AI is a double-edged sword and the future for Roaringwater Journal, and blogs like it, is looking grim.
First, the not-so-bad news.
I’ve made no secret of the fact that I have been exploring various AI tools – chatbots and search engines and research tools like NotebookLM. My first foray was when I asked ChatGPT to write an 800 word essay on the history of West Cork. Although a cursory read left an impression that was persuasive, in fact it was riddled with errors. That was in 2023. Today I asked it to do the same again and I append the results below. MUCH better and in fact this time very accurate.
I’ve also used image-generation software – I had fun with a St Brigid Post a while back – the results, although amusing, were a mixed bag – I’d say this aspect of AI has a lot of catching up to do.
I also used Perplexity as a research assistant on my recent series (2 down, 1 to go) on the St Brendan book I purchased, which was written in German.
Finally, I used NotebookLM to keep track of all my references when I did the series on Charles Vallancey. NotebookLM is an excellent research tool which uses the sources you upload yourself. I had 15 different sources for this series, mostly lengthy academic articles, and I was able to use NotebookLM to tease out threads across the articles, each statement referenced back to its source.
Now for the other side of the coin.
When you did a Google search in the past, it came up with a list of Blue Links – clicking on a link brought you to the source website. Search engines drove a lot of traffic to our website.
If you do a search now, the first thing you are likely to see is what’s called an AI Overview. Although there are still links (for now) to Roaringwater Journal and other local sites, many people just read the AI Overview and go no further. If you use ChatGPT the information will simply be served up to you in a condensed form, with no link to sources or to further information.
Perplexity includes links in the form of tiny numbers at the end of paragraphs which you may or may not notice or click on. Claude does something similar but seems to get most of its information from Wikipedia.
The AI companies have drag-netted the internet to train their Large Language Models (LLMs). Where information is scraped from Roaringwater Journal, it has happened without my knowledge or consent. This was not a problem in the past – Google gathered the information, but drove the searcher back to Roaringwater Journal – ‘click on this blue link for more information.’ Now, all my hard work and careful research is simply fodder for huge search engines who present it as if it’s their own. This is even more of an issue for bloggers who rely on traffic to generate income (I do not).
While traffic to the Journal (people landing on pages and actually reading what we have written) is a significant incentive to keep at it, it’s not the be-all-and-end-all for me, as I have all kind of other motivations for writing it. However, if the trend continues downwards, I can see myself and others taking stock at some point and wondering whether all our hard work is simply now providing content to enrich a bunch of tech-bro gazillionaires.
The ultimate irony? My story image was generated by ChatGPT!
I would value your comments.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The History of West Cork: A Story of Resilience, Rebellion, and Rich Culture
West Cork, the southwestern region of County Cork in Ireland, is a landscape of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, ancient stone forts, and vibrant villages. Though often celebrated today for its natural beauty and bohemian charm, West Cork’s history is layered with tales of prehistoric settlers, Gaelic chieftains, Norman invaders, rebellions, famines, and a profound cultural resilience that still defines the area. The history of West Cork is, in many ways, a microcosm of Ireland’s wider historical experience—marked by both hardship and heroism.
Prehistoric and Early Settlements
The earliest traces of human habitation in West Cork date back over 6,000 years, to the Neolithic period. Megalithic tombs, stone circles, and standing stones—such as those found in Drombeg near Glandore—attest to the ritual and communal life of these early settlers. The Bronze Age (c. 2500–500 BCE) and Iron Age (c. 500 BCE–400 CE) left their mark in the form of wedge tombs, fulacht fiadh (ancient cooking sites), and ring forts, which still dot the countryside.
By the early medieval period, West Cork was part of the powerful kingdom of the Eóganachta, a Gaelic dynasty that ruled much of southern Ireland. The area was divided among local chieftains, with clans such as the O’Driscolls, O’Mahonys, and O’Donovans holding sway. These families established fortified homes and controlled trade routes, especially around the coast. The influence of Christianity also spread during this period, and monastic sites such as Timoleague Abbey were founded, becoming centers of learning and religious life.
