I would be interested to see the results of some Clustering Algorithm on the comment data. It may be, that long comments can be classified into high karma and low karma and we can then analyze what the differences between them are. If it is possible to extract features of high-quality posts, then those features can be the goal, instead of just the length.

I also think it's dangerous to focus too strongly on karma, because karma score is only a rough approximation of actual quality. For example, I believe many short comments, that only ask for some clarification are generally more important than is reflected by their karma.

Random thing that I can't recall seeing on LW: Suppose A is evidence for B, i.e. P(B|A) > P(B). Then by Bayes, P(A|B) = P(A)P(B|A)/P(B) > P(A)P(B)/P(B) = P(A), i.e. B is evidence for A. In other words, the is-evidence-for relation is symmetric.

For instance, this means that the logical fallacy of affirming the consequent (A implies B, and B is true, therefore A) is actually probabilistically valid. "If Socrates is a man then he'll probably die; Socrates died, therefore it's more likely he's a man."

Seeking writing advice: Tropes vs writing block?

I've started writing bits and pieces for S.I. again, but not nearly at the rate I was writing before my hiatus.

I'm beginning to wonder if I should cheat a bit, and deliberately leave some of the details I'm having trouble getting myself to write about vague, and explain it away with some memory problems of Bunny-the-narrator for that period. Goodness knows there are plenty of ways Bunny's brain has been fiddled with so far, so it's not without precedent; and if it gets me over the hump and into full-scale writing again, it might be worth including the trope for that reason alone, let alone adding another mental issue to play with narratively.

Anyone have any thoughts?

sounds like a growth mindset discovery! Congratulations!

For my benefit can you try to rephrase this sentence with alternative words or in a more verbose form:

I know what I actually need to do, I just need to sit down and start working and once I've started it's much easier to keep going. I was thinking about this today and I had an imaginary conversation where I said: "I know what I need to do, I just don't know what I need to do, so I can do what I need to do."

mainly a taboo on the multiple meanings of the word need that you tried to express. without knowing the tone; it just sounds confusing.

Meta: I suspect people have rewarded you for achieving an epiphany.

This is nice. A few suggestions:

• Ignore upper and lower case. Use numbers for GOTIT and GIVEUP.
• Include a file or in the readme what kind of rules can actually exist. For example, without looking at the source code I don't know whether there can be a rule like: "contains an even number of 'a'".
• At the end, include an option to play again, or quit

Hope this is appropriate for here.

I had an epiphany related to akrasia today, though it may apply generally to a problem where you are stuck: For the longest time I thought to myself: "I know what I actually need to do, I just need to sit down and start working and once I've started it's much easier to keep going. I was thinking about this today and I had an imaginary conversation where I said: "I know what I need to do, I just don't know what I need to do, so I can do what I need to do." (I hope that makes sense). And then it hit me: I have no fucking clue what I actually need to do. It's like I've been trying to empty a sinking ship of water with buckets, instead of fixing the hole in the ship.

Reminds me in hindsight of the "definition of insanity": "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

I think I believed, that I lacked the necessary innate willpower to overcome my inner demons, instead of lacking a skill I could acquire.

As a two-option situation:

1. explain

2. don't explain

Assuming you are going to act, or feel awkwardly either way. You would be better off also explaining the situation than have the person be put-off by those behaviours without understanding why/what is going on.

As an added bonus, asking someone to help you, "can you help me meet new people/make friends" (ask a stranger to do a favour for you) will make them like you more. Internally its a signal that goes something like - (system1) I only do favours for people I like; I barely know this person; I must like this person. Kinda a cheaty-way to get people to like you. Where accepting to do a favour is a system 2 response (person asked a favour; its an easy one that I can help with).

This concept is well explained in the book "the charisma myth". using a related concept. If you are having a meeting in a coffee shop and you are sitting in the sun, you are likely to be squinting a lot. Or the other party is likely to notice you squinting a lot. without (the other party) necessarily understanding why - a squinting face is similar to a suspicious or judgemental facial expression. If you want to be seen as "just squinting/judging right now" you are best to explain the fact that you are squinting because of the sun, not letting them assume you are inherently squinting/suspicious.

"Being an awkward person" is not a permanent characteristic, only one that pops up in new environments. By identifying it; you allow people to be charitable as to what your traits are usually, and you can warm up to them in your own time.

Does this make sense?

Suggestion that seemed to help me when I was stumped for conversation; ask yourself "what do I want to know about this person?" some things I come up with: * Where are they from * What do they do (but I recently realised I would rather know their hopes and dreams than what they are doing now) * Hopes and dreams/goals/plans * pets * are they studying * do they also like X (thing that I like)

From a strictly PUA perspective; Logistics.
1. where does this person live 2. what are they doing tomorrow 4. are they suited to me (this can change over the conversation) 5. do I have an opportunity to take them home with me (this can change over the conversation) 6. are they old enough/too old (local legal statuses/personal preferences). 7. do I have a connection once I leave here; Number; facebook; email; 8. plans to meet them again.

Other things that help awkwardness: Truthfully explaining your position - "I promised myself I would go to a bar and talk to strangers, but I don't really know what I am doing, I thought you looked like a friendly person to talk to so I started with you. I am looking to make friends, can you help me?". As long as its the truth people should be able to read that off you and will treat you better once you have accounted for the potential strange behaviour. (help people understand what is happening in your head)

PM for a further breakdown if you need.