I’ve read a fair number of x-risk related news pieces, and this was by far the most positive and non-sensationalist coverage that I’ve seen by someone who was neither a scientist nor involved with x-risk organisations.
The previous two articles I’d seen on the topic were about 30% Terminator references. This article, while not necessarily a 100% accurate account, at least takes the topic seriously.
Thanks, reassuring. I’ve mainly been concerned about
a) just how silly the paperclip thing looks in the context it’s been put
b) the tone, a bit—as one commenter on the article put it
“I find the light tone of this piece—“Ha ha, those professors!” to be said with an amused shake of the head—most offensive. Mock all you like, but some of these dangers are real. I’m sure you’ll be the first to squeal for the scientists to do something if one them came true.
Price asks whether I have heard of the philosophical conundrum the Prisoner’s Dilemma. I have not.
Words fail me. Just what do you know then son?
Once again, the Guardian sends a boy to do a man’s job.”
I wouldn’t worry too much about the comments. Even Guardian readers don’t hold the online commentariat of the Guardian in very high esteem, and it’s reader opinion, not commenter opinion, that matters the most.
It seems like the most highly upvoted comments are pretty sane anyway!
I’ve read a fair number of x-risk related news pieces, and this was by far the most positive and non-sensationalist coverage that I’ve seen by someone who was neither a scientist nor involved with x-risk organisations.
The previous two articles I’d seen on the topic were about 30% Terminator references. This article, while not necessarily a 100% accurate account, at least takes the topic seriously.
Thanks, reassuring. I’ve mainly been concerned about a) just how silly the paperclip thing looks in the context it’s been put b) the tone, a bit—as one commenter on the article put it
“I find the light tone of this piece—“Ha ha, those professors!” to be said with an amused shake of the head—most offensive. Mock all you like, but some of these dangers are real. I’m sure you’ll be the first to squeal for the scientists to do something if one them came true. Price asks whether I have heard of the philosophical conundrum the Prisoner’s Dilemma. I have not. Words fail me. Just what do you know then son? Once again, the Guardian sends a boy to do a man’s job.”
I wouldn’t worry too much about the comments. Even Guardian readers don’t hold the online commentariat of the Guardian in very high esteem, and it’s reader opinion, not commenter opinion, that matters the most.
It seems like the most highly upvoted comments are pretty sane anyway!