From: Erik Aronesty (erik@zoneedit.com)
Date: Fri Jan 16 2004 - 12:08:48 MST
Memetic engineering:
I've decided to spend 5 minutes each day talking to a complete stranger about politics.
I start with hello, and a mention of the weather or some crowded subway conditions, etc. Some “background of relatedness” thing to enroll the listener in the idea of our similarity.
Then I ask them about a popular political topic. I inquire about possible solutions, etc. I only offer my opinions when they explicitly ask for them. This usually, but not always, happens.
Then, tell them about my project (described as above). I explain that the purpose of the project is to encourage a more connected society, more familiarity with our community and a greater sense of belonging.
Finally, I ask them if it they'd be interested in doing the same. I tell them that if they do this, then within 6 months, they could help establish a powerful and fun social tradition that lasts for generations. I stress that it is a 6 month commitment before they will see results, and ask them to keep calling it the “Global Discussion Project”
So far, 4 people out of about 15 have said they will give it a try.
Online, my results are worse, about 1 in 100.
I've written 2 articles, published it in a weblog. I'm in the process of writing an op-ed for local papers.
And ideas on how to improve/foster the meme??
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