MCViewPoint

Under Microsoft control, thought control is a “feature” helpfully built into your word processor. But soon, you won’t be able to turn the feature off. And then, … well, you get the point.

I use Libre. Works well with the Ubuntu and Mint operating systems as well as W10.

https://www.lewrockwell.com/2019/07/no_author/ms-word-becomes-big-brother/

By Chas Holloway

I’ve been a writer for thirty years.  I have over two hundred thousand MS Word docs on my computer.  But now, I’m converting all those files to a different word processor.

I don’t want to do it.  But I have no choice.  MS Word — the default application for novelists, poets, journalists and playwrights — has just become Big Brother.  No serious writer can use it anymore.

The problem: Microsoft now “offers” an AI tool designed to “improve” my writing.  For example, if I type, “We need some fresh blood around here,” Word now changes that phrase to “We must hire some qualified employees.” Or, if I type the word “waitress,” Word now changes it to “waitperson.” (see HERE and HERE and HERE.)

I heard about this a month ago, or so. The geniuses at Microsoft want to control my ideas. “That’s insidious,” I thought, but then got distracted. Until the other day. While writing an article, I experienced Big Brother in action — Word was highlighting my text as I typed!…

Real writing is about thinking.  It’s about discovering your individual voice.  It’s about finding original things to say.  But will Microsoft soon disallow original and creative thought?…

A screenwriter bangs out a political thriller: the evil corporation wants the population to be chipped.  How do they manage it?  First, they’ll say it’s for the safety of our soldiers: we can track them in warfare.  Second, they’ll say it’s for public safety: we must chip the lawbreakers and prisoners.  Then, they’ll launch a patriotic ad campaign: “I got chipped — for America!”  Following that, the cops just arrest a few libertarian stragglers. 

Cool story.  But under Microsoft control, would a screenwriter be allowed write it?  Under Microsoft control, thought control is a “feature” helpfully built into your word processor.  But soon, you won’t be able to turn the feature off.  And then, … well, you get the point…

Be seeing you

Banksy