Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TheProle

(4,097 posts)
Mon May 18, 2026, 06:55 PM 10 hrs ago

NBC: Why the CEO of Barnes & Noble would support selling AI-written books in stores

Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt has learned to adapt to changes in the book publishing industry to keep his company afloat and thriving. Now, the bookseller chain faces a technological advancement that many businesses are grappling with: artificial intelligence. But he isn’t worried.

(snip)

"...I have actually no problem selling any book, as long as it doesn’t masquerade or pretend to be something that it isn’t, and that it has an essential quality to it, and that the customer, the reader, wants it,” he replied.

“So as long as an AI-written book says it’s an AI-written book and doesn’t pretend to be something else and isn’t ripping off somebody else, as long as that’s clearly stated and the customer wants to buy it, then we will stock them.”

The CEO added that it is plausible Barnes & Noble already stocks a few AI-written books.


https://www.nbcnews.com/business/ceo-interviews/barnes-noble-ceo-ai-written-books-rcna345702
12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
NBC: Why the CEO of Barnes & Noble would support selling AI-written books in stores (Original Post) TheProle 10 hrs ago OP
AI has been helping with books for years... WarGamer 10 hrs ago #1
True enough... but the onslaught of AI written FalloutShelter 10 hrs ago #3
AI is destroying the arts... FalloutShelter 10 hrs ago #2
Same with music. Some of it sounds good Melon 10 hrs ago #4
Its a book sarisataka 10 hrs ago #5
they can dump human authors, sell AI books, and save wads of cash...it's the spotify model nt msongs 10 hrs ago #6
Sorry, Daunt GenThePerservering 9 hrs ago #7
Exactly. The generative AI industry is built on theft. highplainsdem 5 hrs ago #8
Yes, it is. SheltieLover 3 hrs ago #11
Absolutely! SheltieLover 3 hrs ago #10
fuck those AI books. fuck that AI music. fuck the AI art. orleans 5 hrs ago #9
"... as long as it... isn't ripping off somebody else..." eShirl 2 hrs ago #12

FalloutShelter

(14,620 posts)
3. True enough... but the onslaught of AI written
Mon May 18, 2026, 07:05 PM
10 hrs ago

Books has been so fast and furious that Amazon had to officially limit the number of AI written books submitted by any individual to TEN a day per.

It is a slop tsunami.

FalloutShelter

(14,620 posts)
2. AI is destroying the arts...
Mon May 18, 2026, 07:02 PM
10 hrs ago

As an artist and an author I have skin in this game and am aware of the fallout even now.

Melon

(1,691 posts)
4. Same with music. Some of it sounds good
Mon May 18, 2026, 07:09 PM
10 hrs ago

But it’s purely written by AI. I think the consumer decides, and as long as it’s clearly identified it’s ok.

sarisataka

(22,835 posts)
5. Its a book
Mon May 18, 2026, 07:20 PM
10 hrs ago

People pay for the book
His company makes money
He gets a bonus

No ethics needs to get in his way

msongs

(74,183 posts)
6. they can dump human authors, sell AI books, and save wads of cash...it's the spotify model nt
Mon May 18, 2026, 07:22 PM
10 hrs ago

orleans

(37,189 posts)
9. fuck those AI books. fuck that AI music. fuck the AI art.
Tue May 19, 2026, 12:04 AM
5 hrs ago

AI is a fucking thief and killer of creativity

Kick in to the DU tip jar?

This week we're running a special pop-up mini fund drive. From Monday through Friday we're going ad-free for all registered members, and we're asking you to kick in to the DU tip jar to support the site and keep us financially healthy.

As a bonus, making a contribution will allow you to leave kudos for another DU member, and at the end of the week we'll recognize the DUers who you think make this community great.

Tell me more...

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»NBC: Why the CEO of Barne...