I know we can't post AI images on this website, but has anyone created AI images from stories? I've done it with prequels and it help me visualize the story.

That's a neat idea! There have been so many times I wished I could 'see' certain part of my stories.

I'm a huge fan of Bonanza prequels, but it's difficult to image what the boys looked like as children. AI has helped with that. It really brings a story to life if you can see what the characters look like. Ben and the boys' mothers are easy to visualize because of the flashback episdoes.

I'll admit even though there are some elements of AI I find kind of creepy, lol, I would love to see my stories come to life with it. I've visualized them many times.

I have used Gemini to create images of certain aspects of my story. Other websites were disappointing or even aggravating, sometimes I was yelling "no, that isn't what I told you." It's a bit time consuming. I wind up writing a whole page of instructions to get it just right.

Gemini won't create images if you state just "Pernell Roberts" citing "I can help with images of people, but I can't depict some public figures."
But I did get a good likeness by stating:

The man is balding with black hair and a beard that is black except for 2 white streaks on the chin.

He is 42 years old, 6'1" tall, with broad shoulders and slim hips.

He is handsome and looks something like Pernell Roberts.

I don't see any prohibition on posting AI images in the official rules:
https://bonanzabrand.info/guidelines/
But, the copyright of the actors real-life images may insinuate that using AI "photo quality" likenesses of the actors is also prohibited. Maybe even some non-photo-quality likenesses too.

As such, I'm reluctant to post the images I have of the scene I described above. 2 are photo-quality. Another is an illustration that is almost photo-quality. One looks like an old-timey illustration.

But I think it would/should be acceptable to post AI images that are ambiguous or are of original characters.

On 7/17/2026 at 5:29 PM, Nyx said:

I don't see any prohibition on posting AI images in the official rules:
https://bonanzabrand.info/guidelines/
But, the copyright of the actors real-life images may insinuate that using AI "photo quality" likenesses of the actors is also prohibited. Maybe even some non-photo-quality likenesses too.

As such, I'm reluctant to post the images I have of the scene I described above. 2 are photo-quality. Another is an illustration that is almost photo-quality. One looks like an old-timey illustration.

But I think it would/should be acceptable to post AI images that are ambiguous or are of original characters.

@Cheaux and I have discussed the restriction of using AI to create images and post them in Brand (especially actors) as well as restrictions on using AI to write stories for the Library. We just haven't decided on our final wording to what we want to say since no one previously pushed using AI. And the legality of using AI is ever evolving.

Per our copyright and license, manipulation of any images of the Cartwright characters has been strictly prohibited by Andy Klyde who is the copyright holder of ALL things Bonanza. And as such, it is prohibited at Brand. As for creating an 'original character' image via AI and posting, there's still a risk that the 'character' may look like a real person and then Brand could be at risk.

Most of the responses to our questions related to allowing AI-creations agree that AI is a great tool to use. However, it poses significant copyright risks. Admins should be cognizant of the legal landscape, not just in their own country but around the world. Sites should ensure compliance with copyright laws. Admins should take proactive steps to prevent potential infringement issues from the risk of allowing AI-generated content.

As we've learned from past experience, anyone can look long enough to get the answer that they want. However, the Brandsters have a responsibility, and we will take the route that prevents a threat of litigation that could potentially take Brand down.

Now all said, a restriction from posting AI images at Brand does not prevent an author from creating an AI character and using it for their own story board to help their creativity.

Cheaux and I will work to finalize an update to the Guidelines shortly.

I agree with BWF. Images created to help an author with her story are meant as a tool for the author only and are not to be posted as a featured image in the Library or elsewhere on this site.

Writers often use story boards and/or mood boards to bring life to their creation. These boards are a tried and true method for creatives, be they writers, costumers, set designers, playwrights, directors, etc.

Workshops and conferences I have attended have cautioned against overdescribing a character, urging that an author should provide a few details but leave the rest up to the reader's imagination. For example, one of the most remarkable lines I ever read in a novel was from The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton when the main character describes a woman he has met by saying "A sculptor would render her face in three strokes." [Wow!]