X-Message-Number: 4225
Date: Mon, 17 Apr 1995 09:24:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: Charles Platt <>
Subject: Writing for Omni

To Jim Davidson:

There have been a number of articles on cryonics in Omni. I wrote most of
them. I don't know why you seem so sure of the potential response to this
kind of material; cryonics is an unusual field, and there is no reliable
way to predict people's interest. My one-page statement of opinion in Omni
reaped slightly more than 1,000 information requests, which was the
largest response any single item about cryonics has ever generated (so I
am told). Even the Donahue show, with the Alcor phone number on the
screen, didn't do as well. The "Omni immortality contest," which offered a
free freeze to the winner, generated about 500 written entries and
additional information requests. This contest was promoted on local radio
stations and network television. 

I'm afraid the situation isn't quite as simple as you suggest. But thanks 
for volunteering to write about cryonics. This is always useful. You 
don't need anyone's permission, however; just go right ahead. I will be 
happy to talk to you if you need additional facts, or I'm sure Alcor will 
be willing to cooperate, or any other cryonics organization.

Incidentally, Omni is suspending publication till the Fall, and I wonder
if they are really going quarterly. They are doing an "online electronic
edition," but this seems a poor substitute. I'm afraid the magazine was
having difficulties for some time. More to the point, Keith Ferrell, the
editor, mentioned to me that he felt my articles had pretty much exhausted
the subject of cryonics for Omni. So, you would do better to try
elsewhere. If you think you can get an article on cryonics into a magazine
such as Discover--well, please give it a try. Mondo 2000 is planning what
seems to be a thorough article on the subject, but I don't know of any
other large magazine features in the works. 

--Charles Platt

##############################################################
Charles Platt / 1133 Broadway, room 1214 / New York / NY 10010
Phone 212 929 3983     email      fax 212 807 6111


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