X-Message-Number: 19045
From: "Ben Best" <>
Subject: Science Fiction Conventions
Date: Sun, 12 May 2002 05:33:36 -0700

  In CryoMessage #19040 Charles Platt wrote:

> So, I don't have any answers. I do know that 
> science-fiction conventions are a really unrewarding 
> venue in which to try to sell cryonics.

    I would like to hear from Charles what he 
thinks is a rewarding venue in which to try to
sell cryonics. I have given lectures, had booths
and otherwise tried to "sell cryonics" at as many
promising venues as I could think of including:

Libertarians, Mensans, Humanists, Skeptics, 
amateur philosophers, life extensionists (even
including life-extensionist scientists/physicians 
at A4M) and atheists -- as well as science fiction 
conventions. I even have tried running booths 
at health fairs and at a Computer Fair. 

   In all cases, the response is massively and
overwhelmingly indifferent or negative. In all
cases, there are a few golden needles in the 
haystack. Keith Lynch is one of those who 
discovered cryonics at a science fiction 
convention. Whatever else you may think of
Keith (it is true that he has yet to sign-up),
he has been of great benefit to cryonics in
his archive of CryoNet, in his participation
in the Life Extension Society, in his 
participation in one of Mike Darwin's Transport
courses and in other ways. 

   The people in every venue have their own
particular reasons for rejection of cryonics.
Science fiction fans are mostly disengaged from 
practical living, but there are exceptions. Skeptics
usually dismiss cryonics as pseudoscience, but there
are exceptions. Humanists usually think cryonics 
would cause a population explosion, but there are
exceptions. Libertarians are (surprisingly) 
selflessly devoted to the cause of liberty and are
not so concerned with self-preservation, but there
are exceptions. Life-extensionists figure that the
elimination of aging in the near future will make
cryonics unnecessary. 

   Once we accept the fact that the rewards are 
few in ANY venue, and are delighted to find 
a few rare gems we can get on with the business
of finding helpmates and allies. 

       -- Ben Best
       http://www.benbest.com/cryonics/cryonics.html

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