I thought the post lent LessWrong the appearance of a self-absorbed, naval-gazing, hero-worshiping clique. Appearances are important. LessWrong is vulnerable to this image. I was glad to see the post go.
I thought the post lent LessWrong the appearance of a site where a lively and open discussion could take place, where the "authorities" did not jealously guard their images and respectability. I was always impressed by rationalists such as Feynman who was known to his colleagues, students and faculty alike, as "Dick" because the respect one had for Feynman came from what he had to say, not who he was. Here is a picture of the wall at one of the Caltech student houses. This is an example of how non-cultists worship their heroes.
Here is a picture of the wall at one of the Caltech student houses. This is an example of how non-cultists worship their heroes.
Countersignaling like that only works when enough of the people you care to signal to are in on the joke.
My stupid fanfic chapter was banned without explanation so I reposted it; somehow it was at +7 when it was deleted and I think silently deleting upvoted posts is a disservice to LessWrong. I requested that a justification be given in the comments if it were to be deleted again, so LessWrong readers could consider whether or not that justification is aligned with what they want from LessWrong. Also I would like to make clear that this fanfic is primarily a medium for explaining some ideas that people on LessWrong often ask me about; that it is also a lighthearted critique of Yudkowskyanism is secondary, and if need be I will change the premise so that the medium doesn't drown out the message. But really, I wouldn't think a lighthearted parody of a lighthearted parody would cause such offense.
The original post has been unbanned and can be found here, so I've edited this post to just be about the banning.