Why I write my own words

By Troy Heland,

My handwriting has gone to shit.

I’m relearning how to write, by hand, on my reMarkable. It’s the best thing I’ve bought in a long time, and it goes with me everywhere.

And I think my want to write comes from AI.

AI chatbots like ChatGPT are using sources to search for stuff online, like they always have. Except now a quickly growing list of sources are written by AI in a gross circle.

Researchers have a name for where that circle ends up: model collapse. Each lap, the writing gets a bit more generic and a bit further from anything a real person actually thought.

I don’t want to add to the circle.

I want people to know when it’s me writing, not AI. That happens when I write honestly and from the heart.

What that means for this site

Every article starts as my own handwritten note. Then:

  • The thinking and the words are mine. If it sounds like me, that’s because it is.
  • I use tools for the boring bits. Spelling, finding and checking sources, and getting it ready for the web.
  • If I’m guessing, I’ll say so. If I’m quoting research, I’ll link to it so you can read it yourself.

The chameleon bit

I’ve always been able to change who I show up as, depending on the room. I don’t hate that. I actually like this ability. Callie embraces it, which empowers me.

And I’m definitely still a chameleon when I write. I often get to pretend to be something I’m not. I can pretend I can draw, or write, or be creative. I can write from the heart, the head, the subconscious. I can write from different perspectives and imagine a life that isn’t mine.

Whichever version shows up, it’s still me holding the pen.

Your words, too

I find human-written pieces so much more accessible.

If you work with me, I’ll absolutely encourage the use of AI where it makes sense. But for writing copy, I’ll always encourage my clients, my friends and anyone who’ll listen to write in their own words.

My handwriting’s still pretty bad. But it’s mine.

Got thoughts on this? Email me or send me a message.

Where this started

These are the two handwritten notes this article grew from.

Troy's handwritten note, under the headings Chameleon and Writing. Transcript below.
Transcript. Chameleon: I don’t hate being able to change who I show up as. I like this ability. Callie embraces it which empowers me. Writing: I am relearning how to write. My handwriting has gone to shit. I think my want to write comes from A.I. I want people to know when it’s me writing, not AI. That happens when I write honestly & from the heart.
Troy's handwritten note about AI chatbots and their sources. Transcript below.
Transcript. AI chatbots like ChatGPT are using sources to search for stuff online like they always have. Except now a quickly growing list of sources are written by AI in a gross circle.
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