None of them would work at all if we tried to include only rationalists, only the smart, only the top 5% intellectually.
Mensa works adequately. “Only the top 5%” and even “only the top 2%” really isn’t all that exclusive. In fact, compared to typical social barriers to entry, Mensa’s simple one of test is the epitome of inclusiveness. At least, it is for those smarter than they are charming.
I’ve never been to a mensa meeting. On the web they seem to do little other than congratulate each other for being so smart. Do they do more when they meet in meatspace?
I attended a Mensa meeting. It seemed around the level of a small regional science-fiction convention. Not really enough for me to have conversations with people.
I went to Orbital 2008 in London largely in the hope of having such conversations, and despite IIRC 1500 attendees I found it a lot harder than I had hoped. I suspect that I could do better in future by making more advance effort to find the right people and bring them together; I’m inclined to try to do so for Orbital 2010.
Mensa works adequately. “Only the top 5%” and even “only the top 2%” really isn’t all that exclusive. In fact, compared to typical social barriers to entry, Mensa’s simple one of test is the epitome of inclusiveness. At least, it is for those smarter than they are charming.
I’ve never been to a mensa meeting. On the web they seem to do little other than congratulate each other for being so smart. Do they do more when they meet in meatspace?
Really? I’ve seen them spend more time insulting each other for being so stupid. :P
Yes, from what I’ve seen. However, I’m somewhat out of the typical age bracket so haven’t involved myself all that much. Ask me in 10 years.
I attended a Mensa meeting. It seemed around the level of a small regional science-fiction convention. Not really enough for me to have conversations with people.
I went to Orbital 2008 in London largely in the hope of having such conversations, and despite IIRC 1500 attendees I found it a lot harder than I had hoped. I suspect that I could do better in future by making more advance effort to find the right people and bring them together; I’m inclined to try to do so for Orbital 2010.