LLM Voice(martinfowler.com)
497 points by ibobev 20 hours ago | 262 comments
tl;dr: Martin Fowler argues that LLM-generated prose has a detectable "voice" that triggers an uncanny-valley reaction, and even human editing of LLM drafts rarely removes it—so writers should avoid using LLMs to draft or restructure their work. He warns that outsourcing writing to LLMs also means outsourcing thinking, which undermines both skill development and comprehension. He allows exceptions for accessibility (e.g., disability), translation, or bureaucratic writing no human will meaningfully read, but insists genuine human communication requires human-written prose.
HN Discussion:
  • ↑LLM-generated text is tedious, low-density, and hard to finish reading
  • ↑The uncanny-valley reaction stems from broken mental simulation of the author
  • ~LLMs can be useful as critics if they don't suggest actual wording
  • ↑Delegating writing to LLMs also delegates thinking and comprehension
  • ~Organizations should eliminate pointless reports rather than automate them