X-Message-Number: 11405 From: "Robert Moore" <> Subject: Celebrities and Cryonics Date: Thu, 11 Mar 1999 10:09:24 PST Some thoughts and observations: Axiom: People do move in crowds and follow "leaders." I remember as child a well-know celebrity was cremated and his ashes were scattered solemnly to the sea. This romantic idea of becoming one with the ocean after death, gave many of my family and friends a positive impression about cremation. This change resulted in my mother 20 years later being cremated, something that earlier would have been considered very eccentric! Try a few thought experiments on the effect of the following on public opinion of cryonics: 1. After being pronounced clinically dead, Princess Di, as per her previously stated wishes, is rushed into cryonic suspension. 2. Michael Jackson announces he will be frozen after he dies. 3. Former President Reagan's family has said they will have him frozen after death. 4. Sadaam Hussein orders his doctor's to immerse him in liquid nitrogen when he dies. 5. The US Surgeon General choose cryosuspension. Also think about whether it would be good or bad publicity if the celebrities "made a big deal" about their choice and spoke about it often. (I think it would make them look eccentric) Think also about the following: By putting his name and face on millions of life insurance ads, did Ed McMahon enhance the reputation of life insurance or damage his own reputation? (Answer: Damage his own.) Did it result in more sales or fewer sales? (Answer: More) Regarding whether cryonics organizations should offer free suspensions to celebrities. Does anybody really care whether Michael Jordan paid for his Nikes or not? My personal conclusions, based on the thought experiments: 1, Having celebrities sign up and actually undergo suspension would be VERY good publicity. 2. Having a celebrity spokesperson could range from somewhat positive to somewhat negative, and is probably not worth the cost and risk. 3. Giving a freebie to a respected celebrity would have no effect on publicity. 4. Actions speak louder than words. It's enough that Michael Jordan wears Nikes. If he went around talking about Nike all the time, it would detract from the message. Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=11405