Apparently, all you have to do is “alert” them that an artist has used AI and they get removed. I’m curious how they have confirmed the other nominees have not used AI.
At the end of the day, this kefuffle is pretty obviously happening because some individual doesn't like Rac Press or pulp or fun or entertainment...or something. These are the same types who rallied around creepy enabler M Zimmer Bradley and her pedophile spouse (it's not slander/libel if it's true) back in the day, but ostracize guys like Ben Yallow.
At this point it looks more like it's someone who is violently allergic to the idea of AI and took a swing at an artist who has never tried to hid that she uses AI tools as a part of her art.
This is regardless of the fact that no rules were broken, and there are strong indicators that other entries have also used AI in their covers.
All w/o notifying the nominee, verifying the 'challenge' with either the nominee, the book's editor, or the publishing house, or even elevating the next place nominee into the voting block.
It is hamfisted, discriminatory, and unfair but it doesn't appear to be overtly political.
The Dragon Awards have established that neither openness, nor fairness, or even their own WRITTEN RULES will stop them when they want the proverbial fix to be in.
I have NO faith or trust in their processes anymore.
I'd be interested to know which shrieking paper bag breather DC thinks they are appeasing by pulling Cedar's nomination. That's the only explanation that makes sense. Somebody pitched a fit and DC thinks that this attempt at sleight of hand is going to fix things. It's not.
With the inability to confront accusers, we'll never have even the barest idea of the motivation of that individual, whether it's a hatred of AI or dislike of strong competition. Sadly, the other covers bored me. It's why I tend to walk right by interesting stories on Amazon and in brick and mortar bookstores. So many bland covers. 🤷♂️
Apparently, all you have to do is “alert” them that an artist has used AI and they get removed. I’m curious how they have confirmed the other nominees have not used AI.
Guilty until proven innocent, of violating rules yet unpublished?
Hellov a way to run a rodeo...
Not to mention Dragon Con is essentially telling fans what they must like. “You may not enjoy AI covers! Bad! Bad!”
Also, to the best of my knowledge they have not in any way officially confirmed that Cedar used AI! She hadn't been contacted officially, period.
Well, it’s no secret. She’s openly said she manipulates AI imagery for her covers a number of times.
Right, but she is ALSO an analogue and digital artist, and was before AI became common.
Are her watercolors now tainted because she uses AI digitally?
How does DC know she ussd AI with that particular cover?
Poor Cedar, tool of the machines, all she touches goes up in the *POP* of circuits and a puff of Magic Blue Smoke...
More importantly, how does Dragon Con KNOW the other nominees have not?
At the end of the day, this kefuffle is pretty obviously happening because some individual doesn't like Rac Press or pulp or fun or entertainment...or something. These are the same types who rallied around creepy enabler M Zimmer Bradley and her pedophile spouse (it's not slander/libel if it's true) back in the day, but ostracize guys like Ben Yallow.
At this point it looks more like it's someone who is violently allergic to the idea of AI and took a swing at an artist who has never tried to hid that she uses AI tools as a part of her art.
This is regardless of the fact that no rules were broken, and there are strong indicators that other entries have also used AI in their covers.
All w/o notifying the nominee, verifying the 'challenge' with either the nominee, the book's editor, or the publishing house, or even elevating the next place nominee into the voting block.
It is hamfisted, discriminatory, and unfair but it doesn't appear to be overtly political.
The Dragon Awards have established that neither openness, nor fairness, or even their own WRITTEN RULES will stop them when they want the proverbial fix to be in.
I have NO faith or trust in their processes anymore.
I'd be interested to know which shrieking paper bag breather DC thinks they are appeasing by pulling Cedar's nomination. That's the only explanation that makes sense. Somebody pitched a fit and DC thinks that this attempt at sleight of hand is going to fix things. It's not.
Nope!
They way they botched things only calls into question EVERYTHING related to the award process.
At this point, the Dragon is presenting the appearance of just another probabily corrupt jouried award.
With the inability to confront accusers, we'll never have even the barest idea of the motivation of that individual, whether it's a hatred of AI or dislike of strong competition. Sadly, the other covers bored me. It's why I tend to walk right by interesting stories on Amazon and in brick and mortar bookstores. So many bland covers. 🤷♂️