If we're focusing on Nick's four classes, can he write up a more in depth description of them and post them here, so that we can think about them in more detail.
Good point. I've contacted him. I suppose we should discuss it at a later date instead.
I suggest as an alternative topic of discussion - identifying cascades, cycles, insights and recursive loops that might be available to altruistic actions. An abstract but important issue.
"Cascades are when one development leads the way to another - for example, once you discover gravity, you might find it easier to understand a coiled spring.
Cycles are feedback loops where a process's output becomes its input on the next round. As the classic example of a fission ...
Update: The meeting will occur at 1.30pm Australian Eastern Daylights Savings time on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 in Australia (Monday evening in the Americas) on Google+ Hangouts.
Topics will include how to make near mode progress on far mode problems, the potential for cascades, cycles and recursive loops eg AI and idea propagation to dominate effective altruistic concern. Also, theories and plans can be proposed by all participants.
Why meet online?
Lots of us want to improve the world. By donating, performing rationality training, inspiring one and other and so on.
We're all in a state of limited information regarding how to best help. In hotspots for effective altruism like San Francisco and Oxford, effective altruists (EAs) are able to get high quality feedback on their ideas. But elsewhere, constructive, creative input is of limited supply.
Face-to-face meetups have so far been organised by The High Impact Network, Giving What We Can and these clearly allow members to complement one and others' knowledge, skills and resources (time, funding, etc), while boosting each others' determination.
One would expect online meetups to offer qualitatively similar benefits. The comparative advantage of online EA meetups could be:
1. helping experienced EAs to share the most up-to-date information and ideas quickly between geographically disparate meetups.
2. to inspire otherwise isolated EAs
3. to explore the utility of online video and other technology for spreading EA knowledge and skills.
Sounds good. How can I help?
I have written a draft task-list including an agenda here. http://checkvist.com/checklists/153407-online-optimal-philanthropy-meeting. I encourage you to email me for access before the meetup itself.
I have created a Whenisgood time chart here. Please use it to indicate when you are available to meet.
When?
At 1.30pm Melbourne Australian time on Google+ Hangouts. Do add me to your circles and expect an invite.
See you then.
- Theduffman | THINK Melbourne organiser | former Felicifia admin