Quoting Paul Graham
Summary
On May 26, 2026, Paul Graham observed a significant shift in the communication style of emails received from startup founders. He noted that many now exhibit a "hard-hitting journalistic style," which he immediately identifies as AI-generated content. Graham states that he has never knowingly finished reading an email signed by a human but written by AI, describing the experience as "being lied to." This practice, he explains, diminishes his perception of the author, suggesting they either lack strong unaided writing skills or are attempting to deceive him. He concludes that using AI for writing is unimpressive, accessible to "any teenager," and ultimately counterproductive for founders seeking his attention.
Key takeaway
For startup founders communicating with potential investors or mentors, using AI to draft your emails is a critical misstep. Your messages will likely be identified as AI-generated, leading to a perception of dishonesty and a lack of genuine writing ability. Prioritize crafting authentic, human-written communications to build trust and ensure your professional credibility remains intact, rather than risking immediate dismissal.
Key insights
AI-written founder emails erode trust and negatively impact the author's perceived competence and integrity.
Principles
- AI-generated text is often identifiable.
- Perceived deception damages trust.
- Authenticity enhances author credibility.
In practice
- Avoid AI for high-stakes communications.
- Prioritize genuine, human-written messages.
Topics
- AI-Generated Content
- Founder Communication
- Professional Credibility
- Trust and Deception
- Startup Ecosystem
Best for: Entrepreneur, Investor, General Interest
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Simon Willison's Weblog.