An outside view of LessWrong:
I've had a passing interest in LW, but about 95% of all discussions seem to revolve around a few pet issues (AI, fine-tuning ephemeral utilitarian approaches, etc.) rather than any serious application to real life in policy positions or practical morality. So I was happy to see a few threads about animal rights and the like. I am still surprised, though, that there isn't a greater attempt to bring the LW approach to bear on problems that are relevant in a more quotidian fashion than the looming technological singularity.
As far as I can tell, the reason for this is that in practical matters, "politics is the mind killer" is the mind killer.
Is there an argument behind "quotidian" besides "I have a short mental time horizon and don't like to think weird thoughts"?
Why would LessWrong be able to come to a consensus on political subjects? Who would care about such a consensus if it came about?
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post (even in Discussion), then it goes here.
(I plan to make these threads from now on. Downvote if you disapprove. If I miss one, feel free to do it yourself.)