I'll take that as an amusing riposte, rather than what it might be—a claim
that knowledge and expertise are no longer a thing, and that human thought
not only can be, but should be, thrown into a blender and sipped as if the
resultant slurry was nutritious.

Even though LLMs appear to be a time-saver, and appear to come up with
coherent language and ideas, I suggest that, on closer examination, they
don't. New knowledge derives not from how text conforms to the
statistically likely, but how it diverges from it.

By this understanding, LLMs, far from producing knowledge, produce
anti-knowledge: verbiage that gives the appearance of meaning, when,
actually, it is doing no more than juggling with old ideas.

This is the methodology of the I-Ching: messing around with randomness to
conjure up the illusion of insight from the interpreter.

So, yes, I think it's particularly significant to deprecate works that make
extensive use of AI, just as it's important to call into question the
mystic power of a dice game.

J

On Mon, 16 Feb 2026, 15:11 mp, <mp@???> wrote:

>
>
> As someone once said, from an informational perspective, the point where
> the blind person's walking cane begins and their arm/hand ends is
> difficult, if not impossible to pin down.
>
> Or, as it were, cave paintings are IT, the alphabet is AI - the entire
> symbolic dimension is an artificial intelligence space.
>
> So a book is by that definition written with the use of artificial
> intelligence.
>
> The question is: Done well? Interesting? Useful? And useful for what?
>
> Lots of stuff written by humans using the alphabet is rubbish, whether
> using a quill or LibreOffice.
>
> As for so called "AI" and writing: LLMs write poorly if not prompted
> carefully and edited critically.
>
>
> On 16/02/2026 13:36, James Wallbank wrote:
> > Hi All,
> >
> > The scope of this book appears to be ambitious. Was it written by AI? If
> > not (and I fervently hope that it's not!) how can we tell?
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > James
> >
> > On Mon, 16 Feb 2026, 10:06 Peter Anderson, <
> professorpeteranderson@???>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> As a researcher, I came across a highly intensive and inclusive book
> >> called "The Internet Ecosystem". The book englobes the whole Internet
> >> history. I have just completed the reading, I will highly recommend it
> and
> >> it has useful information. The book was reviewed by Vint Cerf, the
> >> founder of the Internet. Use: *INTECO10 *coupon code to get the book at
> a
> >> discounted price. You will find more information in the email below.
> >>
> >> Professor Peter Anderson
> >> Head of Research
> >> ------------------------------
> >> *From:* Nikesh B. Simmandree <nikeshbs@???>
> >> *Sent:* Monday, August 18, 2025 1:35 PM
> >> *To:* alac-announce@??? <alac-announce@???>; alac@???
> <
> >> alac@???>; at-large@??? <at-large@???>;
> >> afri-discuss@??? <afri-discuss@???>
> >> *Subject:* Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
> >>
> >> Dear Community,
> >>
> >> I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, *The Internet
> Ecosystem* —
> >> a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance,
> and
> >> future of the Internet.
> >> This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and
> >> packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a
> clear,
> >> engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical
> readers
> >>
> >> *What the Book Covers*
> >>

> >>     - *The Past:* How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching
> >>     gave birth to the Internet we know today.
> >>     - *The Present:* The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers,
> >>     cloud infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance
> shaping our
> >>     daily online experiences.
> >>     - *The Future:* Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive
> >>     technologies, quantum security, and the Internet in 2050.

> >>
> >> With *49 detailed chapters*, the book provides a definitive yet
> >> approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and
> >> curious readers alike.
> >>
> >> My mission with *The Internet Ecosystem* is to make the Internet’s
> >> complexity understandable — showing not only *how* the Internet works,
> >> but also *why* it matters and has become one of the most transformative
> >> human inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure,
> >> inclusive, and sustainable digital future.
> >> In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s
> >> essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator,
> >> student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and
> >> clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our
> >> connected world.
> >>
> >> *Get Your Copy*
> >> *The Internet Ecosystem* is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg
> >>
> >> Thank you,
> >>
> >> Best Regards,
> >> Nikesh B. Simmandree
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Brico mailing list
> >> Website on http://www.bricolabs.net
> >> Unsubscribe:
> https://mailinglists.dyne.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/brico
> >>
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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