For those interested in longevity research, on the Intentional Insights videocast, we interviewed the project leader and outreach coordinator for the Major Mouse Testing Project, which focuses on how we can advance the science on longevity.

We also published a blog on strategies to resist impulsive temptations, which I think some here might find interesting.

Nice ideas! I think you highlighted well the fundamental problem of lack of social rewards for writing content for LW, and having strong criticism for doing so.

Regarding changing things, I think it makes sense to work with people like Scott who have a lot of credibility, and figure out what would work for them.

However, it also seems that LW itself has a certain brand, and attracts a sizable community. I would like to see a version of the voting system you described implemented here, with people who have more karma having votes that weigh more. I'd also like to see some cross-posting of content from Scott and others on LW itself.

So not doing away with LW as it exists, but expanding it in collaboration with others who would be interested in revitalizing a different form of LW. One where authors get appropriate credit for posting, with credible people - those who have lots of karma - being able to upvote them more.

I don't know if you know why you are downvoted, but here's a guess: what you are effectively doing is a bragging thread under the guise of an outreach thread.

I can also say that for me, being able to brag about it here does not feel like an incentive to do more rationality outreach. If others are of the some opinion, does it render the purpose you have in mind for these threads moot, or is there something more?

I am... not all that EA-oriented. More like "if I had enough money that I no longer had to do anything to support myself, I guess I'll go do something that I think is fun AND helps people". If it turns out that is work, then earning to give will probably be something to look at. If it turns out that that is sitting at home all day watching anime and playing games and reading fiction, then that's what I'd do. (I guess it would be a balance between the two - maybe I'd work on software projects I'd find fun to do when I felt like it - I know I get the itch to build something within a week of vacation)

But I'm not the sort of type to endure personal hardships for others. That sounds mean and it probably is - when I'd work to give I'd basically be in it not to help those people but to hear their stories or to experience a new thing.

Bad example (because westerners going to africa to work is not EA; you'd be better off working in europe and sending the money instead): If I went to Africa to help people there, I wouldn't be doing it to help those people, I would be doing it because it would be interesting to go on a trip like that and meet people like that and see a village and see that "look, I am helping these people isn't that great". And then promptly go back after wintery me has been exposed to the african sun a few times because by gods that is intolerable.

I am more EA-oriented than your average person, but I am not altruistic.

... Then again, some people set the limit of "doing enough" at donating 10% of their income, and if I did that after I became financially independent then you could say that'd be enough already. I don't know.

Alternative hypothesis: After a year or two, most participants will revert to their previous behavior. The largest impact is during the workshop and during the following month.

Like pimgd, $3900 is a lot of money for me. Even if I'd get a discount to the CFAR workshop for being an EA, I might do just as well to continue studying materials from past CFAR workshops as I come across them, rather than attending a workshop in person.

I feel like I don't deserve a scholarship to CFAR, since I'm a fraud and a bad person (yes, I know, impostor syndrome). When people have bragged about getting scholarships to CFAR, though, I've felt sad, since I feel like I would have been honored, rather than proud, to accept such charity, if I were in their position. I guess that I'm not really as keen on donating to CFAR anymore for similar reasons--why donate to CFAR rather than spending money on myself, if I value (say) fitness gear that will help me live longer more than saving up for CFAR, and saving up for CFAR for myself more than helping someone whose personality rubs me the wrong way attend a workshop?

Um, thank you very much for entertaining my unkind rant. <3

There's a compounding interest to be gained in going earlier

Citation needed.

$3900 sounds like a huge investment for me as a European. It'd be 4 times my monthly savings. (I already am saving more than 30% of my income.) Plus, I'm in Europe, so I'd likely have significant travel costs as well - I'd have to take time off work, etc etc etc... I intend to earn enough money to become financially independent and then do what I want - whether that is earn to give or work to give, or just following what suits me, I don't know yet. The force of compound interest is pretty strong, and $5500 ($3900 +travel costs, which after a quick google could very well be another $1200-$2000 depending on flights taken) is a huge chunk to savings to put towards something with such a variable payoff. It'd be a large chunk of my current savings.

Would you still recommend going to a workshop? Why (not)?

I was at the same workshop as Gleb, and since I probably won't write it up myself, let me comment that I broadly agree with what he says about it here (and I also greatly enjoyed meeting him and everyone else there.)

Thanks, for writing about your experience in detail.