X-Message-Number: 1440 Date: 13 Dec 92 16:53:10 EST From: David S Pizer <> Subject: Alcor Priorities CRYONICS @ Kevin Brown Dec 13, 1992 It seems to me that the two major problems Alcor is facing right now are how to raise more money and how to end this damaging, spiraling political battle we are in. I believe that if we could solve these two problems we could begin to solve other problems in the area of research, legal matters, membership, etc. The problem of raising money will be tied, somewhat, to ending the political battle. There are people out there who will not want to donate while they feel that things are in a turmoil. Other potential members are probably holding back from joining up until things settle down. Prospective members and regular memders do not have that old "good feeling" about Alcor. At the next meeting the Board has to discuss solving our finacial problems. I would also like to request that the Board discuss solving this political battle that is harming Alcor. Not only are directors and staff involved in this time-wasting, ego feeding calamity, but now our members are drawn into it. I have requested that Directors show up for the next meeting with some type of plan to de-escalate this damn mess. Some of the things I suggest are a code of ethics for Board Members on how we will respond to other Board members and other regular members. I think it is the Board's responsibility to end this; if we don't take the initive, who will? (Don't get me wrong, I am as guilty in this matter as everyone else. But I think we can all change if we want to increase the chances of cryonics being successful.) Rather than spend all this time dreaming up clever answers, and replys on E-Mail, ect., to each other, why can't we use that time to figure how to stop this fight and waste of productivity. In thinking about answers we need to be honest and realize that a lot of Alcorians like this kind of "action." To many of us, our lives would be otherwise boring if we did not have this "battle" to win. But in reality, this type of behaviour is very dangerous. It is hurting morale of our staff, our Board and all of our members. I think continuing this battle is selfish and foolish. Our solution should include some kind of protocal for good manners in responses to each other. It should include members asking their Alcor friends to also act in a more polite manner. We should practice, and also encourage others to practice, some restraint and give the new Board some time to address the problems. Until we set a better example, we cannot expect things to get any better. Respectfully Submitted David Pizer Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1440