I think this is particularly incorrect for alignment, relative to a more typical STEM research field. Alignment is very young[1]. There’s a lot less existing work worth reading than in a field like, say, lattice quantum field theory. Due to this, the time investment required to start contributing at the research frontier is very low, relatively speaking.
This is definitely changing. There’s a lot more useful work than there was when I started dipping my toe into alignment three years ago. But compared to something like particle physics, it’s still very little.
I think this is particularly incorrect for alignment, relative to a more typical STEM research field. Alignment is very young[1]. There’s a lot less existing work worth reading than in a field like, say, lattice quantum field theory. Due to this, the time investment required to start contributing at the research frontier is very low, relatively speaking.
This is definitely changing. There’s a lot more useful work than there was when I started dipping my toe into alignment three years ago. But compared to something like particle physics, it’s still very little.
In terms of # total smart people hours invested