Real talk: who is this guideline going to stop? People are already doing this and they will continue. Even if you find them, they’ll just make more accounts and continue.
So? Say it. Go ahead few steps further.
Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
81–90 of 1001 posts
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#82As English is my second language and as I have dyslexia. I was just wondering what do you mean by "AI-edited comments"?
I can't ask an llm to check if I have made correct grammar/fix it and then as I was on other account, down-voted because of my styling/grammar, not because of the content?
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#83Pinky swear!
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#84"AI-edited comments" is a very interesting one. Where is the line between a spelling/grammar/tone checker like Grammarly, that at minimum use N-Grams behind the scenes, and something that is "AI" edited? What I am asking is, is "AI" in this context fully featured LLMs, or anything that improves communication via an automated system. I think many people have used these "advanced" spellcheckers for years before Chatgpt et al came on the scene.
I think "generated comments" is a pretty hard line in the sand, but "AI-edited" is anything but clear-cut.
PS - I think the idea behind these policies is positive and needed. I'm simply clarifying where it begins and ends.
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#85[flagged]
I'm also not averse to pasting Claude's output sometimes, with clear attribution, if it adds something. It's not that different from pasting a quote from Wikipedia- might bring useful information but there is a chance that it could be wrong.
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#86Agree, AI generated articles & comments provide little to none value other than the original prompt. Please just post the original prompt instead.
Would prompts really be interesting or thought-provoking, though? I don't expect AI HN responders to out themselves by sharing, but I would be curious to learn if people are prompting anything more involved than just "respond to this on HN: ", or running agents that do the same.
I often edit my comments rather manically; get into discussions, and sometimes email exchanges with other HNers. I also often use claude, kimi, gemini to check my comments for tone, adherence to HN rules etc. I probably spend way too much time.
So technically the prompts involved might expand into megabytes all told. And in the end I formulate a post by myself (to adhere to HN rules), but the prompting can be many many many megabytes and include PDFs, images, blocks of text from multiple sources, and ... you know. Just Doing The Work.
I think this is valid. Previously I would have (and have) (and still do) search google, wikipedia, pubmed, scientific literature, etc. Not for everything. But often. And AI tooling just allows me to do that faster, and keep all my notes in one place besides.
Again, the final edit is typically 90-100% me. (The 10% is if the AI comes with a really good suggestion) . But my homework? Yes. AI is involved these days.
This should be ok. I'm adhering to the letter and the spirit. My post is me.
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#87I have a kid with severe written language issues, and the utilisation of STT w/ a LLM-powered edit has unlocked a whole world that was previously inaccessible. What is amazing is it would have remained so just a couple of years ago!
Agreed... there's often other perspectives people never thought of like this, which is why they say "strong opinions about issues do not emerge from deep understanding."
Even if you're just inexperienced in the language you're communicating in and are trying to have better conversations, it's very helpful.
For cases like that, I say just don't tell people... I think it's unlikely anyone will be able to tell either way.
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#88The only question is is the entity interesting and/or correct. Those properties are in the eye of the beholder. If they're human or not is beside the point. After all, no one knows I'm a dog.
> The only question is is the entity interesting and/or correct.
This already falls apart though. There are while categories of things which I find "incorrect" and would take up as an argument with a fellow human. But trying to change the mind of an LLM just feels like a waste of my time.
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#89I think using AI for a bit more potent spellchecking or style hints is... fine, honestly. I don't usually do it, you can tell from all the silly spelling mistakes I do. But a bit more polishing for your posts is a good thing, not a bad one, as long as it doesn't hide your voice.
The problem is it always hides your voice. Always
There is a big difference between "asking an editor for suggestions" and "vibe posting".
You don't lose your voice if you ask for advice and manually incorporate the suggestions you agree with.
You might lose your voice if you say "Improve my comment to make it better" and copy-paste the result without another thought.
Re: Don't post generated/AI-edited comments. HN is for conversation between humans
#90Don’t be afraid to make grammar mistakes or misspell stuff. Others will understand. You’re a human after all. That’s okay to make mistakes and feel uncomfortable with that.
I make mistakes pretty often thanks to auto complete on my phone and carelessness. I've had threads derail and been attacked by people who freak out over grammar.