AI: A future without Firewood
Lately I've been thinking quite a bit about AI—what it means to us, what it means to me as an artist, and what’s bound to happen in both the near and distant future because of its proliferation. I realize the temptation for exaggeration is always there; it’s easy to get seduced by nihilistic thoughts of a dystopian future. But even if we take a sober, calculated approach, there’s no denying this technology will reshape everything we touch.
The Big Changes
I can easily imagine what it must have felt like for a farmer using a bull to pull a plow when the industrial revolution came along—suddenly, the work of fifty men done by a single machine. I can also picture my hypothetical farmer resisting it, calling the machine an abomination, pointing out its flaws, swearing he’ll never use it.
The truth is, technological advances have never been easy. They’ve always been disruptive. One could even argue that’s the whole point. And so, worrying about big changes makes a lot of sense—not because we won’t adapt (we will), but because we don’t yet know if we’re the ones driving the tractor… or the farmer still plowing the soil.
It takes just a few minutes of research to discover the countless jobs that ceased to exist once technology replaced them. One fun example: before alarm clocks, there was a job called the knocker-upper. Slapping a stick against a window early in the morning used to be a perfectly good career.
Early Adoption
I believe we’re still very early in this game. We don’t really know how it’s going to play out, and frankly, we can’t know for sure. It was once predicted that AI would wipe out most administrative jobs—but the data we have so far tells a different story.
As far as I can tell, there aren’t general managers firing assistants, accountants, or salespeople and replacing them with AI. Of course, that might change in the future—but right now, the trend points elsewhere.
One thing that surprised me is how many people are using AI to deal with mental health. They're sitting in front of their computers, talking to ChatGPT the way you might talk to a friend—or even a therapist.
“Why am I so anxious?”
“How do I deal with loss?”
They're having deep conversations about topics that are hard to navigate—especially alone.
And of course, the most visible early adopters are the ones making “art.”(I seem to have forgotten how to use the sarcasm font, but I hope my position is clear.)
Today, there are millions of NFTs, songs, and essays circulating online that began as prompts on a screen. Regardless of how we feel about this so-called art, resisting it is pointless. Sooner or later, we’ll collectively reevaluate what art means to us—and it’ll happen without us even noticing.
The Promise of UBI
I’ve been a longtime proponent of Universal Basic Income, and I’ve talked about it on this blog for the past eight years. To me, UBI is the inevitable conclusion—not out of moral obligation, but because the system itself demands it.
To those who resist the idea, I offer a simple thought experiment:
Imagine a company producing the best products imaginable. Now imagine they’ve perfected their advertising too—every ad lands in front of exactly the right audience.
Now… imagine a consumer with no money to buy any of it.
At that point, UBI stops being an idealistic goal and becomes a necessity.
Regardless of our political leanings, I don’t think many of us would argue that all the surplus created by automation should funnel into just a few hands.
Will It Be Boring?
This is the question I keep circling back to: What would we do with ourselves if we didn’t have to worry so much?
There was a time when collecting firewood took up most of our day. Now we have light bulbs—and yet we never stopped keeping busy. We found things to do, because that’s how we’re wired.
Even during moments of bonanza—when I’ve done well for myself—I’ve never once considered doing nothing. That idea is so unappealing to me I can’t even put it into words.
We all need a fight, a struggle, a climb, a challenge. It’s part of who we are, and who we need to be.
Our minds are complex in a million ways, but they can also be simple.
Almost all of us with very few exceptions, want to feel needed, appreciated, and valued by the people around us, its deeply connected to our sense of self worth. So yes, I can imagine AI and automation freeing us from many daily tasks, taking over our jobs, so to speak. But I’m also confident we’ll come up with new things to do, new jobs that we can't even imagine today.
MenO
I didn't know that many people use AI because of their mental health problems. Do you have any sources for this? Oh, I don't need, I'll ask AI :)
Please vote for the new Ecency Proposal.
But some friends are excited about using it and are already optimising and upgrading their activities.
The rabbit hole is very deep... ha!!
thanks for the votes
Haha, yes, that's true.
I think there are deep flaws in your UBI assumptions. Like you said, technological leaps have been disruptive in the past, but the end result has not been systemic unemployment. Instead labor has been freed up for new industries to emerge, and the productive callpacity of each worker has been multiplied, generating more wealth.
The difficulties today seem to stem from our mesaed-up monetary system and corporate protectionism which have been transferring wealth to corporate and political powerbrokers instead of economic producers. I disagree with the Marxist analysis that this is somehow an inevitable effect of vague capitalism, though, and especially proper laissez-faire free markets.
I agree we're at the very beginning of AI development, and we can also look at how many early internet ideas have flipped to see how hype alone doesn't bring progress.
