[extropy-chat] Re: Why bet only imaginary money?

[Alejandro Dubrovsky]

On Sat, 2004-09-04 at 19:43 +1000, Brett Paatsch wrote:
> Alejandro Dubrovsky wrote:

> >  I am sure that i was sure at some point
> > that it existed, but i can't find links to it anywhere, although i've
> > found enough hints in old (but not very old (sept 2001) foresight update
> > issues not to force me to accept it was completely a figment of my
> > imagination yet.
> 
> > Of course, this isn't much good to you, but you could check with the
> > foresight institute.
> 
> Wouldn't that be a bit like going to the Catholic church, saying I'm an
> atheist and asking for a list of members that want to bet with me on the
> existence of  god?
> 
> If the majority of scientifically literate investors are not bullish on say
> molecular nanotechnology, and they are in fact wrong in not being
> bullish, then shouldn't their error be seen as all the greater opportunity
> to get more easy money by those who are sure molecular nanotech is
> going to work?
> 
but all bets are not about nanotech.

> Or am I missing something?
> 
you are probably missing the fact that a public idea futures playing
with real money would be considered gambling without a license in lots
of places.  but i thought you were the lawyer, so you can tell me.  I
always thought that was the main obstacle.

alejandro