The story about the guy in London reminds me of MAGA influencer Amy Kramer's response when people pointed out she'd shared a fake image from Hurricane Helene (to critique Biden ofc) - "I don’t know where this photo came from and honestly, it doesn’t matter... it is emblematic of the trauma and pain people are living through right now." (Link: https://x.com/AmyKremer/status/1841938191454240782).
As you say, it takes imaginative work to make something real. This process is actual work. It requires energy, it's tedious, it can be painful. If you have a natural aversion to it (ie if you hate thinking), AI video generators are a godsend.
Rob, you're my favorite writer. I hope I'll be stimulated by your essays and amused by your colophons for many years ahead.
The story about the guy in London reminds me of MAGA influencer Amy Kramer's response when people pointed out she'd shared a fake image from Hurricane Helene (to critique Biden ofc) - "I don’t know where this photo came from and honestly, it doesn’t matter... it is emblematic of the trauma and pain people are living through right now." (Link: https://x.com/AmyKremer/status/1841938191454240782).
As you say, it takes imaginative work to make something real. This process is actual work. It requires energy, it's tedious, it can be painful. If you have a natural aversion to it (ie if you hate thinking), AI video generators are a godsend.