Artistic Freedoms.

Artistic freedom is of paramount importance to me. In the virtual environment of Second Life, I am known as Anu Papp and have dedicated 18 years to creating art across various mediums, including photography. Over time, I have developed my editing skills through platforms such as GIMP, Photoshop, Lightroom, and several others.

Recently, there has been considerable discussion regarding the use of AI-generated photos within Second Life. While it may appear that using tools like Midjourney involves minimal effort, my approach to digital art has always involved significant time and technical proficiency. As a former member and paid user of Prim Feed, an online platform for Second Life images and advertising, I valued the opportunity to showcase my work.

On a recent occasion, I uploaded an image to Prim Feed that I had originally captured in Second Life and spent over two hours editing, finishing with an AI enhancer. Shortly after uploading, I found my account locked on the grounds that the photo appeared in the main gallery and included AI elements. Despite contacting the owner of Prim Feed to express my belief that removing the image would have been more appropriate than locking my account, I have yet to receive a response.

This situation has been discouraging. While I appreciate the necessity of guidelines, I feel the handling of my account was excessive. Although I do not expect a refund, I will not be returning to the platform. For me, photography has always been about demonstrating what can be achieved with dedication and knowledge rather than seeking approval in the form of likes.

Consequently, I have ended my Pro account with Flickr and will continue to share my work exclusively on my own website, where I can operate independently and avoid unjust penalties. The photo referenced here is the same one previously uploaded to Prim Feed and can also be found in the AI section of my site. It is disappointing that my account was locked without warning, a measure I feel was unwarranted.

I encourage those concerned about AI in art to consider its creative potential rather than dismissing it outright. There are opportunities for learning and growth if we remain open-minded.