[ExI] explanation of reasoning behind very low signal data rate

[Ben Zaiboc]

On 28/07/2026 04:44, spike wrote:
>
> How do you dim a star at a few Hz rate, Keith asked.
>
>  
>
> I answer: you don’t.  There is no need to send signals at data rates that high.  The only message that needs to be sent out is “Hello galaxy, we are here.”


I would question the 'need' to do that. What benefit would it bring? What risks would it create?

Far better, I'd think, to put the same effort into making billions of von Neumann probes, and spread your actual civilisation across the galaxy, instead of just spreading news of it.


>
> Why send such a signal?  Because as soon as any nearby intelligent civilization realized there was a technologically advanced civilization nearby, it would use its laser to start sending signals to that system.  The SBrains would get free intelligence, and identifying which stars contain civilizations capable of receiving signals sent at much higher data rates using a laser, as Keith suggested.  Until the SBrains figure out where the live stars are located, the laser is a waste of energy and effort.  The SBrain first six prime signal, sent passively identifies where someone is listening.


OR:
As soon as civilisation A realized there was a civilisation B nearby, it would build massive amounts of nanotech probes and send them in that direction to dismantle civilisation B and use its resources and data to expand civilisation A.

Maybe advanced civilisations tend to overcome the imperatives of biological life and turn to co-operation instead of competition, but would you gamble your entire existence on it?

-- 
Ben