Ethical conundrums. No fun if you’re a scientist, but just what you want if you’re writing stories.
Originally shared by Singularity Hub
The Ethics of Organoids: Scientists Weigh in on New Mini-Organs http://suhub.co/2kbSQuq
The ignorance of crowds is a problem for any approach which tries to use the wisdom of crowds. But there appears to be a way around it – maybe.
Originally shared by Jennifer Ouellette
” instead of trying to figure out what’s right based on the most popular answer, a study led by Prelec and published in Nature on Jan. 25 suggests that a better formula for finding a correct answer in a crowd is to give weight to “surprisingly popular” responses to questions. The idea is that this alternative algorithm would account for the probability that there are some outliers in the crowd who know more than most. This way, mathematical methods start to approach how people seriously solve problems: by seeking out the rare few who are knowledgeable on a topic.” https://qz.com/895735/mit-economists-designed-an-algorithm-to-combat-groupthink/
“Is a functioning democracy too much to ask?”
Originally shared by Deborah Teramis Christian
Great think-piece here from George Monbiot, about concrete ways to fix some fundamental problems in our democracy
(and the UK as well).
“I’ve read dozens of proposals, some transparently awful, others pretty good. The overall result so far is this: there is no magic formula, no single plan that could solve our democratic problems without creating worse ones. But there are plenty of ideas, of which I will mention just a few, that could enhance our politics.”
His ensuing discussion is incisive and concise. I actually think the things he proposes could work, if it were ever actually possible to implement them. Good read.
http://www.monbiot.com/2017/01/26/all-about-that-base/
(Political Discussion Disclaimer: I’m posting this public and leaving comments enabled, for now, in hopes that some constructive conversation may take place around this essay in the comments. Thoughtful and respectful conversation is welcome. Trolls, personal attacks, partisan buffoonery from either end of the spectrum will get the offenders booted out the air lock. Do that shite all you like in your own stream, but keep it out of mine. This is my house.)
I have a random novella, which could expand, that I’m not completely sure what to do with and that is well down my publishing schedule. It’s a bit… different. I might query a couple of these folks with it and see what happens.
Originally shared by Erica Verrillo
Here are seven agents looking for fantasy of all kinds, shapes, and colors. All are from reputable agencies, which means they don’t charge reading fees. (Never pay an agent to read your work!) All have brokered deals with established publishing houses, and all are seeking fresh, new talent. Good luck!
http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/2015/11/7-agents-looking-for-fantasy-writers.html
I have some material drafted on using these in fiction.
Originally shared by Winchell Chung
Hmmmm, I wonder if this could be adapted to role-playing games. For rolling up the personality of a non-player character.
From article:
According to psychologists, the extraordinary variety of human personality can be broken down into the so-called ‘Big Five’ personality traits, namely neuroticism (how moody a person is), extraversion (how enthusiastic a person is), openness (how open-minded a person is), agreeableness (a measure of altruism), and conscientiousness (a measure of self-control).
This is of great interest to me, since similar innovations are in the wind in my most recent Gryphon Clerks story.
Originally shared by Singularity Hub
“India may have leapfrogged the US technology industry with simple and practical innovations.”
Dammit, brain, I do not need an idea for another series, however good. I need an idea for a hilarious short story that I can finally sell to Unidentified Funny Objects.
Get on that, will you?
Originally shared by Singularity Hub
6 Tools Entrepreneurs Must Master to Succeed in an Accelerating World http://suhub.co/2k0rIyd
Also good questions to ask about ideas you come up with for your stories.
Originally shared by Ilyanna
So versatile!
So much SF is becoming real.
Originally shared by HACKADAY
If we believe science fiction — from Minority Report to Iron Man, to TekWar — the future of computer interfaces belongs to gestures. There are many ways to read gestures, although often they require some sort of glove or IR emitter, which makes them less…
http://hackaday.com/2017/01/24/millimeter-wave-radar-tracks-gestures