Countering anti-extropic memes (was RE: flame wars)

From: matus (matus@matus1976.com)
Date: Wed Jul 23 2003 - 22:56:14 MDT

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    Natasha said:

    "We may never change the way a many in the Greenpeace community or the
    Rifkin community, or the Leon Cass community, but we can design ways
    that will help people communicate about the problems more effectively."

    This brings up a potential method for countering these memes I have
    tossed around occasionally.

    Suggestion, list the major proponents of non-extropic memes (start with
    obvious ones to minimize debate over extropic vs. non extropic) and keep
    an eye on their public appearances. If they are to be on a radio show,
    have some good counters ready to be called in and voiced. If they
    publish an editorial, find an extropian nearby to publish a counter. If
    they are on TV, hope it's a call in show and voice opposing opinions, or
    ask powerful questions to get listeners thinking. If they are to appear
    publicly, put a few fliers up outlining counter arguments, send letters
    to editorials of local publications, be present at public lectures to
    ask tough questions, etc. etc.

    People assisting in this effort might take up an individual
    anti-extropic person as his 'target' and just update other volunteers
    relevant to next appearance as to anti-extropic persons appearance.
    Each person could pick his one target to get intimately familiar with
    said targets typical arguments, and could assist others in preparing
    questions, flyers, or commentaries ready to be launched at the
    anti-extropic individual. Each individual would be responsible for
    responding to any anti-extropic memes that arise In his/her immediate
    vicinity (say, area code) Obviously in more populace areas more
    volunteers would be needed so as to not monopolize the time of any one
    volunteer. I think with enough people, this could have a pretty
    significant positive impact, yet still only require 10 - 20 minutes each
    week on average from volunteers.

    Michael Dickey



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