Viking and Norman Incursions
Beginning in the late 8th century, Viking raiders arrived along Ireland’s coasts, including the bays and inlets of West Cork. Though initially destructive, the Vikings eventually integrated into Irish society, intermarrying and establishing trading posts.
In the late 12th century, the Anglo-Normans began their invasion of Ireland. West Cork, with its remote and rugged terrain, resisted complete conquest for some time, but eventually Norman influence took root. Towns such as Bandon and Kinsale (just on the border of what is traditionally considered West Cork) grew under Norman control. These new settlers introduced stone castles, new agricultural practices, and English legal structures, which often clashed with traditional Gaelic customs.
The Tudor Reconquest and the Flight of the Earls
The 16th century saw the English Crown intensify its efforts to control Ireland. West Cork became embroiled in the resistance movements of local Gaelic lords. One of the most notable figures of this period was Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare, chieftain of the O’Sullivan clan. After the defeat of Irish forces at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601—a key turning point in Irish history—O’Sullivan Beare led his people on a harrowing 500-kilometer march to Leitrim, seeking sanctuary. Only a handful survived. This event symbolized the collapse of the old Gaelic order and the increasing dominance of English rule.
Following the Nine Years’ War and the “Flight of the Earls” in 1607, many Gaelic lords fled Ireland, paving the way for the Plantation of Ulster and further colonization. In West Cork, land was confiscated from Irish families and given to English settlers loyal to the Crown. This deepened divisions and planted the seeds for centuries of unrest.
18th and 19th Century: Rebellion and Famine
By the 18th century, West Cork had developed a mixed population of Protestant landowners and Catholic tenant farmers. Tensions over land and religious discrimination simmered, culminating in episodes of violence such as the Whiteboy movements—agrarian protests against unfair rents and evictions.
The 1798 Rebellion, inspired by revolutionary ideals from America and France, saw some activity in West Cork, though it was largely suppressed by British forces. Still, the spirit of resistance remained alive.
The most devastating period in West Cork’s history came with the Great Famine (1845–1852). The failure of the potato crop, coupled with British government inaction, led to mass starvation, disease, and emigration. Skibbereen, one of the region’s principal towns, became infamous for the horror it witnessed during the Famine—its name now synonymous with suffering. Over 8,000 people died in the town alone, and many more fled aboard “coffin ships” bound for America, Canada, and Australia.
Twentieth Century: War, Revolution, and Renewal
West Cork played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). The region was a hotbed of IRA activity, led by figures like Tom Barry and Michael Collins, the latter born in Clonakilty. Notable events included the Kilmichael Ambush, where IRA volunteers killed 17 members of the British Auxiliary Division. These actions helped push the British government toward negotiating the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
The subsequent Civil War (1922–1923) divided communities, including those in West Cork. Collins himself was assassinated at Béal na Bláth in 1922 by anti-Treaty forces, marking one of the most traumatic events in modern Irish history.
Modern West Cork: Culture, Community, and Creativity
In the post-independence era, West Cork remained primarily agricultural, though economic struggles persisted well into the 20th century. By the 1970s and 80s, however, the area began to attract artists, writers, and European settlers drawn to its wild beauty and affordability. This influx helped revitalize the region’s cultural life.
Today, West Cork is known for its lively arts scene, local food movement, and commitment to community sustainability. Towns like Bantry, Skibbereen, and Ballydehob host festivals, markets, and environmental initiatives, while smaller villages retain a sense of timeless rural life.
Though its history has often been marked by hardship, conflict, and change, West Cork has preserved a deep sense of identity. Its landscape holds the memory of centuries—of castles and cairns, abbeys and ambushes—and its people continue to reflect the tenacity, independence, and creativity that have long defined this corner of Ireland.
Discover more from Roaringwater Journal
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Roaringwater Journal 
Hi Finola,
While the Ai generated article may be accurate what it misses is the heart. Your posts (and Robert’s) bring the smell of the sea, not just facts but taking a walk with you as you share about places and things that touch your heart. Thanks for all you do.
Marion
LikeLike
i agree with Julian a book would be wonderful! and don’t give up, your writing is invaluable!! It is certainly not just about information, which is interesting and valuable, but about your particular expression, view and outlook.
