To increase the awesomeness of LW we’ll probably want to figure out what makes some individual LWers more awesome than others. In particular, what are the differences between the top contributors and the average LWer? Are there methods to systematically bridge these differences that can make better rationalists? I would be curious to hear what the top contributors think about why they’ve been able to participate more effectively (which, AFAIK, hasn’t been collected in one place). We could do this through a discussion post, and perhaps write a post summarizing the results if they’re interesting enough.
I’m not sure if this kind of debate is precisely what Louie had in mind, my interpretation differs.
Awesomeness of LW has been discussed in many ways. Recall the “lets do something with our rationality to become stronger!” debates? The “are there enough arbitrarily designated minorities” debate? The “what is LW actually about” debate? The “do you come here for fun too?” Discussions about poster expectations. Top posts about pacifism. ect.
The very fact that you are posting here in a topic in the discussion section is partially a result of the debate about post quality and the role of keeping our garden free of weeds.
I think the idea of getting some numbers on how many LW as it is right now can hope to get is a good first step in getting quantitative estimates about how to raise the sanity waterline, which isn’t the exact same thing as increased awesomeness.
Actually, I think it’s the karma system that really incentives writing skill. I don’t focus as much on the quality of my writing on other sites compared to LW, since I know that the LW community expects comments to be clear and concise.
To increase the awesomeness of LW we’ll probably want to figure out what makes some individual LWers more awesome than others. In particular, what are the differences between the top contributors and the average LWer? Are there methods to systematically bridge these differences that can make better rationalists? I would be curious to hear what the top contributors think about why they’ve been able to participate more effectively (which, AFAIK, hasn’t been collected in one place). We could do this through a discussion post, and perhaps write a post summarizing the results if they’re interesting enough.
BTW I think LW would be more awesome with more pirates.
I’m sure we have all downloaded an album at one point or another...
I’m not sure if this kind of debate is precisely what Louie had in mind, my interpretation differs.
Awesomeness of LW has been discussed in many ways. Recall the “lets do something with our rationality to become stronger!” debates? The “are there enough arbitrarily designated minorities” debate? The “what is LW actually about” debate? The “do you come here for fun too?” Discussions about poster expectations. Top posts about pacifism. ect.
The very fact that you are posting here in a topic in the discussion section is partially a result of the debate about post quality and the role of keeping our garden free of weeds.
I think the idea of getting some numbers on how many LW as it is right now can hope to get is a good first step in getting quantitative estimates about how to raise the sanity waterline, which isn’t the exact same thing as increased awesomeness.
Writing skill is a big one.
Actually, I think it’s the karma system that really incentives writing skill. I don’t focus as much on the quality of my writing on other sites compared to LW, since I know that the LW community expects comments to be clear and concise.