[extropy-chat] Futurist priorities was ex-tropical

[Harvey Newstrom]

Brian Lee wrote,
> >From: "Harvey Newstrom" <mail at harveynewstrom.com>
> >I must respectfully disagree with this.  Markets are the
> >most efficient at maximizing profits.  But the most
> >profitable product is not necessarily the best one.
> >Most people can't afford the most expensive, best PC. 
> >So the most profitable PCs are the cheapo ones that
> >are "good enough" for "most" purposes.  But as for the
> >goal of what a PC should be, I do not find the market
> >acceptable.
> 
> The market here is affordable PCs.

You redefined my goal from "best PC" to "affordable PC".  The market might
be the best at making your "affordable PCs".  But I am still not convinced
that the market produces the "best PC" using criteria other than price.

> An HMO is not a market. If healthcare was market driven we would have
> greater availability and lower prices. As it is there is heavy govt 
> regulation.

I thought HMO's were the market's answer to healthcare.  I thought they
provided the cheapest healthcare as per market desires.  That's why I
suggested them as an example where the market maximizes money over quality.
If you can point out any other examples of market-driven health-care, I will
try to consider that.  But I still am not convinced that the market produces
the "best" quality of health-care rather than the most "cost-effective"
health-care.  Health-care seems to be the obvious example where price is NOT
the most important criteria.

> It would be pretty nice if we had full information on healthcare and 
> heavy competition.  Alas, we don't (yet) so the US has the bloated 
> system that we have. It could be a lot more efficient.

More efficient at what?  Controlling costs?  Or extending lifespan?  I am
not convinced that these are the same goals.  What happens if we want
maximum availability, effectiveness and quality instead of best cost,
effectiveness, and quantity?

-- 
Harvey Newstrom, CISSP, CISA, CISM, IAM, IBMCP, GSEC
Certified IS Security Pro, Certified IS Auditor, Certified InfoSec Manager,
NSA Certified Assessor, IBM Certified Consultant, SANS GIAC Certified GSEC
<HarveyNewstrom.com> <Newstaff.com>