[Noisebridge-discuss] last call for collapsing the eizenbugs with a pledge

[Danny O'Brien]

So, we talked about the b*db*g situation at the last meeting. The general
consensus seemed to be that we don't have any definitive evidence of
bedbugs, we have some evidence (including checks by people who have had
bedbugs, and the bedbug sentry) that there *aren't* bedbugs, and an unknown
but clearly non-zero number of people worrying about bedbugs (for instance,
the iOS developers appear to have moved elsewhere until the rumors have
abated).

There was also a consensus that without strong evidence, it's not right for
NB funds to be spent on a problem that may not exist.

I continue to offer $70 of the $175-$250 amount to conclusively prove one
way or another, via scent dogs. Lots of people have said "oh that sounds
like a good idea" but haven't actually offered to pledge any money. If you
are worried about this sort of thing (or not worried, and would like to
quieten everyone who does worry) https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Bedbugs

I am trying to think of more interesting ways to gather this money, because
my suspicion is that those who are convinced either way are content enough
to wish to spend money on something they already feel is self-evident, and
no-one else cares.

Here were some of my abandoned ideas:

1) A bedbug bounty! $50 for the first bedbug. Cons: no proving a negative,
may encourage people to bring bedbugs *to* NB for cash prizes
2) You can specify your own convictions when pledging money. If the test
proves you incorrect, you pay double, and the remainder goes to people who
judged correctly to defray their costs. Or Noisebridge. Cons: increases
disincentive to put money in for some, may be illegal gambling.
3) Off-shore Cypherpunk Hansonesque Electronic Ideas market in the
Carribean, in which contracts that cash in the event of a positive bedbug
result and balanced against contracts that cash in event of no bedbug proof.
Cons: probably would end up involving "bitcoins".

The only alternative is you pledging money. So pledge!
https://www.noisebridge.net/wiki/Bedbugs
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