Blockchain & AI: redefining authorship in publishing

Authors from all over the world now have the power to publish their own work directly, without the need for approval from the conventional gatekeepers in the publishing industry.

Yet, in an effort to stay current with technological advancements, Booksie, a self-publishing service, has adopted both blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

During an interview with CryptoMoon, Sol Nasisi, the founder and CEO of Booksie, discussed his forward-looking perspective on self-publishing, fueled by the synergy of these innovative technologies.

Blockchain: transparency and ownership for authors

The concept of using blockchain technology in the publishing industry isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Back in 2018, the Alliance of Independent Authors initiated a campaign named “Blockchain for Books” to educate about the possibilities of this tech in publishing. This effort led to the creation of a guidebook titled “Authors and Blockchain.

In simpler terms, the fundamental feature of a blockchain – a shared, public record book – empowers creators to reclaim ownership of their content and tap into precious information.

In his explanation, Nasisi pointed out that with the increasing number of online spaces becoming “exclusive zones” or “walled gardens,” writers have a new opportunity to sell their books through blockchain technology.

“The blockchain [creates] a new digital book publishing and purchasing experience complete with real ownership, rare books in limited editions, and opportunities for book collectors and resellers to participate in external markets.”

In addition to monetary advantages, blockchain technology ensures transparency and grants creators the ability to safeguard their intellectual property.

In Nasisi’s view, the unchangeable and clear nature of creation allows authors to provide undeniable evidence that they are the originators of the work. This perspective is especially important as we face growing doubts about the authenticity of content due to advancements in artificial intelligence.

AI: empowering writers, not replacing them

Over the past year, AI technology that is accessible to all has gained wider acceptance. It has been adopted and implemented in various industries around the world for their business processes.

Authors have voiced concerns over technology’s alleged misuse of their works, with Sarah Silverman filing a lawsuit against Meta and OpenAI in July for unauthorized usage of copyrighted material to train their AI systems.

In September 2023, the Author’s Guild initiated a legal action against OpenAI for alleged use of protected content without permission in the development of their AI models.

Instead, Nasisi highlighted that AI should be seen as an assistant for writers, not a replacement or means of exploitation for them and their creations.

“We never want to have an AI that is writing the story for a writer.”

The AI bot integration for Booksie was developed by them, serving as a helpful tool for authors by offering feedback on both fictional and non-fictional pieces.

The disruptive duo of blockchain and AI

According to Nasisi, the intersection of blockchain and AI technologies will significantly transform the way the publishing industry operates within the next decade.

He expressed his vision of a future in which writers collaborate with artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to build intricate universes and engage fans through unique interactions using various mediums.

In the near future, writers might team up with AI technology to compose books. Following this, they could employ blockchain technology to release exclusive editions, produce a video series, design a game set in the story’s universe, and create related merchandise – all while retaining control and transparency over every step of the process.

In simpler terms, the effects of this technological merging reach past just publishing. According to Nasisi, other industries are prime candidates for change as well.

AI is changing how higher education teaches while blockchain will provide the authenticity of learning via credentials.”

He likens the two technologies to yin and yang, feeding off each other and creating a new paradigm.

Booksie and its collaborator, Chainletter Labs, are diligently advancing towards this goal. According to Nasisi, “The publishing industry as we know it is about to undergo a significant transformation.”

Using blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, self-publishing is on the verge of providing authors with unprecedented power. This results in an intriguing future brimming with opportunities for both content creators and avid readers.

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2024-04-12 16:35