An Interesting AI Business Model

Procreate, a software company that makes a number of graphics and video editing programs for iOS, has announced that they will not be using generative AI in their software.

In fact they announced that they, "F%$#ing hate," generative AI.

On Sunday, Procreate announced that it will not incorporate generative AI into its popular iPad illustration app. The decision comes in response to an ongoing backlash from some parts of the art community, which has raised concerns about the ethical implications and potential consequences of AI use in creative industries.

"Generative AI is ripping the humanity out of things," Procreate wrote on its website. "Built on a foundation of theft, the technology is steering us toward a barren future."

In a video posted on X, Procreate CEO James Cuda laid out his company's stance, saying, "We’re not going to be introducing any generative AI into our products. I don’t like what’s happening to the industry, and I don’t like what it’s doing to artists."

We’re never going there. Creativity is made, not generated.
You can read more at https://t.co/9Fgh460KVu ✨ #procreate #noaiart pic.twitter.com/AnLVPgWzl3

— Procreate (@Procreate) August 18, 2024

Cuda's video plays on that polarization with clear messaging against generative AI. His statement reads as follows:

You've been asking us about AI. You know, I usually don't like getting in front of the camera. I prefer that our products speak for themselves. I really f%$#ing hate generative AI. I don't like what's happening in the industry and I don't like what it's doing to artists. We're not going to be introducing any generative AI into out products. Our products are always designed and developed with the idea that a human will be creating something. You know, we don't exactly know where this story's gonna go or how it ends, but we believe that we're on the right path supporting human creativity.

(%$# mine)

It is always joy to hear Australians saying f%$#.

On a more serious note, this is not just a moral stance, this is Procreate's business model now.

This is the first time that I have heard of this, but I expect more to follow, because, given the degree to which LLM "Artificial Intelligence" has been over-hyped, other companies will see coming out against it as an increasingly viable business model.