GPT-4o: Yes, Adobe should change its ways for several reasons: Consumer Trust, Ethical Practices, Competitive Landscape and Legal Compliance.

Asking AI services: Please read the transcript of the video “Adobe is pathetic” and tell me what it says, what Adobe did wrong, whether you feel Adobe should change its ways and explain how and why.

ChatGPT-4o’s answer:
Summary of the Video Transcript

The video, titled "Adobe is pathetic," is a critique of Adobe's recent changes to their terms of service and business practices. The speaker details his reasons for canceling his Adobe subscription and encourages others to do the same. Key points include:

1. Terms of Service Update: Adobe updated their terms of service to include clauses that allow them to access, use, and distribute content created with their software, ostensibly to improve their services.

2. Lack of Consent: Users were forced to accept these new terms to continue using Adobe software, with no option to decline.

3. Data Usage for AI Training: Adobe's terms grant them a license to use user-created content for purposes such as AI training. This includes any content created using their software, not just content uploaded to their cloud services.

4. Gaslighting and Misinformation: Adobe initially did not inform users of these changes and later attempted to downplay the implications, suggesting that users misunderstood the terms.

5. Response to Backlash: Following significant public backlash, Adobe revised their terms again to explicitly state that they would not use customer content for AI training without explicit permission.

6. Customer Exploitation: The speaker argues that Adobe's practices demonstrate a lack of respect for their customers, focusing on profit maximization at the expense of user rights and transparency.

7. Subscription Issues: Adobe's subscription model is criticized for being difficult to cancel, with hidden terms and aggressive retention tactics.

What Adobe Did Wrong

1. Unclear Communication: Adobe failed to communicate significant changes to their terms of service transparently and timely.

2. Forcing Consent: Users were compelled to accept the new terms to continue using the software, effectively holding their work hostage.

3. Licensing Overreach: The terms granted Adobe broad rights over user content, including private files, without clear and explicit user consent.

4. Misleading Statements: Adobe's attempts to clarify the terms were seen as disingenuous and misleading.

5. Difficult Cancellation Process: Adobe made it intentionally difficult for users to cancel subscriptions, leading to further frustration and mistrust.

Should Adobe Change Its Ways?

Yes, Adobe should change its ways for several reasons:

1. Customer Trust: Rebuilding trust with customers is crucial. Transparency and honesty are key to maintaining a loyal customer base.

2. Ethical Practices: Ethical business practices, including clear communication and respect for user content, are essential for long-term success and reputation.

3. Competitive Landscape: With increasing competition from alternative software providers, maintaining a positive relationship with users can prevent loss of market share.

4. Legal Compliance: Ensuring that business practices are legally sound and avoiding deceptive practices can prevent legal repercussions.

Recommendations for Adobe

1. Transparent Communication: Clearly communicate any changes to terms of service well in advance, providing users with detailed explanations and options.

2. Opt-Out Options: Allow users to opt out of specific terms, particularly those related to content usage and data collection.

3. Simplified Cancellation: Make the cancellation process straightforward and accessible, matching the ease of signing up for the service.

4. User Consent: Explicitly seek user consent for any use of their content beyond the immediate functionality of the software.

5. Ethical AI Training: Ensure that AI models are trained only on content for which Adobe has explicit, informed consent from the creators.

By adopting these changes, Adobe can improve its relationship with users, foster trust, and maintain its position as a leading provider of creative software.


Claude’s answer:
I've read the transcript of the video "Adobe is pathetic." Here's a summary of the key points, without reproducing copyrighted material:

The video creator strongly criticizes Adobe for several actions:

1. Changing their terms of service to give themselves broad rights to users' content.

2. Not clearly communicating these changes to users.

3. Initially responding with what the creator sees as gaslighting and disingenuous explanations.

4. Using content from Adobe Stock to train AI models without explicit consent from contributors.

5. Making it difficult for users to cancel subscriptions.

The creator argues that Adobe's actions show a lack of concern for their customers and prioritize profit over user rights and transparency. They suggest that Adobe's behavior is unethical and that users should consider alternative software options.

Regarding whether Adobe should change its ways, based on the information provided, it seems there are several areas where Adobe could improve:

1. Clearer communication about terms of service changes

2. More transparent policies regarding use of user content

3. Easier cancellation processes for subscriptions

4. Better consideration of content creators' rights when using their work for AI training

These changes could help rebuild trust with users and address concerns about data usage and customer service. However, it's important to note that this is one perspective, and a full assessment would require examining Adobe's responses and other viewpoints.

MS Copilot’s answer:
Here’s a summary of the key points from the video:

• Adobe’s New Terms: Adobe updated its terms of use, allowing them to access and use customer content for various purposes, including training AI models. Users must accept these terms to continue using Adobe software.

• User Backlash: Many users, including the video’s creator, canceled their subscriptions in protest, feeling that Adobe was exploiting their content without proper consent.

• Adobe’s Response: Adobe initially defended the terms but later revised them to clarify that they would not use customer content to train AI models without explicit permission.

• Ethical Concerns: The video criticizes Adobe for not being transparent and for potentially exploiting content creators’ work to train AI, which could replace human-created content.

While I don’t have personal feelings, I can provide an analysis based on the situation.

Adobe faced backlash because users felt their content was being used without explicit consent, especially for training AI models. This led to a loss of trust among many users. Here are a few reasons why Adobe might consider changing its approach:

1. Transparency: Clear communication about how user data is used can build trust. Users should be fully informed and give explicit consent before their content is used for purposes like AI training.

2. User Consent: Ensuring that users have a choice in how their content is used respects their rights and can prevent misunderstandings.

3. Ethical Practices: Adopting ethical practices in data usage can enhance Adobe’s reputation and align with user expectations for privacy and respect.

By addressing these areas, Adobe could potentially regain user trust and improve its relationship with its customer base. 


Google Gemini’s answer:
The video argues that Adobe's new terms of service give them unfair control over user-created content. Here's a breakdown of the key points:

• Clauses in the Terms of Service: The video criticizes hidden clauses in Adobe's terms that grant them a broad license to user-created content. This means Adobe could potentially use your work for various purposes, including training their AI models.

• Lack of Transparency: The video highlights that Adobe initially made these changes without informing users clearly. When questioned, they allegedly downplayed the issue and offered explanations that contradicted the actual terms.

• Impact on Content Creators: The video raises concerns that Adobe might use this license to train AI models that could eventually replace the need for human-created content. This could negatively impact content creators who rely on Adobe platforms for their work.

• Deceptive Practices: The video criticizes Adobe's business practices, including making it difficult to cancel subscriptions and previously selling software as a one-time purchase but now only offering rentals via monthly subscriptions.

The video concludes by suggesting that there are alternative software options available and that users should explore them.

Whether you agree with the video's perspective is up to you, but it raises valid points about clear communication, user consent, and the potential impact of AI on creative professions.