Letter to the Editor: Roko’s Basilisk

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Hi Robert,

We are really pleased New Escapologist is returning to print – Can’t wait 🙂

Just a quick question about AI and your closing comment in response to the algorithmic poetry examples. You said: “We’re doomed. I for one welcome our new sonnet-writing computer overlords.”

Was this a reference to Roko’s Basilisk?

I read that some Silicon Valley libertarians and “crypto bros” are well into this theory.

Thank you for all your articles and books.

We are big time Robert Wringham fans in our house!

Warm Regards,

N

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Hello N,

What an excellent question! Alas, my attempt at a cultural reference was even lower brow than that:

Thanks for the nice things you said. Not much longer to wait for some ways to subscribe or buy the first issue. In fact, it’s available now.

RW