X-Message-Number: 33219 Subject: Re: Urgent: Attention Cryonicists From: David Stodolsky <> Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2011 21:38:18 +0100 References: <> On 11 Jan 2011, at 11:00 AM, CryoNet wrote: > Over the past two years cryonics has come under attack in a way that is > unprecedented in its 47 year history. The time has now come for this to be > stopped. I urge you to download the document you will find here While the analysis offered in this document has significant defects, the conclusion is on the mark. Without structural reforms, cryonics organizations face an uncertain future. This, of course, could lead to disaster for those who have entrusted these organizations with their lives. One reason I mention structural reforms is that the need for high quality publications and discussion forums has long been recognized. I have been collaborating on an upgrading of CryoNet, but this effort has been static for some time. This is an indication that volunteer efforts will not do the job, within the current framework. The is but one example of the failure of the Movement to capture valuable content. This failure has also contributed to the growth of 'independent' forums for the discussion of cryonics, such as those mentioned in the above document. Since the capture of content produced by cryonicists could play a crucial role in reconstruction of these persons' personalities, this failure represents not just a public relations disaster, but also negligence toward the underlying goal of cryonics - "Saving lives." Another reason that I mention structural reforms is because there is a continuing need for an industry association. Such an Association could handle tasks that would benefit the entire Movement that never seem to get done at present. There are economies of scale and many other advantages of such an arrangement. Such an arrangement could provide immediate saving to cryonics organizations by taking over tasks such as public relations, conflict resolution - thereby avoiding massive legal expenses in many cases -, certification, etc. If you are willing to serve on the Steering Committee for setting up an industry association, please contact me for the entire draft of this document: ------- Revision ------- International Association of Cryonics Organizations (IACO) Purpose: This Organization shall serve the Cryonics Industry with a variety of resources ranging from providing backup emergency services, insurance against catastrophic events, mediating contractual matters between companies, defining and codifying standards, both ethical and operational, providing guidelines for making public statements, providing oversight services, inspection services and accreditation and evaluation services for both member companies and non-member companies as requested. This Organization shall represent the various member organizations in Washington, DC to the appropriate Federal Authorities and Legislators. We shall represent the members as needed in there various state and country capitals on matters regarding both standards and ethics. We will issue at the appropriate times press releases to testify in the court of public opinion on matters that pertain to the ethics and standards of our members. History: Cooperation is seen as important to the growth of the industry. Hence, the resolution of the attendees to the First International Cryonics Summit held in Roseville, Michigan on August 24, 2002, to form this Association of companies and others involved in the provision of human bio-preservation services. Dr. Robert Newport was appointed as temporary Chairman of the Steering Committee for the formation of a professional organization of cryonics companies. No action followed the above mentioned Summit. There is now an increasing demand for regulation, as indicated by the Coalition for the Regulation of Cryonics at a new website, which claims it will become active in the Summer of 2011: http://regulatecryonics.org/ In a statement, the Coalition asks: "When will State and/or Federal lawmakers step up to begin the process of strict regulation of these companies?" Their plans include: "Case presentations involving cryonics companies practicing their unregulated 'science' within licensed healthcare facilities are currently being developed and will be presented soon to several interested associations." <http://www.imminst.org/forum/topic/39147-coalition-for-the-regulation-of-cryonics/> It is clear from these statements that the Coalition will not only call for government regulation of cryonics, but also go directly to professional organizations that cryonics organizations require cooperation with in order to facilitate suspensions. It is clear that this development represents a threat to existing and pending suspensions. This effort may be preempted, if self regulation by an independent organization is already operating. The details of such an Organization would best finalized immediately. The Organization should start operation no later than the Summer of 2011. The sooner this can be done, the better the chance that convincing documentation showing that there is no need for external regulation can be generated. dss David Stodolsky Skype: davidstodolsky Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=33219