X-Message-Number: 18936
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 11:29:46 -0400 (EDT)
From: Charles Platt <>
Subject: Re: CryoNet #18930 - #18933

> From: 
> I have watched the posts for quite some time and about the time I decide I
> want to make the leap to sign up for suspension, there is an untimely post
> that sways me back to uncommitted. Alot of negativity regarding the prospect
> of it all working is the most detrimental concern and it is hardly something
> that the people surrounding me provide any support.

You have three options.

1. Forget the whole thing, spend your money in ways which will bring you
enjoyment right now, and don't read any more CryoNet posts that will make
you feel uncertain and worried. Die conventionally and try to die happy.

2. Sign up with the organization which you feel will give you the best
chance, even if that chance appears to be extremely small; because the
alternatives offer no choice at all. You can then spend the rest of your
current life wondering and worrying whether you wasted your money, and
trying unsuccessfully to defend your decision when you are challenged by
cynical friends. (This seems to be the situation that worries you.)

3. Become involved in any activity that will help to increase the chance
of cryonics working successfully. Instead of feeling like a passive victim
of the unknown, work actively to try to minimize the unknown factors. You
may need to join a cryonics organization to pursue this option. As for
wanting a mentor--many people on this list have knowledge to offer, but
may be a little impatient if you have not made an attempt to inform
yourself first, at least regarding the basics. Alcor has several
informative pamphlets, such as "The Cryobiological Case for Cryonics"
(which I believe is also on the CI web site) and "Many Are Cold, Few Are
Frozen," plus an interesting monograph by Hugh Hixon on storage
temperatures. Alcor also has a constant need for regional standby team
members, who undergo training during a short period in the summer.

Your choice: Be inactive, reactive, or proactive.

Incidentally, my personal preference is for option 3 in my list above.

--CP

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