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Discord is a communications platform designed for community-building, gaming, and planning. Whether you read Nī's channel as 'Unite' or 'Unit', the message is clear – our focus is connection.
If you are not already a Nī Contributor and would like to request an invite link, email us at ni.humancreativity@gmail.com
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Discord Safety Library: "Everything you could ever want to know about safety on Discord. Whether you’re a user, a moderator, or a parent, discover all of our tools and resources and how to use them."
Behind Nī: The Brand
Inspiration
It all began with a social media filter. It was seemingly innocuous, just an Italian Renaissance-themed filter with minor touch-ups: smoothing out a pore or two here, smoothing a belly roll there, adding a 7th(?) finger, increasing facial symmetry...you get the picture.
Over the past decade or so, there have been many studies about the impact of social media filters on the Human mind. The unanimous conclusion? Filters increase feelings of anxiety and deteriorate the user's body self-image. Now, through GenAI, we can create false, hyperrealistic representations of ourselves...designed to put our best foot forward without moving a muscle, including our brain! Social media has become an AI echo chamber, chock-full of endless regurgitations.
Many Artists & Creatives use social media for networking and building a sense of community. We deserve – and need – a networking space free of advertisements, corporate investors, algorithms, and pirates.
Logo + Branding
Nī's logo is intentionally tongue-in-cheek, mockingly paying homage to the "enhancement" sparkle icons we often see to indicate the use, or presence of, generative AI. This two-letter logo can double as an acronym, dressed as a retort, standing for "natural intelligence." Aquavit is a versatile, legible, timeless font family that dresses to impress and contains many stroke weights, perfect for a publication!
UX + UI
A minimalist, white interface. A serif typeface wielding "jazz hands." This bare-bones style allows Art to speak for itself.
All copy and branded materials are produced by Nī's Editor, Jaxx, sans generative AI.
A (Short) Letter from the Editor:
**A longer version will be written, in time.**
I created Nī as a wake-up call, in response to an invisible pandemic – the death of Human creativity – and the outsourcing of the Human soul. Art is how the Soul speaks...if we are relying on AI algorithms to express our emotions, what will our connection to our Humanity become? What will break us from the monotony if/when Art & Design industries become overrun with AI "art" and pirating AI "Artists"? There needs to be safe haven for Human Artists.
Though Nī is staunchly anti-GenAI, the intent of this publication is not to proselytize GenAI users...but rather galvanize creative minds who enjoy the imperfect, grueling, messy process of Creating something themselves.
Frequently asked questions
What is a zine?
As independently-produced publications, zines are an essential part of grassroots activism, and a key component of liberation movements, in particular! Zines are typically a DIY amalgam – oftentimes collaged, printed/scanned, then distributed by hand. This zine will function a little differently.
Why "Nī"?
You likely know the word due to the phrase, "The end is nigh," meaning, "The end is near." For some of us, it very well may be. For those who survive, that sense of urgency may never leave...Nī is Now.
Digital art is accepted. No Generative AI art submissions will be accepted. If a submission seems authored by AI (including partially), artists may be asked to provide proof of origination prior to being featured. Submission of AI art will lead to a lifetime ban from being featured as an Artist (mutual aid requests excluded).
Will my intellectual property be safe?
Nī is working on securing legal copyright protections and seeking legal advisement for this zine (and all works included) to protect everyone against copyright infringement. All work created by Artists will already be subject to copyright, though registered documentation provides additional legal protection in the event of any published work being stolen. Nī understands the history of pilfered of Queer, Black, & Brown ingenuity and will do its best (within its means) to keep this a safe, equitable space.
How is Nī addressing Accessibility?
A visual description of each visual piece is required. If one is not provided, a visual description will be provided by the Editor. Please detail color, description of figures, attitude and/or conveyed emotion, and backgrounds. This is to ensure all subscribers – including those using assistive technology – can enjoy the amazing art!
What if I want anonymity?
Pen names and anonymous submissions are allowed. Safety is paramount; I will not share your email or any private information. No pen names involving profanity or slurs.
What are the requirements for project submission(s), if any?
Activism is for everyone. There are no age requirements to submit work, though some submissions may not suitable for small children (without supervision). Each Nī issue will have specialized interest
Each issue will be dispersed via email 'newsletter'. The eventual goal is to become a monthly zine, but that largely depends on submissions. With everyone's help, we can spread the word and provide a robust issue, every time. Eventually, there will be a catalogued site.
Articles & Studies addressing the Impact of Generative AI