There are some people who will be receptive to conversations about something like SETI...And many others who will roll their eyes and wonder what you've been smoking...But if you present SETI as a part of BOINC...And then mention some of the other great projects available to participate in...Then some of the "eye rollers" might not think you're so crazy...Face it...When you talk about using a computer for something other than creating documents and playing games you're gonna overload some peoples minds...Because to them what we're doing with BOINC is too STAR TREK to be believed...Right now i'm thinking to myself "Too STAR TREK...exactly!

"I'm trying to maintain a shred of dignity in this world." - Me

There are some people who will be receptive to conversations about something like SETI...And many others who will roll their eyes and wonder what you've been smoking...But if you present SETI as a part of BOINC...And then mention some of the other great projects available to participate in...Then some of the "eye rollers" might not think you're so crazy...Face it...When you talk about using a computer for something other than creating documents and playing games you're gonna overload some peoples minds...Because to them what we're doing with BOINC is too STAR TREK to be believed...Right now i'm thinking to myself "Too STAR TREK...exactly!

I agree with you, Dan, except I have experienced a lot of interest in DC tech as BOINC, when I have told about my projects, also among laymen and computer illiterates. The find it very interesting that I, with my little computer at home, have participated in particle research and in protein folding to help with finding new drugs and cures for illnesses. They understand fine the idea of offering your processor power to projects like those, and they think it's really cool. And no matter what people might think about ET, this project is the mothership of all DC technology. And that goes also fine with people in general.


I haven't seen any eye-rollings or heard any star trek comments...

since i joined this thing i have a fear of telling anybody i know that i am looking for aliens on my computer. In Ireland, if you tell that to anybody, it still carrys a heavy jail term. And if they dont jail you, you get shipped off by the men in white coats to a special padded cell to contemplate your thoughts.

since i joined this thing i have a fear of telling anybody i know that i am looking for aliens on my computer. In Ireland, if you tell that to anybody, it still carrys a heavy jail term. And if they dont jail you, you get shipped off by the men in white coats to a special padded cell to contemplate your thoughts.

We seem to be forgetting that he could be JAILED for telling people.

I agree that there is nothing to be ashamed of, but I think " caution " would be the word of the day.

since i joined this thing i have a fear of telling anybody i know that i am looking for aliens on my computer. In Ireland, if you tell that to anybody, it still carrys a heavy jail term. And if they dont jail you, you get shipped off by the men in white coats to a special padded cell to contemplate your thoughts.

We seem to be forgetting that he could be JAILED for telling people.

I agree that there is nothing to be ashamed of, but I think " caution " would be the word of the day.

Sorry but I dont understand the term jail - there is law can u ps make it clear bcoz my knowledge in the area of law there is low or should I say absent

I was just kidding about the laws in ireland!!

I was just kidding about the laws in ireland, no prison and on mental hospital but there is a general social stigma about looking for aliens. When we are not in happy happy internet land we all walk down the street, go to work, meet people we know and do what ever we do.
95% of people dont think about wheather there is life on other planets. most people dont care if there is life out side there owen front door.
Human nature is what it is and YOUR family and YOUR work collauges and people YOU know love to share scandle about the mad fella who is looking for aliens on his computer.
The real world can be a cruel place. You can become a social outcast very quickly by saying the wrong thing. You still have to go to work every day and meet people who are not understanding and dont give a sh*t about you.
In this forum there are people who think in a similar manner and its safe to openly discuss what seti does, and to let your mind fantasise about what other life is like in distant galaxys.
I dont believe in God, this is purely science for me. this is my religeon. I dont think we will contact other life during my life time but its fun to chase it anyway!!