Perhaps this is juvenile, but I think it would be amusing if part of the meetup consisted of zealously handing out "The Twelve Virtues of Rationality" pamphlets (which conveniently is available in pamphlet form: http://yudkowsky.net/assets/pdf/twelve_virtues.pdf); like you see Christians handing out evangelistic paraphernalia in shopping malls, street corners etc. Ideally in some sort of uniform dress, like monastic (Bayesian master inspired: http://lesswrong.com/static/imported/2008/03/27/elimonk2darker.jpg) cloaks.
Or if you could integrate the pamphlet distribution as part of a flash mob activity/public prank.
I will attend this.
Compared to online posting, the advantage of meetups seems to be (1) less formality and (2) quicker transfer of ideas. I think this makes meetups particularly suitable for advice. I would be interested in trying some activity that promotes exchange of advice. Perhaps an activity where a person is encouraged to provide a personal problem that is in need of application of instrumental rationality, and then others try to generate a solution. Example problem classes: diet, akrasia, career, education, relationships, etc.
It looks like 5 November is the day we'll be arriving in Melbourne, so unfortunately I won't attend this meetup.
Perhaps the next one.
Cheers,
David
Hot on the heels of October's meetup, I present to you the details for November's meetup!
Date: Friday, November 5th
Place: Don Tojo
Time: 6-9pm
Please comment to say if you're attending, and also to suggest activities.