I'm not taking a Marxist position, but I can see why it can be interpreted as if I am. I do however feel convinced that Capitalism is morphing into something else. I'll grant you what you said the other day, Late stage capitalism is an umbrella term for things that we don't like. That was, regrettably so, spot on. But, I appreciate those push backs, because they help me refine my positions.
All that said. We are not really in disagreement, not really. Like you, I think we will come up with new jobs and lots of people will probably find themselves busy doing something. However, I feel like what we call today "low skill job" (i do have a problem with the label, but for efficiency I'll use it) will have no replacement per se. To be blunt: Mcdonalds won't have a single human in the restaurants.
If we reach that stage, which I think we will, then UBI becomes the only viable solution in my opinion.
I only meant my reference to Marxism as a clarification of my own argument, not an assumption about yours, so I apologize if I was unclear there.
The root problem with all UBI schemes is that consumption can only follow production, so if someone is to receive UBI, someone else must produce first without recompense. AI is not able to do that.
The Andre Yangs of the world think that this is precisely what AI and Automation will do. In other words, machines would be working our land, our factories, driving out cars, generating surplus. People would have "rights" to the surplus generated by the machines.
I think I should re-read the book, its been a while. But Yang released a book called "the war on normal people" that sold me on this UBI thing back in 2018. Since then I've read a few more on the subject. Utopia for realists, also a great book.
https://x.com/lee19389/status/1920250723926712393
#hive #posh
A Wake-Up Call: Accountability and Redemption in the Hive Ecosystem
To those who believe their actions on the Hive blockchain go unnoticed, it’s time to confront the truth. The power you think you wield through downvotes, vote farming, and manipulation is an illusion. True strength lies in doing what’s right, not in exploiting systems for personal gain or silencing others out of fear.
1. The Illusion of Power Through Exploitation
If you’re downvoting critics, running coordinated farms, or hoarding influence to control rewards, ask yourself: What does this say about your character? Manipulating Hive’s reward system doesn’t make you powerful—it exposes vulnerabilities. It shows a reliance on unethical tactics to feel significant in a space that was meant to empower everyone equally.
But here’s the reality: these actions won’t bring lasting satisfaction. At night, when you’re alone with your thoughts, do you truly believe what you’re doing is right? Regret has a way of lingering, and no amount of HIVE tokens can silence the voice inside telling you there’s a better path.
2. The Ripple Effect of Your Actions
Your choices don’t just harm Hive—they affect the people around you. Your online friends may follow along now, but loyalty built on shaky foundations crumbles quickly. And what about your family? Do they understand how much energy you pour into behaviors that ultimately hurt others and yourself?
Every action has consequences, and the deeper you dig, the harder it becomes to climb out. You’re not just harming Hive—you’re pulling those close to you into a cycle of negativity and regret. Is it worth it?
3. Change Before It’s Too Late
The Bilpcoin team isn’t here to attack individuals—we’re here to spark change. We’ve seen the evidence, and we know the impact of manipulative practices. But we also believe in redemption. There’s still time to step back, reflect, and choose a different path.
Ask yourself:
Hive deserves better. So do you.
4. Strength Lies in Doing What’s Right
Real power comes from integrity, not manipulation. Instead of focusing on how many tokens you can farm or how many users you can silence, consider how you can add value to the ecosystem. Create meaningful content, support genuine contributors, and advocate for reforms that benefit everyone—not just a select few.
If you continue down your current path, remember this: you are being watched. Many stay silent, but they see everything. Blockchain data doesn’t lie, and accountability always comes knocking—whether today, tomorrow, or years from now.
5. A Final Plea: Fix What Needs Fixing
It’s never too late to change course. Stop the farming, stop the toxicity, and start contributing to Hive in ways that uplift rather than tear down. If you’re struggling with why you’ve chosen this path, take a moment to reflect. Seek help if needed—there’s no shame in admitting you’ve lost your way.
The Hive community is watching, waiting, and hoping for positive change. Will you rise to the occasion, or will you let regret define your journey? The choice is yours.
From the Bilpcoin Team: We’re committed to helping Hive thrive by exposing the truth and fostering transparency. Let’s work together to build a stronger, fairer ecosystem—one where everyone has a chance to succeed.
What will your next move be?
Addressing the Downvote Issue on Hive: It’s Time for Real Change
Marky Mark Stop the manipulation game Lady Zaza Bpc AI Music
Let’s cut through the noise and address one of the most pressing issues holding Hive back from reaching its full potential: abusive downvotes. The Bipcoin team has consistently exposed the systemic problems that stifle growth on this platform, yet little to no action has been taken. If Hive is to thrive, we must confront these challenges head-on instead of engaging in empty discussions that lead nowhere.
