Don't use AI when emailing Paul Graham

Prominent startup figure Paul Graham has raised concerns over the increasing trend of founders using artificial intelligence to craft their email pitches. Graham, who co-founded the influential Y Combinator accelerator, expressed his unease in a recent post, stating that many emails he receives now exhibit a polished, journalistic tone that feels disingenuous. "I know they're written by AI because no founder ever wrote this way before," he noted on X, emphasizing his disappointment upon recognizing AI-generated content. The situation has sparked a lively discussion within the startup community. Graham, while not outright against AI, insists that it should be utilized properly. Acknowledging that technology can enhance a founder's growth, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity in communication. His observations have led to increased scrutiny of AI's role in writing, with him citing specific words like "delve" as indicators of AI influence. Support for Graham's perspective has emerged from various industry leaders. Nataniel Ruiz from Google DeepMind echoed his sentiment, highlighting the challenges of engaging with purely AI-generated text. Additionally, Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Supersonic, advised founders to prioritize their own writing before seeking AI assistance, as overly polished communications can detract from their appeal. Other entrepreneurs have shared their experiences with AI in writing, with some likening the current landscape to the early days of personal computing. Steven Sinofsky, former head of Microsoft Windows, reminisced about the mixed reactions he faced when utilizing a letter-quality printer in college, suggesting that AI’s impact on writing may evolve in similar ways. As Graham continues to advocate for genuine communication, the startup ecosystem faces a choice: embrace technology while retaining authenticity or risk losing the very essence of what makes a founder compelling.