Ubersurvey

[samvimes]

I was taken aback by how quickly I started getting responses to my first LiveJournal posts--to wit, almost instantaneously. And not just from people I already knew on the system, but from total strangers as well

Comments

[zaratyst]

I have noticed a tendency of most people to not post or read as much on the weekends here. Some of them go back on Monday, and catch up, while others don't. So, not sure if your survey will get the response it deserves. I have a suggestion though... pick onf of these, and a certain day of the week, say Tuedays... and post it. Just one of them per week, that way it won't seem so daunting, and everyone can read each other's answer to the same question. Just a thought, as to how to get more responses. I also suggest you start poking through your friends of friends lists http://livejournal.com/friendsfriends... )

[samvimes]

I have a suggestion though... pick one of these, and a certain day of the week, say Tuesdays... and post it.

Good idea. I'll do that. Thanks!

[purplemidnite]

I love the survey, but agree that it is daunting. One at a time would be easier and allow more discussion.

Today I pick 8. Do you believe there is life on other planets? Why?

I think there must be. The more we know about the chemistry of outer space, the more we find the basic components of life are everywhere, scattered like seeds waiting for fertile ground. And the more we study the most (to us) inhospitable parts of our own planet, the more diversity of life we find.

And otherwise, it's an awful waste of space. *grin*

[samvimes]

I'll second all of that.

If centuries of science have taught us anything, they've taught us humility. We've been shown over and over that we are not the center of the Universe, and I'm sure that before long--if I'm fortunate, within my lifetime--we'll acquire proof1 that we're not the Universe's only tenants, either.

(1) That is to say, proof that will convince the masses. There are some who assert that we already possess proof... but that's a controversy of a different order.

[zaratyst]

I'll answer #8 too then. I believe it. I just find that it's almost astronomically impossible that we are the only life, having read a lot about astronomy and such. I even wanted to major in astronomy when I was younger, but soon realized it would involve more math and other science than I really wanted to deal with. Besides, I think is really stupid and closed-minded to "disbelieve" in things that you have no real way of knowing. Therefore, I assume there is, but I don't believe in any certain form (like Klingons, heh) or that we are secretly ruled by a conspiracy of E.T.'s, but then, I try not to rule things out. :) I just give things higher and lower probabilities.