Thread: Password shared dreaming experiment

For what it's worth -- and no offense meant to Taskmaster Mzzkc:

I thought that the cathedral image was added more as a focal image, a "larger initial target," as it were, and a way to form an initial schema that better matches Mindraker's, than it was meant as a place in some dreamworld to visit. If it was the former, it's still not a bad idea; after all, the bigger the target, the better, and any aid to navigation is helpful. In other words, I don't think anyone was talking about setting up shop on the astral plane.

Originally Posted by Sageous

In other words, I don't think anyone was talking about setting up shop on the astral plane.

Of course not. At least I wasn't.

Originally Posted by Sageous

For what it's worth -- and no offense meant to Taskmaster Mzzkc:

I thought that the cathedral image was added more as a focal image, a "larger initial target," as it were, and a way to form an initial schema that better matches Mindraker's, than it was meant as a place in some dreamworld to visit. If it was the former, it's still not a bad idea; after all, the bigger the target, the better, and any aid to navigation is helpful. In other words, I don't think anyone was talking about setting up shop on the astral plane.

And I have no issue with that idea.

But I don't have faith that all participants will "get it." It's more likely, given the track record of exercises that use a particular place or meeting point, people will instead focus on getting somewhere instead of figuring out the password.

Not only will these mindsets skew results, so will the personal schema people attach to whatever place is chosen.

A possible solution: Message Passing
Mindraker will symbolically release the password in some way. (message in a bottle, carrier pigeon, owl, catapult, w/e)
Participants will receive it in a symbolic way. (doesn't matter how)

The symbolic procedure Mindraker used to release the message each night should be kept hidden until he posts his report.
In this way, we get the benefit of symbolism, without a biased skew.

Originally Posted by Mindraker

OK, it seems like people are really wanting the test for each word to go longer than one night. That's fine. I think your suggestion for a month is reasonable.

Hmm? The month would just be the duration of the entire exercise before you do your analysis and start again with fresh data.

Although, keeping the same password is a good idea.

But you should definitely change up the password more frequently than that.
Maybe change it once every 14 days (half a month)? Just for a good sample size?

Originally Posted by Mzzkc

But I don't have faith that all participants will "get it." It's more likely, given the track record of exercises that use a particular place or meeting point, people will instead focus on getting somewhere instead of figuring out the password.

Not only will these mindsets skew results, so will the personal schema people attach to whatever place is chosen.

Good point. I could see that happening, now that you mention it.

A possible solution: Message Passing ... Mindraker will symbolically release the password in some way. (message in a bottle, carrier pigeon, owl, catapult, w/e) ... Participants will receive it in a symbolic way. (doesn't matter how)

The symbolic procedure Mindraker used to release the message each night should be kept hidden until he posts his report.
In this way, we get the benefit of symbolism, without a biased skew.

That's an excellent solution to the problem you noted, and it also makes the net a bit larger, as Mindraker might notice dreamers spotting his release method even if they missed the method itself...