wedrifid comments on Help Fund Lukeprog at SIAI - Less Wrong
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Comments (276)
(I hope you'll pardon the digression into crude discussion of rational strategies for influence. This is a far more interesting topic than what serves for the object level at this point!)
Speak more strategically. Don't let the verbal signals you utter be tools you use to salve and release your own feelings. Not because it is virtuous, purely because that doesn't get you what you want. Also note that not only am I someone who consistently voted you up and those insulting you down, my comment provided stronger support for your position than your most recent comments managed. Allow me to translate what I said into 'fun' rather than vaguely polite:
Now, consider the difference between the above wording and what I actually said. Notice that it positions me as somewhat of an ally, assumes the criticisms you make of Luke are valid but at the same time doesn't try to alienate me from the tribe. See why I chose to use the wording I did and, more importantly, which conceptual territory I chose to stake out and claim. A good rule of thumb is that if you are acting less savvy, constrained and strategic than the wedrifid persona then you are doing something wrong. Because I'm rather flippant and cavalier myself.
One of the most important phrases in a rationalist's toolkit for those rare occasions when other-optimizing is called for.
I have found some success from aiming it at myself.
People have previously tried to assist SilasBarta on the topic of useful exposition and tone, but it does not seem to have any lasting effect.