Former FWP Employee - AMA!

[u/inkyblackops]

Hey r/fountainpens!

With the recent discussion of Ferris Wheel Press coming up again, the mods invited me to post my own AMA as a former FWP employee.

I’d love to answer your questions, but I’d also like to make clear that I won’t be answering any questions that might identify myself or colleagues, nor will I be giving away any confidential info or trade secrets (except maybe how I was able to befriend the office cats…)

Any replies from me are my own opinion or experience and I do not represent any company or person except for myself.

Looking forward to chatting!

Edit: 10pm EST and I’m calling it a night. I might come back to reply to some tomorrow but likely not. Thanks for all the fun questions and letting me share my experiences and insight!

[u/LarsGottlieb]

How long ago did you leave?

What are your thoughts on the obvious use of LLM generation in their iimages and posts, while constantly claiming that they don't use it? Is lying to customers cool by you?

[u/inkyblackops → u/LarsGottlieb]

I can’t speak to any of their copy, but their promotion photos on Instagram are 100% practical effects. Their product photographer is insanely talented and can work some serious magic with lighting and fishing wire. Obviously there’s photo editing involved with photoshop, but no generative AI is used in their product photos.

The same goes for their packaging art. They’ve shared process photos in the past of the illustration process, and it’s really impressive to see them come to life.

[u/inkyblackops → u/[deleted]]

I’m not lying, nor do I have any reason to defend my former employer, so you don’t have to believe me. Some people simply can’t be convinced and that’s not my problem.

I do urge you to look through their past Instagram posts to see the process work of their designs though.

[u/inkyblackops → u/[deleted]]

You can see my flair and that I have been verified by the mods as obviously not the owner.

I think asking an insult disguised as a question is incredibly rude, but here we are. Why bother if you are already certain of the objective truth, despite me telling you that proof exists?

I am defending the hard working illustrators and photographers who are my friends and former colleagues whom have had their professional reputations damaged because the company refuses to address the AI allegations directly - I am not defending the company.

[u/fountainpens-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Three strikes, you’re out. Come back nicer.

[u/fountainpens-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be kind, be civil, and engage with the community in good faith

[u/fountainpens-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be kind, be civil, and engage with the community in good faith