Charles Platt on the Two Big Traps in Cryonics
The Whining Monopoly Scenario
Trap #1. “Our organization needs help. If you do your thing instead of helping us, you will weaken us. If we collapse, you will have nothing. Therefore, you should NOT COMPETE WITH US.”… I call this “The Whining Monopoly Scenario” since the organization seeks to preserve a monopoly of its market segment by whining about its delicate condition.
The Perpetual Hostage Scenario
Trap #2. “Our organization cares for cryonics patients who must be protected at all costs. If you criticize our organization or reveal embarrassing facts, you will empower hostile legislators or others who will try to shut us down. Therefore, you should say NOTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT US.” I call this “The Perpetual Hostage Scenario,” since the cryonics patients are serving exactly the same role as hostages.
Both of these scenarios are self-serving. The organization protects itself from criticism and from competition and therefore can do pretty much whatever it likes, or alternatively can do nothing at all, with the assurance that it will be protected from market forces and from criticism….
Source: Cold Filter
