MrHen comments on Open Thread: May 2009 - Less Wrong

4 Post author: steven0461 01 May 2009 04:16PM

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Comment author: MrHen 06 May 2009 11:24:44PM 0 points [-]

In the process of reading and thinking and processing all of this new information I keep having questions about random topics. Generally speaking, I start analyzing the questions and either find a suitable answer or a more relevant keystone question. I have often thought about turning these into posts and submitting them for the populace but I really have no idea if the subjects have been broached or solved or whatever. What should I do?

An example would be a continuing the train of thought started in Rationalistic Losing. The next question in that line deals with how to determine which contests are valuable and how to weigh the pros and cons of particular contests. But I have strong suspicions that this subject has been covered or is so blatantly obvious no one would be interested. Should I just post the darn thing and find out then, or should I ping for interest first?

The reason I even ask is that I am very under-versed in LW and OB topics and posts. This leads me to the opinion that I should not submit new posts until after I read everything. The flip-side is that I am going to be thinking about all of these things anyway; what harm is there in typing it up and submitting it? There is potential gain in some feedback and the only potential harm seems to be annoying you. But if the post is annoying, the community can downvote and be done with it.

Are there any strong opinions about this?

The question could be reworded in this form: Should newer members post on what could be potentially obvious, boring, or been-there-done-that topics?

Comment author: Z_M_Davis 07 May 2009 01:09:39AM 0 points [-]

I am going to be thinking about all of these things anyway; what harm is there in typing it up and submitting it? There is potential gain in some feedback and the only potential harm seems to be annoying you. But if the post is annoying, the community can downvote and be done with it.

I agree; do post.