X-Message-Number: 5756
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 1996 00:32:02 -0500 (EST)
From: Robin Helweg-Larsen <>
Subject: Temples and Garages

One of the discussions peripheral to the CryoTechFest was the level of 
ostentation appropriate for a cryonics facility.  An argument was made 
that it should be lavish, obviously successful, photogenic, on a hilltop 
with a view, etc.  This raises the concerns (for me) of actual and 
perceived waste, frivolity, luxury (UN government bureaucrats....) etc, 
when the money should go on essential research.  But I also acknowledge 
that credibility can be damaged, and interest dampened, and volunteer 
energy lost, if the pendulum is too far the other way.  

A garage is practical, but it's not beautiful.  People (and governments, 
because it's really something people want) pay for appropriate settings.  
Just as you can have photos on the walls of the patients at the 
facility, so I think you should know (from an engraved plaque) WHO is 
inside each dewar.  I don't think you need to specify WB or neuro.  I do 
think anyone giving a tour needs to be able to say with absolute 
certainty how many patients are where, and provide the names of the 
public ones.

I know intellectually that you're not going to revive the wrong head, or 
clone a wrong body for a right head, but plaques and certainty would ease 
my emotions!

Secondly, I think that the storage area should ultimately become a place 
of meditation and remembrance; a comforting place; with a window in to 
the main offices, and a window out to a garden; nice, plain decor, good 
lighting, a choice of comfortable places to sit, and perhaps a VCR to 
play a message or souvenir of the person being reflected on, as well as 
(of course) reflective cryonics literature.  A healing place for family 
members, including those who are having trouble coming to terms with the 
suspension, and who need the standard facilities to grieve, adjust, and 
look forward to the future.

>From a marketing point of view, it is far far easier to sell into other 
divisions of a company you've already done business with, than to 
cold-call a whole new company.  Signing up other family members 
should also be easier than finding entirely new people, because of the 
familiarity, credibility, comfort factors....  I think that could be 
helped with a meditation atmosphere, rather than a garage atmosphere.

But note, I am NOT an advocate of the palace on a hill!

Always optimistically,

Robin HL


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