I like this idea overall, but SI might want to think twice before it risks becoming known as a group that leaves books promoting its ideas lying around.
Also, I’m doubtful of the claim that such introductory books can only be usefully produced by top Less Wrong contributors.
Passing out flyers seems superior to leaving books around. It more closely resembles awareness raising methods used by most charities, and I think a flyer can be a more effective sales pitch (with a pointer to a website where you can read more) than a book cover. Additionally it should be cheaper per person reached by far, and could give Less Wrong users practice with rejection therapy.
I have a friend who passed out flyers with some success for his life extension charity, and claims to have a contact in the Berkeley area who will pass out flyers for cheap. He tried to get Michael Anissimov to design an SI flyer for this guy to pass out, but Anissimov didn’t end up going for it. Get in touch with me if you want.
It feels like the best sandwich board would combine a provocative, intriguing claim with some sort of insider signal that the board user is conversant with advanced math, programming, or what have you.
If anyone feels that they know the issues (extremely) well enough to co-write a succinct, informative, and punchy SI flyer with me, I encourage them to get in contact: michael@intelligence.org. My other assignments prevent me from following through on this alone, I’m afraid. I do appreciate being encouraged to do this, I just feel that it’s too much responsibility to take on alone. Such a flyer would need to be of a high quality to give a favorable impression.
I like this idea overall, but SI might want to think twice before it risks becoming known as a group that leaves books promoting its ideas lying around.
Also, I’m doubtful of the claim that such introductory books can only be usefully produced by top Less Wrong contributors.
Passing out flyers seems superior to leaving books around. It more closely resembles awareness raising methods used by most charities, and I think a flyer can be a more effective sales pitch (with a pointer to a website where you can read more) than a book cover. Additionally it should be cheaper per person reached by far, and could give Less Wrong users practice with rejection therapy.
I have a friend who passed out flyers with some success for his life extension charity, and claims to have a contact in the Berkeley area who will pass out flyers for cheap. He tried to get Michael Anissimov to design an SI flyer for this guy to pass out, but Anissimov didn’t end up going for it. Get in touch with me if you want.
I would like to see the LW sandwich board.
It feels like the best sandwich board would combine a provocative, intriguing claim with some sort of insider signal that the board user is conversant with advanced math, programming, or what have you.
The nearest thing I’ve seen so far:
If anyone feels that they know the issues (extremely) well enough to co-write a succinct, informative, and punchy SI flyer with me, I encourage them to get in contact: michael@intelligence.org. My other assignments prevent me from following through on this alone, I’m afraid. I do appreciate being encouraged to do this, I just feel that it’s too much responsibility to take on alone. Such a flyer would need to be of a high quality to give a favorable impression.
I never said “only.” If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them!