I've been using the beta test of this model for a little while, and plan to use it in academic applications as well. It's really remarkable in its performance and coherence: in my personal experience it's easier and faster to get closer to an intended image than it is with DALL-E. Of course the big difference is the lack of censorship/safeguards added to its operation (and the lack of a fee). If & when the model weights are released (or leaked) I think this model will be used far and wide for everything from art to political messaging to pornography. If not this model, then the next one.

Interesting times.