Hive cannot grow if nothing changes. How can new users and smaller creators flourish when they are constantly suppressed by those who exploit the system? Many so-called “whales” contribute nothing meaningful to the ecosystem—instead, they focus solely on farming rewards through manipulative tactics like mass self-voting, spam content, or coordinated downvoting campaigns. These actions discourage genuine participation and erode trust within the community.
Blockchain transactions don’t lie. We’ve seen firsthand the shady methods used to game the system—whether it’s creating alt accounts to amplify votes, orchestrating downvote brigades, or hoarding influence without giving back to the network. Why does this behavior continue unchecked? Talk is cheap. Actions speak louder than words, and until concrete steps are taken to address these abuses, Hive will struggle to move forward.
We have repeatedly presented evidence of these practices, not to divide but to demand accountability. The truth is out there for anyone willing to look at the data. Yet, despite our efforts, the cycle persists. Today, we’re asking again: Can we finally talk about the real issues plaguing Hive? And more importantly, can we take decisive action to protect the integrity of this platform?
Do not let bullies destroy what makes Hive special. Abuse of power through downvotes and manipulation harms everyone—creators, curators, and the community as a whole. It’s time to fight back against these toxic practices and create an environment where all voices can be heard and rewarded fairly.
The Bipcoin team remains committed to exposing the truth and advocating for meaningful change. But we can’t do it alone. Together, let’s push for solutions that ensure Hive becomes a place of opportunity, fairness, and growth—for everyone.
Enough talk. Let’s see action.
Every curation reward from @buildawhale’s bot votes:
The blockchain doesn’t forget—your actions are permanently recorded. So, enjoy your scam farm snacks now, because karma always delivers the bill.
https://peakd.com/@buildawhale/comments
https://peakd.com/@buildawhale/activities
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Also known as HP or Hive Power. Powers governance, voting and rewards. Increases at an APR of approximately: ~13.07%
An unstake (power down) is scheduled to happen in 5 days (~4,742.795 HIVE, remaining 12 weeks)
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We’ve exposed the truth repeatedly with ironclad evidence:
@themarkymark’s $2.4M scam farm.
@buildawhale’s daily grift.
@jacobtothe’s downvote army.
Downvote Army: Silencing truth-tellers like Bilpcoin.
Reward Yourself: Collecting daily paychecks from @buildawhale.
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You Can't Downvote The Truth Mc Franko Bpc Ai Music
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STOP #buildawhalescam #buildawhalefarm
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Stand Together Hive Keni & Mc Franko Bpc Ai Music
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For more insights into blockchain transparency and accountability, visit Bilpcoin’s Publish0x page.
There are some questions this thought experiment leaves unanswered, such as do inferior products still remain available from other companies? Given our real world, the answer to that question is of course, yes, because not only were other companies extant before this company began producing it's perfect products, but people have always themselves been productive of things they need.
So, the UBI isn't necessary to the people without money to buy these perfect products. It's necessary to the company that produces those products, so that people can buy them, and enable it to profit. The people then become dependent on the UBI to acquire these products and the company becomes the purpose of the economy in which UBI is issued - not the people. This illustrates that UBI creates slaves of all them that accept it, and only them that refuse it and continue to themselves produce what they need can survive without it.
I am today eligible to receive various forms of public assistance, for food, for general purposes due to my disability, and etc. I do not accept it, but work 7 days a week despite injuries to my back, so that I am not dependent on government, because during my lifetime I have observed that government is primarily a vector for corruption that bribes or extorts bureaucrats and elected officials to impose intolerable abuses on it's subjects, such as the jabs.
I will not suffer such abuses, so to avoid being extorted by my dependence on public assistance I refuse to accept it. I will similarly treat UBI, and will continue to develop the network of productive people that themselves produce their necessities and the goods and services that create the blessings of civilization we enjoy, rather than depend on the provision of these things by masters that must obeyed to receive them.
AI has been released into the wild, and, as you note, is suitable to management of maintenance and decentralized means of production, enabling them to be automated so that people can multiply their production, and this FOSS AI, not corporate products making lovely artworks, is how AI is most beneficial. It's really just nested decision loops, and such a process is suitable to every situtation that requires regular maintenance, like feeding fish, mowing lawns, or inspecting roofs. Like aquaponics, 3D printing, table top CRISPR, CNC, laser cutters, and etc., AI becomes a means of production individuals can own and operate to provide themselves such products as they need and desire.
I don't need 'perfect' corporate products that really cost freedom to gain. I need the freedom to make what I need so that I can merit my prosperity, and will enjoy the quality of production I am capable of, per my merit. It may not be perfect, but it will be mine.
Free men make their freedom, while slaves take what they are given.
Thanks!
https://www.reddit.com/r/ArtificialInteligence/comments/1khtth3/ai_a_future_without_firewood_what_happens_when_ai/
This post has been shared on Reddit by @flummi97 through the HivePosh initiative.