Comment by fontgoddess on Rationalist horoscopes: A low-hanging utility generator. · 2011-06-04T08:54:04.035Z · LW · GW

"Project your voice and speak loudly," is not rationalist advice, unless your goal is to be loud. If your goal is to be heard and maybe listened to, I suggest advice that matches those goals, where volume and projection are tools rather than the goal.

So, um, in the interest of providing a constructive replacement rather than solely offering criticism, Horoscope: Speak effectively. Start with speaking so you can be heard clearly by your audience, whether it is one person or a group.

"Smile!" is a bold and simple exhortation, but I think it is worth one crucial adjective. Horoscope: Smile sincerely.

Comment by fontgoddess on Human values differ as much as values can differ · 2010-05-07T19:00:27.755Z · LW · GW

Romeo & Juliet is a tragedy, not a comedy. They are children in love with the idea of love rather than mystical soul-mates. The tragedy is that they are killed by various circumstances, not that they lost some amazing, transcendent love.

While Romeo's wholehearted dedication to the idea of love (starting with Rosaline and then fixing on Juliet) is somewhat humorous and possibly satirical, but the bulk of the play is tragedy, not satire or romance.

Honestly, I find those who think Romeo & Juliet is a romance rather stupid and somewhat disturbing. If Romeo & Juliet is the apex of romance, I'd like something else, please.