LikeLike
it seems we really do need to have copyright laws that include AI. Especially when it comes to providing links to sources of information. like you said, otherwise what will happen to motivation and inspiration? no one wants to support the big corporations financially and nothing for the originator.
LikeLike
Finola, thanks for this post. I run a marketing agency, and the LLMs are doing the same to commercial blogs and websites. Referrals from search engines are down more than 70% for many sites. There is an emerging practice for increasing visibility from AI, but I would underscore what you’ve found. Showing up in AI search results is more a function of being “famous” (Wikipedia, sure, but being mentioned in notable press outlets and highly travelled user sites like Reddit). And being famous (or doing that visibility work) is not why you write your wonderful blog, I’m guessing. I also like how you touch upon two truths: that the current LLMs are amazing and getting better all the time; AND these models and their original sin of stealing our content are an existential threat. What a complicated world. But please keep writing, your content is irreplaceable. I do think the other comment about Substack is right on. It’s a good place to grow your own audience outside of search.
LikeLike
Hi Finola, Last night around 10:30 I posted a comment on your latest article (AI and copyright), but it isn’t there! Nothing particularly profound – I’m just wondering if I did something wrong, or failed to do something right: I did log in with name and e-mail … Noreen
LikeLike
A wise post about your conflict and requirement for the use of AI. As noted, Google and other search engines automatically feed you an AI response first. I, of course googled how to turn that off, the answers were not very reassuring, turns out there are many ways to turn it off, none of them easy. Beyond the fears of disuse of the technology my true concern is the energy consumption to fuel the beast. In the USA the estimates are nearly 20% of all power generation will be required for AI by 2030. I am not conspiracy minded but the pictures of tech bros lined up behind Trump at his inauguration and the push for de-regulation doesn’t augur well for the ordinary consumer of electric power here. Makes one appreciate the Luddites.
The high tide of the blog is long past. Short meme videos and influencers rule the day. Please keep up Roaringwater as you are possible, it is a highlight to see the post listed in my email folder. Thank you.
LikeLike
AI will never visit archives, go through the stacks, spend days or weeks reading journals, primary sources and written records. It will never will never wield a trowel in ‘trench two’, assess finds, run post dig tests.
It will just carry one stealing the intellectual rights and work of devoted people like your self.
Someone has to take a stand and sue the Metas of the internet world for theft and breach of copyright.
Jeff Wright
LikeLike
Some very interesting comments and I’m with Jo Woolf, I’d say keep on doing what you do , for your own pleasure and for ours.
LikeLike
I feel no inclination to use AI to generate material. It is the process of writing my blogs that I enjoy. There is on monetary advantage to my writing; I neither want nor expect it. The pleasure for me is the act of writing. The follow-up of comments is a great joy, a connection, an interaction. Each blog is an achievement for me and regularly sets me up for a better day. It signifies that I have beaten back depression for one short while and gives me hope that I may do so again…and again. AI could never provide such. Re yours above, as soon as I began to read the AI generated text, you were gone, absent. I suppose had I not read your blogs over time this would not have registered. It would be a reasonably interesting if bland presentation of facts but when you write there is opinion, interpretation, reaction, feeling…style and personality, I suppose. It brings to mind what an old teacher once said to me in my first steps in teaching – Sincerity is the teacher’s greatest asset and once you can fake that you’ve got it made!
LikeLike
The thoughts that come to one as he pushes the vacuum cleaner about. The weekend magazine of the Irish Times seems to me to contain some AI-generated articles. After the introductory paragraph one quickly realises that the article is simply wandering along with material that is certainly related to the topic but which lacks any opinion or insight or connection of people or current events. Bland! And then, the writer who expresses herself forcefully, a little foul language included, is criticised in the letters page! It seems AI serves the reading desires of some people.
LikeLike
Mm… feel wary but poorly equipped in understanding to comment in any technical way. It seems to have sort of crept in and surprises me as people I know, mainly those still working, i education etc,refer to their use of AI. I guess its like any tool that starts off as useful but grows until it’s moved beyond human control.
