I agree that the epistemic dynamics of discussions about the EA Hotel aren’t optimal. I would guess that there are selection effects; that critics aren’t heard to the same extent as supporters.
Relatedly, the amount of discussion about the EA Hotel relative to other projects may be a bit disproportionate. It’s a relatively small project, but there are lots of posts about it (see OP). By contrast, there is far less discussion about larger EA orgs, large OpenPhil grants, etc. That seems a bit askew to my mind. One might wonder about the cost-effectiveness of relatively long discussions about small donations, given opportunity costs.
In fairness, a lot of the larger grants/projects are not seeking funding from smaller donors, so discussing (e.g.) OpenPhil’s latest grants may not be hugely action relevant.
I’d also guess that some critics may not be saying much not because they’re put off by sounding mean, but rather their critical view arises from their impression of the existing evidence/considerations rather than from something novel to the existing discussion. If (e.g.) one believes the hotel has performed poorly in terms of outputs given inputs it seems unnecessary to offer that as commentary: folks (and potential donors) can read the OP and related documents themselves and come to their own conclusion.
I agree that the epistemic dynamics of discussions about the EA Hotel aren’t optimal. I would guess that there are selection effects; that critics aren’t heard to the same extent as supporters.
Relatedly, the amount of discussion about the EA Hotel relative to other projects may be a bit disproportionate. It’s a relatively small project, but there are lots of posts about it (see OP). By contrast, there is far less discussion about larger EA orgs, large OpenPhil grants, etc. That seems a bit askew to my mind. One might wonder about the cost-effectiveness of relatively long discussions about small donations, given opportunity costs.
In fairness, a lot of the larger grants/projects are not seeking funding from smaller donors, so discussing (e.g.) OpenPhil’s latest grants may not be hugely action relevant.
I’d also guess that some critics may not be saying much not because they’re put off by sounding mean, but rather their critical view arises from their impression of the existing evidence/considerations rather than from something novel to the existing discussion. If (e.g.) one believes the hotel has performed poorly in terms of outputs given inputs it seems unnecessary to offer that as commentary: folks (and potential donors) can read the OP and related documents themselves and come to their own conclusion.
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