And the fish swim in the lake...

The chips are set to fall

icopythefax

Summary:

Resist the push for generative AI. Make art.

Source:

Alt Text: Four panels of a comic by artist Joshua W. Cotter entitled "Make Art".

Panel 1: "Art poses a threat to corporatocratic systems because a purpose of art is to remind the individual of their inherent autonomy. Their humanity."

Panel 2: "That is a purpose in direct diametric opposition to that of corporatocratic systems: objectification of the individual for profit and control."

Panel 3: "Generative A.I. is part of an authoritarian corporatocratic effort to co-opt and commodify the creative process to rid the end result — art — of that with threatens its existence — humanity."

King Ozymandias

rendered in stone with a

strident decree.

Says our dear traveller

(unsentimentally)

"All that remains is his

bonus:

FIC WRITERS RETREAT (CANADA) 2026

Annual Fic Writers' Retreat, first held in Canada in 2016, coming once again in 2026 for its TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

NO MORE WAITLIST: Due to additional interest, new spots have been made available for this year's retreat!

To Register, Click Here

When: August 6-9 2026

Where: Five Oaks Retreat Centre, Paris, Ontario, Canada

What is it? Four days spent with other fic writers, at all levels of experience. There will be a mix of workshops (Topics TBA and open to suggestions), prompts and challenges, and plenty of independent writing time for your own personal projects.

It’s also an opportunity to make connections with people who share your interests and passions, and where you can focus on your own goals and creativity.

Cost (in CANADIAN DOLLARS):

$500.00 Double Occupancy ($365 USD)

$590.00 Single Occupancy ($430 USD)

Here’s what you get for it:

All meals (dinner Thursday to lunch Sunday)

Accommodation (All single beds)

Daily workshops and writing sessions (planned and delivered by participants - you too, if you want!)

A retreat in a beautiful riverside setting

WiFi included

Registration Process:

Click on the Registration Link, above.

Complete the form and submit it.

Select a payment option: a) e-transfer (Canadian residents only) or b) PayPal (link in registration form)

Make your deposit of $250 or $295 CAD (50% of total cost) to complete your registration

Second payment is due on July 6, 2026

Space will be allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Once spaces are filled, there will be a waitlist in case more space can be secured. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE COLLECTED unless space is available.

Travel to the venue is not included. However, shared transport from Toronto (airport or other hubs) can almost always be arranged with other participants.

Several participants (and the organizer) live in the area, and we have always been able to arrange ride-shares from the Toronto Airport to the various venues. These connections will be arranged after registration.

Contact me with any questions! Or see the FAQ Page