X-Message-Number: 30589 Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 15:12:15 -0800 (PST) From: Shannon <> Subject: Alcor Leadership, Go Cryo & Local Meet-Up groups Thank you for the write up about the Oregon meetup, that is a great turn out. Your discussions about how the right to die law could affect a cryonicist, would be fascinating to attend. We had that discussion at ImmInst: http://www.imminst.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=14935&hl=Oregon (I'd love for an Oregonian to comment on the veracity of what I said per my experiences living in Oregon and voting on the Right To Die initiative, in the thread--if they have time to check it out ;-) ) Great news on Go Cryo--I've started a thread at ImmInst to help drum up support. : http://www.imminst.org/forum/GoCryo-Advocacy-Site-t20752.html (Kennita it would be great if you could post a bit about what you do!) Finally on the Alcor Leadership and Member Discontent issues, I wanted to say to Tripper that I've talked live time with many Alcor members here at our local Austin TX meet-up group, some long time, some new. Seems like some people do not follow all the politics and just want the organization to be there when they need it, this is not always due to apathy--sometimes it has to do with lives being incredibly busy. I for one have had my 1 year old god daughter and my 3 year old god son the past few days (her mom is 57, and single--just moved into a new house and had to get it ready for baby, the boy's mom is 58 and is caring for dad, age 45 who has been in the hospital the past week with pneumonia and kidney failure, dad's surgery to drain fluid from his lungs went well--he is getting out Friday, mom took the boy back today). I've wanted to post about what I feel is a problem with pseudonyms in the cryonics community, those that are not proud of their association or able to say what they want under their real names. Studies have shown that on-line communities where members use their real names have a higher quality of content. I think it is also hard for current Alcor members to follow the debates, or know whom to agree with when so many conceal their identity. I'm not saying that it would increase involvement, especially with those that are so busy (I know members who are working on Ph.D.'s or are in college, or working more than one job, in addition to members who have young children) but I feel that if our community changed to one where people used their real names, it would give us more credibility--and possible draw in some more of those who are busy, and currently letting the issue work itself out. Just my two cents ;-). I appreciate all who use their real names, and all who contribute to these debates pseudonym or not (I just wish they'd use their real names too ;-) ) But we have a great community, with a lot of potential for growth--for more to take pride in their membership. Shannon Health, Happiness, Wisdom & Longevity :-) -- best wishes from... Austin, Texas --Shannon Vyff (512) 673-3431 2011 Lantana Drive, Round Rock, TX, 78664 "21st Century Kids" http://www.amazon.com/21st-Century-Kids-Shannon-Vyff/dp/1886057001 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=30589