Spirit Conjuring Binding Keeping Shops - Be Informed

[Faelyra]

I genuinely don't think we should be restricting who can advertise here and who can't. As it will (I think) make it harder to find reputable sellers. But I do agree with what WiseRavenRunes said. That they should at least disclose if they use AI or not. I really don't mind if they have used AI for their photos. But a disclosure for any use of AI would be nice.

[Magnolia]

I think the AI disclosure is a great idea, and I already added it to the seller template.

For any other kind of restriction, it will immediately result in drama and problems. I can write you a playbook for how it goes because it is that predictable.

Neither Ash or myself are comfortable being the gatekeeper of advertising and trying to vet potential advertisers. I think if there is a glaring problem with the seller or shop, it will make itself known. Every seller/shop should stand on their own merit, and potential customers should ask all necessary questions prior to any purchase. If the seller/shop is good, their reviews will grow here. If they are not a good shop, it will be known in its own time.

Even though we will allow any seller to advertise here, or have incredible review threads with hundreds of glowing reviews, the moment there is a problem it results in the "CH is seller bashing" narrative. Nevermind the 18 years of sellers openly allowed here, or the thousands of days there are absolutely no issues (apparently, that doesn't count). When there is a genuine problem and a seller/shop has genuinely doing something wrong that we point out, we're crucified and eviscerated.

It plays out the same way every time. The seller/shop immediately tries to bury us in bad press, dredging up decade-old lies or rumors that have absolutely nothing to do with what the problem with their shop was, and deflecting any culpability or responsibility. This way, CH looks like giant bullies just treading on the "little guy" - even though we're all little guys and a tiny community.

I was happy to add AI to the seller template, and I believe any seller using AI should disclose how it's used, but it's really up to the customers to hold sellers accountable through direct contact with the seller, and through reviews.

If AI is a problem, then vote with your wallet. Shop with sellers who don't use AI or use AI in a very limited capacity. Where you feel comfortable with AI is a line you have to draw as the customer, and perhaps sharing vocal and persistent feedback with sellers on the use of AI will help any seller know where they should draw the line.

[Vipera aspis atra]

AI disclosure is an absolute necessity. AI makes otherwise decent proprietors lazy as well. I've seen many creators of legitimate properties and goods divert to AI for their marketing because they feel it 'polishes' their look, but when expectation does not meet reality there are more questions.

AI isn't going away, but it is not really helping any sellers relying on creative assistance who think they are being helped by it. It comes off as cheap, because many can recognize AI text etc. now. There will be a shift because most are coming to recognize it as synonymous with a shortcut to whichever end result.

It has use in other areas that will stick, but not in terms of creative/art/writing because it's boring. In the meantime, yes, demand people declare their usage and where.. and whatever is skirted around will be found out because there are obvious tells. We should all educate ourselves individually and decide what we like or support, that's the other side of this.

Encouraged AI involvement, result and product, is a separate movement and will be distinguished with time. It will be a thing, there are already instances of willful reliance on AI for spiritual needs and that's its own movement to debate.