X-Message-Number: 24698
From: 
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 09:27:48 EDT
Subject: Waynick and Best

Just briefly to comment on today's (Thursday's) postings by Joe Waynick and  
Ben Best.
 
Mr. Waynick shows some commendable adaptability, as he did also in his  

dealings with the Arizona legislature, and as he doubtless did in business. So  
far 
so good.
 
However, he continues the logical and public relations error of calling the  
CI comparisons page "hypocrisy" and refusing to acknowledge that it is self  
defense. No one with the slightest knowledge of the history can doubt that 
Alcor  always has denigrated CI, and continues to do so, by making categorical 

claims  of being the best, as well as by sneering references to "morticians" and
"cemeteries" etc. Mr. Waynick cannot excuse this by bland references to brand 
 loyalty. Claims and comparisons--direct or indirect--should be supported by  
reasons and evidence, never unsupported assertions or slogans.

It is also a simple fact that newcomers almost always ask specifically  about 
the price differential and other differences. We either explain them or we  
don't. If we don't we are evasive  and lose credibility. If we do then  there 
is an unavoidable element of competition, but it can still be handled in a  
dignified and friendly way, and I submit that is what our web page does. Our  

site repeats, over and over, that Alcor's people are competent and well meaning,
but the issues are so complex that--as in many other areas of life--there is  
plenty of room for disagreement by people of good will. We lay out the facts 
as  we see them, and the evidence.
 
I don't believe Alcor will ever agree to give up claims of superiority.  From 
a public relations standpoint, it is impossible, because they are  compelled 
to claim a big quality differential to justify the big price  differential. So 
we will do what we need to do.
 
As to Ben's comment on my subconscious mind, I don't have access to that so  
I can't say whether he is right or wrong. I do know I try at all times to  be 
scientific and objective, and I also know I have been (and still am)  friends 
with many Alcorians, including some of the past leaders. 
 
Anyway, I will draft a new comparisons page, and after review by Ben and  our 
directors and advisors, and after input by any Alcorians who care to  offer 
it, I am confident it will be immune to any serious or justified  complaint.
 
Robert Ettinger   



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