Craftsman Accused of Plagiarism: 'This is fine' Creator Speaks Out

An Iconic Meme Co-opted by an AI Startup

The famous comic by KC Green, featuring an anthropomorphic dog surrounded by flames and uttering the now-iconic phrase "This is fine," is at the center of a controversy. The artificial intelligence startup Artisan is accused by the artist of using his work without permission in an advertising campaign.

An image shared on Bluesky shows an advertisement in a subway station, where Green's dog declares: "[M]y pipeline is on fire." This message is accompanied by a call to "Hire Ava, the AI BDR," which has sparked outrage from KC Green.

KC Green's Reaction to Unauthorized Use

KC Green expressed his displeasure online, stating that he never gave his consent for this use. He labeled the action as theft, comparing this appropriation to how AI takes ownership of works. Green even encouraged his followers to vandalize the advertisement if they saw it.

Artisan, contacted by TechCrunch, responded by expressing respect for Green's work and indicated a desire to reach out to him directly to discuss the situation. The company has previously made headlines with controversial advertisements, including billboards suggesting businesses "Stop hiring humans."

A Recurring Problem for Artists

The comic "This is fine" was first published in the series "Gunshow" in 2013. Although Green has recently transformed his work into a game, it is clear that he is losing control over his meme. This situation is not unique; other artists have also seen their creations used without their consent, such as Matt Furie with Pepe the Frog.

In light of this situation, KC Green is considering seeking legal representation to defend his rights. He expressed frustration at having to spend time on legal matters instead of focusing on his passion for drawing.

Green concluded by stating that AI companies are not untouchable and that memes do not appear out of nowhere, thus highlighting the importance of respecting the work of creators.