I think you’ve overestimated the value of a dedicated conference centre. The important ideas in EA so far haven’t come from conversations over tea and scones at conference centres but are either common sense (“do the most good”, “the future matters”) or have come from dedicated field trials and RCTs.
I also think you’ve underestimated the damage this will do to the EA brand. The hummus and baguettes signal an earnestness. Abbey signals scam.
I’m confident that this will be remembered as one of CEA’s worst decisions.
It’s sad you’re getting downvoted. A manor and 25 acres of nothingness adds nearly nothing to EA when some other space, for instance the hall of a large parish or church, even abandoned ones, could have been (on an as needed basis) rented out / purchased instead— for a fraction of the cost — when conferences or workshops are needed.
Imagine the extent of scrutiny the manor’s purchase would face in early EA. It wouldn’t be pretty.
I think this was a terrible idea
I think you’ve overestimated the value of a dedicated conference centre. The important ideas in EA so far haven’t come from conversations over tea and scones at conference centres but are either common sense (“do the most good”, “the future matters”) or have come from dedicated field trials and RCTs.
I also think you’ve underestimated the damage this will do to the EA brand. The hummus and baguettes signal an earnestness. Abbey signals scam.
I’m confident that this will be remembered as one of CEA’s worst decisions.
It’s sad you’re getting downvoted. A manor and 25 acres of nothingness adds nearly nothing to EA when some other space, for instance the hall of a large parish or church, even abandoned ones, could have been (on an as needed basis) rented out / purchased instead— for a fraction of the cost — when conferences or workshops are needed.
Imagine the extent of scrutiny the manor’s purchase would face in early EA. It wouldn’t be pretty.