of Bristol became like a
www.bbc.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 7:43 AM
This kind of legal action against universities will chill the free speech of all who advocate for the rights of minoritised peoples. This was the bill’s intent. Lobbyists are already using it to shut down speech they don’t like.
Unless universities stand up strongly for ALL freedom of expression…
Unless universities stand up strongly for ALL freedom of expression…
Reposted by Paul Benson
with alt text
December 22, 2025 at 2:59 AM
with alt text
Reposted by Paul Benson
And there it is...
December 22, 2025 at 2:55 AM
And there it is...
Reposted by Paul Benson
I love my two blackout drunk Minnesota sons
December 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I love my two blackout drunk Minnesota sons
Reposted by Paul Benson
BREAKING: At least 16 files from the Epstein release disappeared from DOJ's webpage, including a photo of Trump, with no explanation.
At least 16 files have disappeared from the DOJ webpage for documents related to Jeffrey Epstein
The Justice Department’s webpage for documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is missing at least 16 of its files a day after they were released.
bit.ly
December 20, 2025 at 9:30 PM
BREAKING: At least 16 files from the Epstein release disappeared from DOJ's webpage, including a photo of Trump, with no explanation.
Reposted by Paul Benson
One major problem, bluntly, is that lots of folks can't distinguish between good writing and poor writing. This is about education, not intelligence: they could learn the difference, but it's frequently not taught, even in "good" schools. This is ultimately a competitive disadvantage for them.
it's so wild that people conflate quickness with quality so they think chatGPT writing a wall of text in 10 seconds means it's good writing.
December 19, 2025 at 10:14 PM
One major problem, bluntly, is that lots of folks can't distinguish between good writing and poor writing. This is about education, not intelligence: they could learn the difference, but it's frequently not taught, even in "good" schools. This is ultimately a competitive disadvantage for them.
Reposted by Paul Benson
They think writers can be replaced because they don't understand what writing is effective, yes, but don't discount the desire to cut human labor out of the process entirely, not just for "cost savings" but because the management class and especially the investor class just fucking hate humans.
Is that why people think that ChatGPT and other AI(?) could replace authors - the people in management can't recognize good writing and so assume that no one else can, either? It seems like that would quickly be dismissed witjh any sort of beta readership, but.
December 19, 2025 at 10:30 PM
They think writers can be replaced because they don't understand what writing is effective, yes, but don't discount the desire to cut human labor out of the process entirely, not just for "cost savings" but because the management class and especially the investor class just fucking hate humans.
Reposted by Paul Benson
Gather it. I don't care if it's spite, joy, anger, bile, defiance, loneliness, relief, sexual energy, humor, recollection, pride, confusion or infinitely reliable curiosity. Use it like a storm under your control, filled with lightning. Let bolts fly.
December 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Gather it. I don't care if it's spite, joy, anger, bile, defiance, loneliness, relief, sexual energy, humor, recollection, pride, confusion or infinitely reliable curiosity. Use it like a storm under your control, filled with lightning. Let bolts fly.
Reposted by Paul Benson
I don't want gen AI in my browser
I don't want gen AI in my pc
I don't want gen AI in my art
I don't want gen AI in my games
I don't want gen AI in my music
I don't want gen AI in my movies
I don't want gen AI in my books
I don't want gen AI in my cart
I don't want gen AI in my life
I don't want gen AI in my pc
I don't want gen AI in my art
I don't want gen AI in my games
I don't want gen AI in my music
I don't want gen AI in my movies
I don't want gen AI in my books
I don't want gen AI in my cart
I don't want gen AI in my life
December 16, 2025 at 10:57 PM
I don't want gen AI in my browser
I don't want gen AI in my pc
I don't want gen AI in my art
I don't want gen AI in my games
I don't want gen AI in my music
I don't want gen AI in my movies
I don't want gen AI in my books
I don't want gen AI in my cart
I don't want gen AI in my life
I don't want gen AI in my pc
I don't want gen AI in my art
I don't want gen AI in my games
I don't want gen AI in my music
I don't want gen AI in my movies
I don't want gen AI in my books
I don't want gen AI in my cart
I don't want gen AI in my life
Reposted by Paul Benson
This is my biggest worry: that it's going to tank discovery for new authors because there's so much slop that people can't find anything worthwhile
The thing I worry about is the complete obliteration of self-publishing of at least non-web serials. Like if for every genuine book available, there's 1000 ai-slop books, however are you supposed to find anything?
December 18, 2025 at 11:52 PM
This is my biggest worry: that it's going to tank discovery for new authors because there's so much slop that people can't find anything worthwhile
Reposted by Paul Benson
It all just feels like the Apple Crush ad at this point: people who are like "what if you didn't have to take the time to think and ponder and be creative, and something just extruded content on your behalf?"
what.... what would be the point of that?
what.... what would be the point of that?
December 18, 2025 at 11:50 PM
It all just feels like the Apple Crush ad at this point: people who are like "what if you didn't have to take the time to think and ponder and be creative, and something just extruded content on your behalf?"
what.... what would be the point of that?
what.... what would be the point of that?
Reposted by Paul Benson
Hey losers leave trans folks alone
December 18, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Hey losers leave trans folks alone
Reposted by Paul Benson
Trans rights are human rights and it's not negotiable, you fucks
December 18, 2025 at 3:47 AM
Trans rights are human rights and it's not negotiable, you fucks
Reposted by Paul Benson
Conspiracy podcaster and inexplicably FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has informed colleagues that he intends to step down from his role early next year.
The hunt is on for a completely unqualified successor.
The hunt is on for a completely unqualified successor.
December 17, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Conspiracy podcaster and inexplicably FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has informed colleagues that he intends to step down from his role early next year.
The hunt is on for a completely unqualified successor.
The hunt is on for a completely unqualified successor.
Reposted by Paul Benson
New Zealand's libertarian/ populist/ right wing coalition Government is trying to follow Wesley Streeting's lead in banning puberty blockers.
This is what the New Zealand High Court has just decided (www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...).
This is what the New Zealand High Court has just decided (www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...).
![[17] There is also no evidence of a particular need to act urgently to prevent new prescriptions because of some immediate risk to physical health if young people commence treatment. [18] Puberty blockers are reversible. There is no evidence that they affect fertility. If they did, they would hardly be prescribed for children with precocious puberty and they have been prescribed for that purpose for decades. They may alleviate distress for a child who is simply not ready to cope with puberty either because they are too young or because their mental health is such that a delay is recommended. The only evidence-based impact on physical health is on bone density and that impact results from long term use. A period of months until the Judicial Review can be heard is not said to create any issues with bone density for a young person commencing treatment. [19] The evidence relating to mental health outcomes suggests negative outcomes from a ban are a far more immediate concern.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xurjtu2wa2akyi64gab34ahg/bafkreih3dcnwld4y5s4wqdtgps3fdhnnw2jcetmvkit4ictclmkfixiese@jpeg)
December 17, 2025 at 9:59 AM
New Zealand's libertarian/ populist/ right wing coalition Government is trying to follow Wesley Streeting's lead in banning puberty blockers.
This is what the New Zealand High Court has just decided (www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...).
This is what the New Zealand High Court has just decided (www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...).