[ExI] The entropy of Extropy-Chat

[Damien Broderick]

On 2/28/2010 6:43 PM, Spencer Campbell wrote:
> Predictably, perhaps, the first and only idea I presented fell flat on
> its face. Total silence. So, I've since changed my stance toward the
> list from "opportunistic" to "hedonistic". At this rate, I will
> probably phase you guys out eventually as my life fills up with more
> rewarding ventures. It's a tragedy of pragmatism.

Watching the Great Swobe Disaster endlessly unreel (while repeatedly 
hitting Delete) has made me realize that lists *can't* effectively allow 
this sort of monomania to overwhelm their dynamic. I used to agree with 
those who said "Let 1000 Flowers Bloom," pick and choose from posts as 
you will, ignore those other people droning on about their obsessional 
interests, say something  new to keep the ball rolling into fresh areas. 
But I now suspect it doesn't work that way. The commons get clogged and 
the lively spirit drains away, somehow. It's a bit like standing in a 
party where a couple of people are yammering at the top of their voices 
at each other--in principle you can chat with the person beside you, but 
in fact most people just pack up and leave.

I might be wrong about this. I'd be interested to hear other opinions. 
If there's anyone still here not named Swobe, Papaioannou or somewhat 
less frequently (exact numbers available on request) Clark.

Damien Broderick