From: John M Grigg (starman125@lycos.com)
Date: Fri Jun 08 2001 - 15:23:40 MDT
Max More wrote:
While I agree, obviously, that there is no cult here, I also have to agree that it sometimes appears that way to some outsiders, especially before they meet the principals involved. I don't *like* that fact, but I have to acknowledge it objectively. The interesting question is: Why do some people respond that way, and what can we do about it? (And is it worth doing what it would take to dispel that response?)
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I think the problem Max and Natasha have is that they are simply too charismatic, bright and physically attractive for their own good! LOL! If they were plain-looking, out of shape and dull company in general I think people would be much less likely to think "cult!" So, I guess they have their work cut out for them... :)
And a really TALL Texan lawyer in the organization would only scare away people too! ;)
Max once said in a post he looked forward to oneday being rich. Well, had he been a man of weak character all his fondest material dreams could have been met by quite literally starting up a cult. But, the man has too much integrity for that and has taken the high road.
Maybe for Max shaving off the beard and cutting off the ponytail was good for appearing more conventional to Joe Sixpack. And I suppose it helps in conforming to the business culture.
he also wrote:
Same with ExI which we started with practically zero money -- quite the opposite way that most non-profits get started. (The Electronic Frontier Foundation's initial directors were very wealthy; The Milken Foundation, the Getty.... you get the idea.)
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Damn!, when will ExI get a really rich patron?? The organization needs a good $20 mil donation to get things rolling in style! I guess Brian Atkins is going to have to go back to the grindstone to attain the level of not just well-off but super-rich. Get to work Brian! We need you! :)
best wishes,
John
P.S. It is kind of embarrassing when I don't read a whole thread and then put forward my "original and really good idea" (like a wide circulation print version of Extropy magazine) which has already been discussed to death! I'm just going to have to break down oneday and get my own computer.
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