There’s a big difference between your two examples. EA has historically tried to influence people to use their money differently through persuasion: actually making an argument that they should use their money in a particular way and persuading them of it.
“Democratising funding decisions” instead gives direct power over decisions, regardless of argumentation. You don’t have to persuade people if you have a voting bloc that agrees with you.
And the old route is still there! If you think people should donate differently, then make this case. This might be a lot of work, but so be it. I think a good example of this is Michael Plant and HLI: they’ve put in serious work in making their case and they get taken seriously.
I don’t see why people are entitled to more power than that.
There’s a big difference between your two examples. EA has historically tried to influence people to use their money differently through persuasion: actually making an argument that they should use their money in a particular way and persuading them of it.
“Democratising funding decisions” instead gives direct power over decisions, regardless of argumentation. You don’t have to persuade people if you have a voting bloc that agrees with you.
And the old route is still there! If you think people should donate differently, then make this case. This might be a lot of work, but so be it. I think a good example of this is Michael Plant and HLI: they’ve put in serious work in making their case and they get taken seriously.
I don’t see why people are entitled to more power than that.