Summary
Waterstones' boss, James Daunt, says the bookstore would sell books created by artificial intelligence (AI) if customers want them and they are clearly marked as AI-generated. The publishing industry is currently debating the impact of AI on writers. Waterstones relies on AI for logistics but aims to keep AI-created content limited in-store.
Key Facts
- Waterstones would consider selling AI-generated books if customers are interested and the books are labeled as such.
- There is a growing discussion in the publishing world about AI's impact on authors’ jobs.
- Waterstones uses AI for logistics but avoids stocking AI-generated content when possible.
- The company's strength comes from giving local store managers control over their inventory and displays.
- A report showed that over half of authors are worried about being replaced by AI.
- Waterstones' strategy includes offering individual recommendations by staff and resisting publisher influence on store displays.
- CEO James Daunt also leads Barnes and Noble, indicating a potential public stock offering for these companies in the future.
