From: Max More (max@maxmore.com)
Date: Sun Oct 22 2000 - 23:53:20 MDT
I've been away for two days, and will have infrequent access to the Net for
the next few days, so I can only address this very briefly tonight, in
between trips.
First, while I can't say I liked the way Ian Arcatling expressed his
frustration, I can understand it if some people feel like ExI hasn't been
sufficiently responsive recently. It has been in a transition. I once was
employed by ExI and do a lot more work for it. That has not been true for
quite some time. My own recent learning experience about business has
helped me to start changing the way the Institute functions, given our
extremely limited funds.
We are in the process of revamping our administration. Those of you who
recently received the members' email update (the first in a while) will
have heard about some of the projects we have in the works. Not only is E.
Shaun doing a tremendous job of taking over membership administration
(that's partly why you're now receiving updates), but I recently brought
together a group of extropian activists and we're involved in
organizational discussions. We are defining quite a few projects and
organizing to make them happen. Members and non-members will receive more
frequent emailings from us. Volunteers look set to upgrade the web site.
Our supportive friends are working on creating a members' database and
several other projects that you will be hearing about in the emailings.
We're also planning a major gathering, but it will take a few months.
As was pointed out (by E. Shaun or Greg), ExI members who attended the
EXTRO 4 conference did receive a clear benefit for their membership dues.
Everyone else contributed and made it possible to continue functioning and
to keep spreading these ideas.
MEMBERSHIP EXTENSION OFFER
If you did *not* attend the EXTRO 4 conference and feel that you did not
receive sufficient value for your membership--if you are not satisfied with
your contribution simply keeping the Institute functioning (providing this
list and the many other email lists, the web site, responding to a
continual stream of media, and acting as a magnet for transhumanists), then
ask our new Operations Officer, E. Shaun Russell for a one-year extension
of your membership. I have asked Ian to grant any such requests.
I believe we are moving into a tremendously exciting time. Many people are
joining in with me to move Extropy Institute into a new era of
activity--one that does not depend so much on me, on any one person or tiny
group of persons.
If you think you are a member but did not receive the recent members'
mailing, please make sure E. Shaun has your current email address. We did
send the update out to members whose membership had expired several months
ago. We have also recently made additions and changes to the web sit
recently and, of course, there is Extrodot.org.
I will do my best to respond to individual messages promptly, but I will be
travelling for the most of the next week.
Onward!
Max
Max More,
max@maxmore.com or more@extropy.org
www.maxmore.com
President, Extropy Institute. www.extropy.org
Senior Content Architect, ManyWorlds Consulting: www.manyworlds.com
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