12.08.25: Note from Bricklyn Eagle Editor Walt Brickman on use of generative AI for articles and images published in The Bricklyn Eagle.
Given concerns being raised about the use of generative artificial intelligence, we thought it important to spell out the policy and practice of The Bricklyn Eagle.
First of all , while not directly related to the use of AI, we hope our Outland readers are fully aware that the content posted on BricklynVT.com and published by The Bricklyn Eagle is fictional, though often drawing upon real people, objects, or events. For example, while I love being Editor of The Bricklyn Eagle, I like to think I’m modeled after Walt Whitman, at least as an aspiring poet — though that’s gotten me into trouble!
Take a look also at what we feel is a helpful assessment of The Bricklyn Eagle by Professor Alison Brickwrighter, “Fiction vs. Reality — How to Categorize BricklynVT.com and The Bricklyn Eagle.” (Dec. 6, 2025).
In preparing Bricklyn Eagle articles, and other content, The Bricklyn Eagle may use generative AI in at least three ways:
(1) For researching and brainstorming a range of topics, and then double-checking sources on which ChatGPT (the AI we use) relies. However, readers should be aware that we often invent fictional sources — for example fictional articles written by fictional authors.
(2) To develop many of the graphic images accompanying articles.
(3) To proof read articles.
Example immediately below from a Bricklyn Eagle article about the history of the Bricklyn Longhouse citing one fictional article and one real article — it should be easy to tell them apart as there is no actual “Realm of Bricklyn” and no “Bricklyn University Press.” AI aided in the initial research for this article, primarily in identifying source material on longhouses, including the real book by Professor William Fenton that we borrowed from the University of Vermont Howe Library.
The Bricklyn Eagle follows guidance provided by the Federal Council of the Realm of Bricklyn on the use of generative AI by media outlets.
We also take into account AI Best Practices for Authors, a guide prepared by The Authors Guild, as well as Sage Publication’s Assistive and generative AI guidelines for authors.
We concur with Sage Publication’s statement in its AI guidelines for authors recognizing “the transformative potential of AI-powered writing assistants and tools such as ChatGPT.” As the statement continues: “These technologies can support the writing and research process by providing authors with fresh ideas, alleviating writer’s block, and optimizing editing tasks. While these tools can offer enhanced efficiency, it’s also important to understand their limitations and to use them in ways which adhere to principles of academic and scientific integrity.”
For a further discussion of the pros and cons of our using generative AI for graphic images, see “Bricklyn Eagle Slammed for Use of AI Generated Images,” published in The Bricklyn Eagle (May 12, 2025).
See also:
➤ “The Bricklyn Eagle Interviews Chat GPT on the Use of Generative AI by Government Agencies” (Mar. 1, 2024)
➤ The Bricklyn Eagle’s ongoing series of articles on data centers which relates to some of the impacts of the rapid growth in artificial intelligence.
We welcome Letters to the Editor. Please email to: bricklynvt@gmail.com
To the Editor: Appreciate the thoughtful position you folks at The Bricklyn Eagle have taken. Too often these days you hear from people who either think that AI is the greatest innovation ever or that AI will lead to the end of millions of jobs, not to mention the end of human civilization. Nice to see someone taking a middle ground! — Oliver Brickmore, Bricklyn, VT.
To the Editor: I think most of us in “Gen Alpha” will figure out a way to make use of the many benefits of AI — think of how it is already helping doctors — while figuring out how to avoid its risks, and there sure are plenty, no denying that. — Aaron B. Larsen, Brattlebrick, VT.
To the Editor: You say you’re careful in not relying too much on AI in your online newspaper. Yet I’d guess 90 percent of your so-called photos are really just creations by generative AI programs. Why don’t you hire some Bricklyn artists to provide you with illustrations? Many of them could sure use the work.— Olivia Tiler Olafsen, South Bricklyn, VT.
Reply from the Editor: You raise a good point, and one that we’ve given much consideration to. The truth is that The Bricklyn Eagle — a very small circulation newspaper — would need tens of thousands of CuDos and countless hours to construct all the LEGO buildings that make up the Realm of Bricklyn (only 32 buildings, a small part of Bricklyn, have actually been built).
We have not been able to find any grant sources that would help fund the purchase of the many, many LEGO parts we would need. We also realize there are more important needs in Bricklyn, like providing affordable housing and having well-maintained parks.
However, we do have a staff photographer who helps us one day each week with our use of AI for illustrations. You might know Ms. Ann Tiler Anderson, as she’s also from a family line of tilers like you.