X-Message-Number: 22900
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:35:42 -0700
From: Mike Perry <>
Subject: Not a Ponzi Game

#22894:

>...I am not being cynical accusatory nor negative here.  However, despite 
>the idealistic good intentions of those involved, it seems to me that all 
>cryonics organizations are essentially what are sometimes described 
>as  Ponzi games  in financial circles.
>
>I know this isn t intentional.  I understand some cryonic ventures have 
>gone out of business because they under-priced their services.  However, 
>if you think in terms of either CI s $28,000 or Alcor s $128,000 price 
>tag, these groups are essentially promising to keep you in liquid 
>nitrogen  forever  (as long as necessary until you can be revived).
>
>I think the structure is actually rather sound insofar as those running 
>these organizations take their obligation to preserve you seriously 
>because they know they will someday join you in the ranks of 
>the  preserved ,  suspended , etc.
>
>However, if it takes longer than many suspect 100 years, 200 years, 1000 
>years before such revival is possible, these organizations depend on an 
>ever expanding membership to keep their forbearers preserved.

No, it's the interest income from the one-time, up-front charge at the time 
of cryopreservation that is to support the indefinite maintenance of the 
patient. The principal remains and normally increases, so in theory the 
income never runs out or diminishes. It's not a Ponzi scheme, though of 
course it requires the organization to continue to exist or find another 
one to take over, if need be.

Mike Perry

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