X-Message-Number: 32672
Subject: Re: Changing the metaphor
From: David Stodolsky <>
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:44:05 +0200
References: <>

On 25 Jun 2010, at 11:00 AM, CryoNet wrote:

> From: David Stodolsky 
> 
>> There is no evidence that people will remain rational on chemical 
>> fixation. The reason it sells better is because of the difference in price.
> 
>> This proposal doesn't really change the metaphor.
> 
> 
> On the contrary, the metaphor changes from "frozen caveman" to "brain
> in a jar". When considering an uninformed public, the latter leaves less
> room for error regarding the fact that advanced science is very much
> anticipated as a part of the reanimation process.


About a third of the uninformed public will avoid any death-related thoughts. 
Overcoming this requires a totally different, and probably social, metaphor like
'saving your family' or 'reaching the stars'. 


The proposal is one of the many biotech 'solutions' to the marketing of 
cryonics. However, the survey evidence indicates that such changes will have 
little, if any, effect on acceptance.


Considering the bad press resulting from neuro cases, I have my doubts as to 
whether the proposed change is in the  positive direction. 

> 
> Once they make up their mind that cryonics is a scam or  on that basis,
> they are reluctant to move away from the position. 


These kinds of ideas are socially imbedded. People who are members of religious 
organization don't consider the 'after life,' etc. a scam, even though all 
scientific knowledge points the other way. So, the proposed change is not likely
to have any effect, since it doesn't include the social element. 


dss


David Stodolsky
  Skype: davidstodolsky

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