LLM Training on Stolen Data and Encroachment on Specialized IP Exposed by Expert

AI & TechnologyApr 18, 2026score 1.196 posts · 10 replies across 5 instances

An expert, fgbjr, recounted being contacted by a citation formatting language designer regarding an LLM's reimplementation of his decade-developed work. This incident points to AI actively encroaching upon specialized, human-developed intellectual property.

The community displays a raw split regarding AI. MartyCormack dismisses LLMs as unethical tools trained on 'stolen data' and mere 'next word guessing tools.' Conversely, ascentale admits using Gemini for technical comparisons but still grounds personal advice in Reddit. Amgine cautions that while AI suits some tasks, it fails fundamentally at search and conversation, favoring IndieWeb and word-of-mouth. Other voices, like moz, state a random passer-by is better for unknown guesses than AI.

The clear consensus favors established, human-curated sources—Sheldon Brown, structured forums, and personal contacts. The primary fault line is the ethics and reliability of AI; opponents view it as fundamentally flawed, while those who use it acknowledge its utility only for narrow, non-human tasks.

Key points

OPPOSE

AI training on creator data is unethical and IP theft.

MartyCormack calls LLM use unethical because it relies on 'stolen data.' fgbjr also pointed out a designer asking for feedback on an LLM's recreation of his work.

SUPPORT

Human experience remains superior for personalized advice.

theantlady relies only on friends who know her individual riding style best. ascentale noted still going to Reddit for personal cycling feedback.

SUPPORT

Established niche sites are the primary technical resource.

Heyweldon cites the Sheldon Brown website and Park Tool YouTube channel as starting points for technical questions.

OPPOSE

AI is unreliable and inadequate for core human tasks.

Amgine stated AI is not suitable for search or talking to humans. moz stated a random passer-by is better for unknown guesses.

MIXED

Some users admit necessary reliance on AI for specific functions.

ascentale uses Gemini for technical comparisons, while iris admitted using machine translation tools out of necessity for navigation.

OPPOSE

AI's negative impact extends beyond inaccuracy.

ai6yr flagged major issues including energy usage during the climate crisis and the devaluation of human work.

Source posts

@[email protected]

@ascentale @daihard @bikenite 

A3) I actively avoid using AI, but it's so ubiquitous on the internet now that I've probably "used it" without knowing. I mean, I use Google Maps all the time. I also use YouTube to learn about repairs I need to make on my various machines.

For technical questions, I will usually start my information quest with the Sheldon Brown website or the Park Tool YT channel, before I go hunting across the 'net.
#BikeTooter #BikeNite

4 boosts · 13 favs · 1 replies · Apr 17, 2026

#bikenite#biketooter

@[email protected]

@ascentale @daihard @bikenite 

A3. I don't see the point in using AI for this.  I mostly just ask people I know because they know me and my riding style best.

#BikeNite

3 boosts · 4 favs · 0 replies · Apr 18, 2026

#bikenite

@[email protected]

@daihard asks: 

Q3. How much do you rely on AI to obtain cycling-related information instead of social media such as Reddit, cycling forums, and fediverse? For me, I still go to Reddit for personal experience and feedback, but mostly ask Gemini  about technical questions, product information/comparison, nutrition advice, etc.

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter #Cycling #MastoBikes cc @bikenite

2 boosts · 1 favs · 8 replies · Apr 17, 2026

#mastobikes#cycling#biketooter#bikenite#bikeniteq

@[email protected]

@ascentale @daihard @bikenite A3. I don’t use AI at all. And I’m being polite in not commenting further!

#BikeNite

1 boosts · 1 favs · 0 replies · Apr 17, 2026

#bikenite

@[email protected]

@ascentale @daihard @bikenite 

A3) I do not, will not, and hope to die of old age before asking an AI about anything. 

#BikeNite

1 boosts · 0 favs · 0 replies · Apr 17, 2026

#bikenite

@[email protected]

@ascentale @daihard @bikenite A3. AI answers are crap. So are most search engines. I rely on #BikeNite for answers to cycling related information, and also the great referrals here to other (good) websites.  Even beyond the poor performance of AI, there are so many issues with AI (stealing of human knowledge, energy usage during the climate crisis, devaluation of human work, etc. etc.). #BikeNite

1 boosts · 0 favs · 1 replies · Apr 17, 2026

#bikenite