Okay, but more than four people have engaged with the idea. Should we take a poll?
The problem of course is that majorities often believe stupid things. That is why a free marketplace of ideas free from censorship is a really good thing! The obvious thing to do is exchange information until agreement but we can't do that, at least not here.
Also, the people who think it should be censored all seem to disagree about how dangerous the idea really is, suggesting it isn't clear how it is dangerous. It also seems plausible that some people have influenced the thinking of other people- for example it looks like Roko regretted posting after talking to Eliezer. While Roko's regret is evidence that Eliezer is right, it isn't the same as independent/blind confirmation that the idea is dangerous.
The problem of course is that majorities often believe stupid things.
When you give all agents equal weight, sure. Without taking a poll of anything except my memory, Eliezer+Roko+VladNesov+Alicorn are against, DavidGerard+waitingforgodel+vaniver are for. Others are more sidelined than supporting a particular side.
The obvious thing to do is exchange information until agreement but we can't do that, at least not here.
Aumann agreement works in the case of hidden information - all you need are posteriors and common knowledge of the event alone.
...While
Ideally, I'd like to save the world. One way to do that involves contributing academic research, which raises the question of what's the most effective way of doing that.
The traditional wisdom says if you want to do research, you should get a job in a university. But for the most part the system seems to be set up so that you first spend a long time working for someone else and research their ideas, after which you can lead your own group, but then most of your time will be spent on applying for grants and other administrative trivia rather than actually researching the interesting stuff. Also, in Finland at least, all professors need to also spend time doing teaching, so that's another time sink.
I suspect I would have more time to actually dedicate on research, and I could get doing it quicker, if I took a part-time job and did the research in my spare time. E.g. the recommended rates for a freelance journalist in Finland would allow me to spend a week each month doing work and three weeks doing research, of course assuming that I can pull off the freelance journalism part.
What (dis)advantages does this have compared to the traditional model?
Some advantages:
Some disadvantages:
EDIT: Note that while I certainly do appreciate comments specific to my situation, I posted this over at LW and not Discussion because I was hoping the discussion would also be useful for others who might be considering an academic path. So feel free to also provide commentary that's US-specific, say.