Why I delete my own em dashes

You know that sinking moment when a piece you’re enjoying suddenly sounds AI-written?

It’s a weird mix of disappointment and embarrassment.

It recently hit me while reading one of my favorite newsletters.

I should’ve seen it coming, because I’d been marveling, “How can they publish so much and still run a business?”

The giveaway was a roundup section they forgot to edit where three paragraphs used the exact same structure, highlighted by the “think lions, tigers and bears” sentence-fragment ChatGPT loves so much.

I’m not criticizing them; I don’t know their goal.

If the goal is to build an enduring relationship with their readers, they missed it with me.

But maybe they’re stretched too thin to write their own newsletter every week, and they decided that a primarily AI-generated newsletter beats NO newsletter.

It’s up to them.

As for THIS newsletter, the one you’re reading now, the one I’ve been sending 551 consecutive Thursdays and counting . . .

My intent absolutely is to develop a personal relationship with you, my dedicated subscriber. If you’ve been following me for a while, that’s what you’ve come to expect. And I never want you to have that sinking feeling wondering, “Did he actually write this?”

To be sure, this isn’t some kind of ideological line in the sand. I totally use AI to proofread every edition and suggest sections and words to cut. That saves you from having to see words like “idealogical” in my copy (thanks ChatGPT!). I also ask it to point out flaws in my arguments and missed opportunities. The key is I force myself to write the first draft by myself, and then I’m vigilant about making sure the AI-obvious stuff doesn’t cramp my own voice and style. Yes, sometimes I even delete em dashes that I originally wrote myself 😊.

The boundary isn’t whether you use AI or not. It’s your audience’s expectations and reading experience. If you either disclose how you’re using AI, or you’re so good at using it in an authentic way, then you’re good.

Takeaway: If you want a relationship with the reader (such as many media pitches), keep things as human as possible.

When readers only need facts, feel free to let your AI tool drive and you act as approver.