WIFM
What's in it for me?
Whenever we discuss the WIFM barrier, which describes the mindset of the receiver, I can't help but become frustrated. I become frustrated because of my interest in the universe and when trying to explain the value of space exploration, the WIFM barrier becomes a shell that with out something tangible to show value, becomes impenetrable. You can explain to them that there are billions of stars in our galaxy, and that there are billions of galaxies containing billions of stars, but the populace seems to be more focused on short term and trivial things than trying to understand the truly unbelievable. I feel mean when I say things like that but it seems like being mean is an effective way to instill a message. All of the advertisements I see on TV seem like they are trying to tell me that my life is pointless unless I have their product. One day I am shown that only if I have a clean shaven face will I get an attractive woman to touch my cheek, the next I am told my masculinity will be questioned if I do not drink some soda. Maybe it is just my abortive reception of advertising but that doesn't seem like anyway to gain customers. It's not just on television, even walking around I recently saw an advertisement that said "You just proved these signs work." All I can imagine when I read that is some guy talking to me with his mouth full. I assume that phrase is used to answer the question; why should I advertise on this small sign on the side of a trash can? Instead of giving information on how much it costs to advertise, the dimensions of the sign, or any large print contact information, the company saved their sweet breath by telling the interested clients that they are an idiot if they don't make the obvious choice and show this alleyway what their business is all about!
What do you think the likelihood of a moon base sometime in the future is? I think will be tackled by private companies.
ReplyDeleteIt seems extremely likely to me. I have no sort of background in planetary science, or any science for that matter, but with the rate at which technology is advancing and with our ability to print 3-d objects, it seems only inevitable that we will build some sort of long term observation site. I think private companies will develop some sort of transportation system to and fro the moon. The US government hasn't exactly been supportive of our space program. Yes there have been moments of great triumph and excitement, but NASA has received less money in its entire existence than what we have spent in the past ten years invading country's across the globe. I wish we could just give five years of that sort of funding to NASA or given as grants for research who knows how much we could learn.
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