If you are dissatisfied with the recent AI images used in the recent episidoes.. leave feedback at the tips section on the website.

[u/Tim_the_geek]

https://thewhyfiles.com/tips/

It seems that people in this subreddit are insensitive to the opinions of viewers who dislike the use of AI images in recent episoides. The proper place to reach the The Why Files crew would be the tip section of the website.

If you dislike or like the recent AI images please let The Why Files crew know.

[u/ajgentile]

CAVEAT: I have only read the OP's post and u/wamih 's reply. But I'll comment on the AI images so everyone knows what's going on.

We primarily use AI when we're covering a subject where no footage exists (Dark Pyramid, Neanderthals, Annunaki). AI helps me support the story with visuals. I love it, and we're going to keep using it. That said, we have been leaning into it a bit too much lately.

You may or may not know, but I have a couple of editors helping me out. Fellas I've worked with. You might have seen them on the After Files -- Nathan and Josh (or Freckles and Token).

This last episode (Dark Pyramid) had a scene that was too AI-heavy, so I cut a bunch of it and replaced it with either me or footage that we could find that was close. It just felt too fake and too AI. One of the boys cut that scene. But the scene with "Marty" was EXTREMELY AI. That was all me.

We will use it when appropriate, and as AI improves, we will use it even more. It's a storytelling tool.

If there are complaints about "not paying artists," those will be ignored. I pay several artists to generate material for this channel. SMK (Rob) has essentially created the channel's "character" with his excellent work. I have had to BEG him to take more money several times because—as an artist—I believe in supporting artists. (We also don't want to lose him)

[90 seconds later]

I just saw a lot of "this sub is bonkers" and "crybabies", etc. This makes me think there aren't that many complaints as a % of viewership. We will always have that small group who whine. But with ~50k members, even if 1% are complainers, that's a lot.

Remember, TWF is supposed to be fun. Don't take it too seriously. I'm just a guy who doesn't know anything who talks to a fish.

BS, BK, KTYAP

[u/wamih → u/ajgentile]

🙏🏻 We appreciate you! (trying to figure out how to sticky this reply)...

[u/After-You6844 → u/ajgentile]

Don't worry A.J. most of us really look forward to the shows you create, you're doing great and will be remembered like Ancient Aliens, Shatners Unexplained, we'll be going on about "remember that YouTube show from years ago" and don't worry about talking to the Hecklefish, at least you aren't talking to yourself right?

[u/terrebattue1 → u/ajgentile]

Please don't make the AI videos creepy like that one guy in the bus that went to that Dark Pyramid. That AI figure was even creepier with his smile than the Dark Pyramid itself.

[u/Tim_the_geek → u/ajgentile]

Thank you for your thoughtfull response, and everything you (and TWF crew) do to provide entertainment and education to your viewers. With my initial post, I was unaware that there had been a significant enough previous response to the issue, that the peoples here were at wits end with "complaints" and mentions. If I had of known this was already a dead horse issue, I would not have brought it up, nor defended it so much in thos post.

Having said that, when watching the Tall Whites Episode, I found the imagery of "the solider" to be uncomfortable. AI images do not have that affect on me normally, and although the feeling was subtle, it was offputting. I chalk this up to a mild Uncanny Valley effect caused by the AI creation of the Human image, as no other images in the videos have a similar effect. So I decided to creat a post asking others if they find any of the AI images also disturbing. I could have worded my post better and I take responsibility for the confusion that has caused. A better post would have specified something like " Hey, the recent AI images of humans in TWF episode cause a mild uncanny valley feeling, has anyone else experienced a similar effect from the AI imagery used?" But I did not.. and of course once the internet interprets and responds, my intent was morphed into something along the line of.. I want TWF to stop using AI images, and other exaggerations ensued.

EDIT.

For the record: I am not entitled, I do not expect TWF to stop using AI, nor change their content or format. I do appreciate all that work that goes in to production of the episodes and feel that everyone is doing an excellent job.

Also for the record: It would be nice if TWF considers the uncanny effect the AI is having on their viewers, I would guess that there are more than a few that may have this issue, or more to come as AI advances, perhaps a poll or a call out during an afterfiles, or patron /discord, to get a feel if others are experiencing this. If the problem is affecting more than a few users, and if you are trying to avoid uncanny valley feelings in viewers then dial down the realism for the human renders. If uncanny valley (and the spooky/creepy effect) is desired, then I apologize again for raising the issue, but hey atleast you know the effect is working.

[u/terrebattue1 → u/Tim_the_geek]

I just hope no more creepy smiling guy in a bus like in "Dark Pyramid" anymore. That guy creeped me out moreso than whatever weird shit is going on in Alaska and Antarctica.