Nonfiction

Generative AI & Knowledge Gaps
Introduction: The New Knowledge Divide Generative AI promises to democratize creativity and knowledge, making vast worlds of text, images, and ideas accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Yet beneath this promise lies a troubling paradox: the very data on which these systems are trained reflects a deep imbalance in whose voices, values, and philosophies count as knowledge.
By David Thusi5 months ago in Critique
Discovering Sydney's Best Tapas Along Oxford Street: A Foodie's Guide
Oxford Street has been the heart of Sydney's culinary district for some time and rightly so. Oxford Street offers an amazing diversity of culinary culture, though the most exciting is undoubtedly the tapas which Sydney foodies have come to love. The Spanish tradition of sharing small-plate meals has found its ideal niche amongst the many great places to eat on Oxford Street.
By Tony hix5 months ago in Critique
If Conan Doyle, Sherlock and Watson were on Facebook.
"Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle". Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - a man of paradoxes and imagination, as comfortable in the realm of cold deduction as he was in spiritualist séances and lost worlds.
By Antoni De'Leon5 months ago in Critique
Overcoming Writer's Block
Bruce Springsteen was frustrated and exhausted when his manager, Jon Landau, insisted he write a preeminent single for his 1984 album “Born in the U.S.A.” By that point, Springsteen had already written over 80 songs for the album, yet a standout single still eluded him. Returning to his hotel later that evening, Springsteen poured all of his pent-up angst and frustration into the song “Dancing in the Dark”, wherein he grapples with the “joke[s]” that are writer’s block and self-doubt, as well as how the external pressures of the music industry and his own audience can stifle creativity and personal growth.
By Strange Overtones5 months ago in Critique
Have We Drifted Too Far? The Argument for Macro Social Work
Originally published on The Macro Lens, where I share essays and resources on macro social work. Visit the site for more articles and tools for changemakers.
By The Macro Lens5 months ago in Critique
If Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi were on Facebook.
He doesn’t offer answers. He offers mirrors. And in those mirrors, we see not just ourselves, but the divine, disguised as dust, laughter, grief, and silence.
By Novel Allen5 months ago in Critique
Dahmer - Milwaukee's Grisly Murderer In History. Content Warning.
(originally posted on Hubpages) Who Was Jeffrey Dahmer? There are two types of people in this world who would know who Jeffrey Dahmer was -
By C.E. Mattison5 months ago in Critique
Ink That Bleeds
Elias Thorne sat in his small, cluttered attic studio, the harvest moon spilling pale light through the dusty window. On his desk lay his newest treasure a black fountain pen with a gold nib, bought from a shadowy antique shop in Prague.
By Muzamil khan6 months ago in Critique
How Not To Disappear
Introduction Although I entered three stories into this challenge, I expect Vocal have already made their usual choices, and you never know, I might be there as a token extra.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 6 months ago in Critique
The Mysterious Library
In the heart of a bustling city, there existed a library like no other. Its exterior was unassuming, with worn stone walls and a faded sign that creaked in the wind. But step inside, and you would find yourself in a world beyond your wildest dreams.
By Tariq Pathan 6 months ago in Critique
Trailer Trash McMansions
Feeling poor? Sometimes it’s a matter of just not being able to land a job with a good pay cheque. Or sometimes it’s a matter of refusing to tolerate corporate bullshit even for a good pay cheque. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being poor.
By Narghiza Ergashova6 months ago in Critique
New Avenues
I was looking at the opening page when signing out of Vocal, and that is when I decided to re-read some of the articles on working here on Vocal.com. I went to the old article about enhancing how to earn more here. I was happy just writing, reading, commenting, and even getting a few tips I wanted to find a way to 'enhance' more. So, I read about that we were allowed to suggest future challenges and found in the article where to make those suggestions and name two. I hope they read and accept them. To me: good ideas.
By Mark Graham6 months ago in Critique