CAMERON WESTLAND

My Corner of the Web

Why LLMs Might Make Better Editors Than Creators

Date:

I've been thinking about how we use Large Language Models (LLMs). While many focus on AI-generated content, I believe we're missing a more powerful use: AI as an editor.

The Writing Revolution We're Living Through

We write more today than any generation before us. Our parents wrote occasional letters and grocery lists. We write constantly - through Slack, email, texts, and social media. The amount we write each day is enormous.

The Two Types of Modern Writing

We write in two distinct ways:

  1. Quick Messages: The instant communications we send with minimal editing
  2. Thoughtful Writing: The careful process where we draft and improve our words

Quick messages make up about 90% of what we write. Look at your Slack or text messages - how much time did you spend editing them?

LLMs as Smart Editors

Picture having an expert editor who can instantly clarify your thoughts. That's what LLMs can do for our daily communications.

My Testing Ground

I built a tool (I shared a screenshot in my last post) to test this idea (and used it for 90 days). It works by:

  1. Recording spoken thoughts
  2. Converting speech to text
  3. Refining the text while keeping my personal style

The results changed how I communicate.

The Instagram Filter Comparison

Think of photo editing. There are two approaches:

  1. Heavy filters that change reality
  2. Basic tools that enhance what's already there

LLMs as editors work like basic photo tools - they improve clarity without changing the core message.

Real Results

This approach helped me:

  • Write better messages to new colleagues
  • Express concerns clearly during negotiations
  • Share emotions naturally when my brother had his anniversary

The Power of Being Natural

This method works because it keeps our authentic voice while making our message clearer. It doesn't replace our voice - it enhances it.

Looking Forward

While many focus on AI creating content, its real value might be in helping us express ourselves better. In five years, this could become our standard way of communicating - not because it's new, but because it works.

Final Thoughts

AI's greatest strength might not be replacing human creativity but amplifying it. When we use LLMs as editors, we can communicate better while staying true to ourselves.

What's your take? How do you see the difference between AI as a creator versus an editor? Share your thoughts with me on how this could change digital communication.