Debian dismisses AI-contributions policy

Posted May 10, 2024 20:32 UTC (Fri) by ballombe (subscriber, #9523)
In reply to: Debian dismisses AI-contributions policy by JoeBuck
Parent article: Debian dismisses AI-contributions policy

> I'd like to see more detail about how generative AI is being used, or suspected of being used, by NM applicants, because I can think of uses that aren't wrong at all, like an applicant with very limited English skills using an LLM to improve their English language communication.

Agreed.
However, it would be most annoying if a NM would lie during the NM process about their language skill.

Note that there never has been a hard requirement to speak English to become a Debian developer.
Sure it help a lot, but most important documents are translated, and Debian has teams to help with language issues,
and likely Debian will find an AM that share a language with you.
If a NM manage to use automated translation in a way that make them more productive, good for them.

We always have a number Debian developers with peculiar English syntax to say the least.
There are also no strong requirement to send bug report in English. Debian has language-specific mailing list and translations team to translate bug reports when needed.

Debian dismisses AI-contributions policy

Posted May 12, 2024 11:25 UTC (Sun) by ganneff (subscriber, #7069) [Link]

One needs a basic understanding/capability of english. You agree to Debians core/foundation documents *in english*.
You do *NOT* need english skills of a native, not even near.

We very much prefer bad english over machine generated sh*t, that's for sure. With bad english you can, halfway easy, in a communication sort out what the other side means and wants. With machine generated sh*t you only get more of the same useless crap in slightly different words.

Using an LLM to write your mails doesn't make your english look better, it makes YOU as its user look worse.