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Author mandates strict LLM word-use policy for writing

By PulseAugur Editorial · [1 sources] ·

Thomas Ptacek advocates for a strict rule when using LLMs for writing: never use a single word suggested by the AI. He proposes this as a form of intellectual personal protective equipment to maintain discipline and avoid the distinctive, often off-putting, style of LLM-generated text. While not using LLMs for content creation, Ptacek employs them for fact-checking, grammar correction, and as a thesaurus, sharing a prompt for a personal LLM copyediting tool. AI

IMPACT Suggests a disciplined approach to LLM integration in writing workflows, emphasizing human oversight and originality.

RANK_REASON Opinion piece from a named credible voice on how to use LLMs.

Read on Simon Willison →

AI-generated summary · Google Gemini · from 1 sources. How we write summaries →

Author mandates strict LLM word-use policy for writing

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4 / 100
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Commentary
Opinion piece from a named credible voice on how to use LLMs.
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. Simon Willison TIER_1 English(EN) ·

    How To Write With An LLM

    <p><strong><a href="https://sockpuppet.org/blog/2026/09/17/how-to-write-with-an-llm/">How To Write With An LLM</a></strong></p> Thomas Ptacek on using LLMs as copyeditors, not as writing assistants:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>Rule Number One: You may not use a single word an LLM…

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