X-Message-Number: 23714
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 07:36:34 -0800
Subject: Re: CryoNet #23692 - #23706
From: Kennita Watson <>

On Monday, Mar 22, 2004, at 02:00 US/Pacific, CryoNet wrote:

> Message #23694
> Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2004 11:54:14 -0500 (EST)
> From: Charles Platt <>
> Subject: PR
>
> I certainly never said we should do nothing. On the contrary,
> I said that prompt press releases distancing Alcor (or any
> other serious organization) from fringe elements are the way
> to go. I definitely did say this, but apparently Kennita
> didn't notice, because she seems locked into her own agenda.

(for our studio audience, ref. Cryonet #23619 and #23630)
>
> Of course I don't expect anyone to say, "Wow, how stupid I
> have been, Platt is absolutely correct!" This wouldn't happen
> even if I was absolutely correct. On the other hand, what I
> am missing is a debate on the issues which have been raised.
> For instance I have mentioned, twice, that an event very
> similar to the one precipitated by Bauge was used as evidence
> against cryonics and in favor of regulating it, by a
> legislator in Arizona. This is a clear indication that, at
> the very least, do-it-yourself cryonics entails a very
> obvious risk of hastening and worsening regulation for the
> rest of us.

Yes, it does.  I believe my responses indicated that I would
emphasize the differences between what has been done with
Grandpa Bredo and what Alcor does with its cryonics patients.
All this beside the point that no one is calling for
regulation on account of Grandpa.  I think I also mentioned
that permission was important.  Perhaps I will want to make
a more emphatic "Kids, don't try this at home!" statement.
Or more than one, covering legal, technical, and health
issues.
>
> I don't see Kennita really addressing this issue. I don't see
> any reassuring rational counter-argument that explains why
> it's not an issue. I just someone ignoring the potential
> downside in a breezy confident style, because she just
> *knows* she can do it. This of course would be fine, and
> would be an interesting experiment, if there was no potential
> downside for the rest of us.

I don't think the only way one addresses an issue is to
explain that it's not an issue.  I don't intend to come off as
"breezy".  I do, however, intend to come off as confident,
determined even.  I want to avoid cocky, though, because I
want to invite input.

I ignore nothing, except some of the sidelong or direct attacks
on my intelligence, character, or intentions that have come
from some of my detractors, and some of those I grit my teeth
and engage in the name of self-improvement.  I may miss things,
though.  Gentle reminders help.

Absolutely there is the chance that some fly-off-the-handle
reporter will print "Guess who showed up at the Frozen Dead
Guy Days?" and paint Alcor with a black brush because of it
without talking to me.  I think the chance is small because
1) The news story will demand that they talk to me;  2) I am
determined that anyone who talks to me will come away with
a clear picture of how Alcor is different and better.  There
are probably ways to reduce the risk further:  for example, by
sending out pre-event press releases; by sending reporters
away with ready-written articles to print, or pieces they can
put together into an article without working hard; by taking
the reporters' names and papers and checking to see what was
printed and whether damage control and/or retractions are
needed; by getting to know the townspeople and event organizers
in advance; etc. -- I can't think of everything by myself, at
least not in a couple of days.

There is no way to convince someone that there is no risk to
an endeavor that has some; no downside to a course of action
that has one.  By way of reassurance I offer my commitment to
be as well-informed as possible, and to consider all ways of
presenting my message to place Alcor in the best light
consistent with truth.   If the only thing that will satisfy
you is for me not to attend, I must disappoint you, but I no
more want to look the fool than you do, and I too want to
live, so I will endeavor to behave in a manner consistent
with that desire.  The Frozen Dead Guy Days are unique, so it
is not possible to know how they will go.  For all you know,
there will be a happy synergy, and in future years people who
live in places without Alcor chapters will gather in
Nederland during the Frozen Dead Guy Days to fill out and
execute their cryonics contracts.

Live long and prosper,
Kennita
--
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
none but ourselves can free our minds.
           -- Bob Marley, "Redemption Song"

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