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Dias comments on Breaking the vicious cycle - Less Wrong Discussion

43 Post author: XiXiDu 23 November 2014 06:25PM

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Comment author: Dias 24 November 2014 01:25:41AM 7 points [-]

I don't think MIRI has any reason to take you up on this offer, as responding in this way would elevate the status of your writings. High status entities do not need to respond specifically to low status entities, and when they do, it will be obliquely and non-specifically addressed to the broader class which contains the specific low-status entity. Additionally, it would look mean-spirited to try to 'kick someone while their down', especially as this post in some ways resembles a call for a truce. As such, it would be a mistake for MIRI to accept your offer, even before taking into account the resources that would be required. If I was MIRI I would totally ignore this.

Given this, either you have failed to understand what apologizing actually consists in, or are still (perhaps subconsciously) trying to undermine MIRI. At the moment all you offer is the implication that you would continue your disruption were it not for the toll it has taken on your health. Contrition would demand at least a genuine apology - something like "I am sorry for acting badly" - if not actively working to undo the harm you have done.

Fortunately, I think you overestimate the impact you had. Probably your biggest effect was wasting everyone's time.

Comment author: XiXiDu 24 November 2014 11:46:29AM 9 points [-]

I don't think MIRI has any reason to take you up on this offer, as responding in this way would elevate the status of your writings.

Yudkowsky has a number of times recently found it necessary to openly attack RationalWiki, rather than ignoring it and clarifying the problem on LessWrong or his website in a polite manner. He also voiced his displeasure over the increasing contrarian attitude on LessWrong. This made me think that there is a small chance that they might desire to mitigate one of only a handful sources who perceive MIRI to be important enough to criticize them.

Given this, either you have failed to understand what apologizing actually consists in, or are still (perhaps subconsciously) trying to undermine MIRI.

I will apologize for mistakes I make and try to fix them. The above post was the confession that there very well could be mistakes, and a clarification that the reasons are not malicious.