X-Message-Number: 1504 Date: 23 Dec 92 23:02:37 EST From: Charles Platt <> Subject: CRYONICS To: Kevin Brown In reply to Ethan Evans, the reason I kept quiet about the OMNI cryonics contest here on the net was that I have long since learned never to believe that anything will be published until I actually see it in print. I would have felt foolish if I gave the contest a buildup, and then it didn't happen. I'm flattered that Mr. Evans sees it as a "brilliant coup." The real test, however, will be to see how much response is generated. Cryonics has a long history of receiving enviable publicity, which generates relatively few sign-ups. Will the contest be any different? I don't know. A year ago, when I thought of the contest, I was trying to find ways to publicize cryonics to the largest possible audience in the most positive possible style. I am now wondering if this is the right tactic. After all, as Mike Darwin is currently fond of pointing out, cryonics is not yet a bona-fide workable product. Nor will it become one until we have more activists doing real research. (They have to be activists to endure low pay and professional ridicule.) So maybe the thing to do is look specifically for young activists in the medical field at this point, try to inspire them, and leave large-scale publicity till later. Finding activists is hard work. I think it means taking a slide show around to various special-interest groups and giving a presentation. It also means being able to answer technical questions. I am planning to embark on this, together with New York Alcor member Stanley Gerber, who is an EMT and studying to be a paramedic. I have a lot of experience addressing audiences, but little experience presenting cryonics. If anyone can offer advice, ranging from "Don't do it!" to "I tried it, and here's what I found," I would be grateful You can write me direct or call me at (212) 929 3983 anytime. Thanks. --Charles Platt Distribution: Kevin Brown >INTERNET: Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1504