LikeLike
Hello Finola, I can imagine how you must feel, although I have never road-tested AI features or programs and don’t intend to. I think fundamentally we as human creators and writers have got to remember who we are – humans – and we’re connecting with real humans here on WordPress and on other platforms like FB if we use them. These people are interactive and appreciative and curious. One of your commenters here says ‘I read WordPress to see human creativity’ – I totally agree, and that is heartwarming to read. I’m glad that you say you have other motivations for writing your blog, other than providing fodder for tech bros. So forget the tech bros. I’d also back up what another commenter is saying about exploring the possibility of physical books – not necessarily as an alternative to WordPress, but as another means of sharing your work. I know there are still AI issues even here, but it connects you to a wide audience and that connection can feel more physical and tangible. What it boils down to is the fact that Artificial Intelligence isn’t Artificial Consciousness. It’s a tool. It doesn’t have life. I seriously wouldn’t waste any of your precious time and creativity and passion in bothering about it.
LikeLike
Hmm. Don’t know much about AI but thought the new summary of West Cork history was quite good, in so far as it went.
As regards protecting and preserving your “copyright” on what you have written and your own research, surely there is nothing to beat publishing it in written hard form ( books) where copyright law is well established and plagiarism less likely……I have long urged you and Robert to commit at least some of your stuff to printed published form in books so that we can all enjoy it at leisure in the long winter evenings for many years to come ! Surely there are thousands of us who would buy such books, a much more permanent record of your endeavours than e-blogs ?? I know books are an old-fashioned technology in a way, but they have been around a long time and are likely to stand the test of time for a long time to come….
LikeLike
I appreciate your blog so very much and marvel at the research that goes into each and every post. I am at least a weekly visitor, if not more frequent. Recently I read an old post that meant so much to me and led to further research (it was about Brid Mahon – there are now texts of the “oldest story” available on duchas.ie, including one in English!). I agree with you in terms of not wanting your content to be used to train machines and enrich those who already have too much. I hope that I will always be able to access your wonderful work.
LikeLike
The way things are going, sooner or later there will be no more original writing on the web for AI to feed on, so that it will be reduced to cannibalising itself (in the form of other AI-generated material). ChatGPT’s new (and quite impressive!) ‘History of West Cork’ probably owes quite a lot to Roaringwater Journal. We can only hope that some way will be found to enforce the old-fashioned concept of copyright before you all lose heart!
LikeLike
I would never use AI for content generation, neither for text not for images. I unsubscribed from three sites recently who use AI images; my time online is limited and I don’t want to waste it on computer generated content. I can of course see a place for collating information but I enjoy finding reliable sources myself. AI searches are still completely unable to distinguish between facts and fiction. I am far more likely to see incorrect things regenerated over and over until they are accepted on balance of volume to be true, and I hate google’s AI generated summaries with a passion. On those subjects I am knowlegeable about I see errors frequently, I therefore cannot trust it for information I know less about. I read wordpress to see human creativity.
LikeLike
I’m very much in sympathy with your fears and reservations about AI, but the genie’s out of the bottle now and there’ll be no getting it back in again. For the time being, there are one or two telltale signs that an image was created by AI – for example, in your story image, the slightly blurred background and the hardback books and indeterminate pot-plants on wooden tables, bookshelves and chests of drawers are all pretty standard – but no doubt AI will get more, ahem, intelligent in that regard over time. No, I think in future we’ll all just have to bear in mind that any text that we read, or image that we see, may easily have been created by a machine and may have absolutely nothing to do with reality (whatever that is!).
LikeLike
To hear a lecture by the Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey Hinton on LLMs go to
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkdziSLYzHw
Brian Lynch
LikeLike
I would like to thank you for your articles. They are always interesting and well researched and often fill my time on a train journey or a lunch break. I would miss it if it wasn’t there.
Thanks 🙏
Sent from Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good evening Finola There is a very good article in this Sat Irish Times about this very subject and why bloggers,writers,and authors of journals are moving to Substack as a platform. Maybe ,at least for the moment this is the way forward for you. Best Wishes Alastair and Niall
LikeLiked by 1 person