On the applicability of the biohazard/ideohazard images and virus
title, I personally have found them effective: I only checked out the
CoV site because they were used. Then again, I do run in highly
limited circles (the Goth and serious Satanic crowds, the ones that
don't believe in a literal Satan but use it as a way of
conceptualizing entropy). I guess the decision on whether or not to
retain them or use them prolifically will depend on whether CoV
intends on becoming a dominant meme complex or a meme complex that
dominates. For the former, yes, the images and title would have to be
reworked for better popular appeal, but then again a massive
membership would stereotypically include passive members who do not
actually apply the principles to which they allegedly subscribe. Do we
really want that?
The position of making CoV a meme complex which dominates seems both
more reasonable and effective: in terms of social and environmental
change, one good engineer is better than twenty people who own Pentium
II PCs. The continued use of the biohazard/ideohazard images I think
would help this selection. This is supported by some of the
connotations they have, as well as those of the virus title:
Biohazard: infectious, but usually found in hospitals (i.e., places
where people go to get treatment); catalyst for change and mutation; a
side-effect of cutting-edge and bleeding-edge technology; a weapon
used by terrorists and revolutionaries (thus a method of significant
change).
Ideohazard: similar to a radioactivity symbol, thus suggesting power
and powerful weaponry.
Virus: (in general): something which cannot be effectively fought, as
contrasted with bacteria. (on the internet): something which can be
considered a new life form; something which requires a significant
programming skill to create; something which can enter your system
without your knowledge and affect it in unpredictable ways.
I didn't join CoV for a happy life (but that's not saying that I've
got a bad one <g>). I joined it for the ability to hone my "conceptual
toolkit." Perhaps we should target that type of stance... make it into
an elitist group instead of a popular one. In this regard, I think
that the "we know what you want" statement in the banner works. Some
people will see that and react like, "Sure. So does my spouse, but she
still makes that tuna casserole on Wednesdays." Others, though, will
see it and say, "And biohazards, too, hmmm? So you're not joking...
Let's just see if you've got the cajones to back that up. (click)"
That would have been my reaction.
Best regards,
Gairovald mailto:argos@DeathsDoor.com