I think I'm ready to get started on this project. Let's begin by
creating lists of submemes categorized into baits, hooks, and
threats.
Here are the definitions again from the memetic lexicon
<http://virus.lucifer.com/memlex.html>
BAIT : The part of a meme-complex that promises to benefit the host (usually
in return for replicating the complex). The bait usually justifies, but does
not explicitly urge, the replication of a meme-complex. (Donald Going, quoted
by Hofstadter.) Also called the reward co-meme. (In many religions,
"Salvation" is the bait, or promised reward; "Spread the Word" is the hook.
Other common bait co-memes are "Eternal Bliss", "Security", "Prosperity",
"Freedom".)
HOOK : The part of a meme-complex that urges replication. The hook is often
most effective when it is not an explicit statement, but a logical
consequence
of the meme's content.
THREAT: The part of a meme-complex that encourages adherence and
discourages mis-
replication. ("Damnation to Hell" is the threat co-meme in many religious
schemes.)
I was thinking of adding another submeme category called "framework" which
would provide the scaffolding for assembling the rest into a coherent, viable
meme.
e.g. "Dear friend, if you're like me, you'd like [insert bait]. I mean,
who in their right mind wouldn't? Well as far as I can tell, in order to
achieve this you must [insert main message]. After all, the alternative
is [insert threat] and no-one wants that. If you'd like to help, please
[insert hook]."
I think it will be interesting to see what effect inserting the same
bait-hook-threat triplet into different frameworks will have.
Fellow virions, if you're like me, you'd like make a difference. I mean,
who in their right mind wouldn't? Well as far as I can tell, in order to
achieve this you must take a risk and get involved. After all, the alternative
is a meaningless life lived in obscurity and no-one wants that. If you'd
like to help, please post your ideas and suggestions to the list!
-- David McFadzean david@lucifer.com Memetic Engineer http://www.lucifer.com/~david/ Church of Virus http://www.lucifer.com/virus/