Need opinions and guidance building a space elevator.

[placedesjardins]

This has been an absolute eye opener of a thread. Honestly.

You kind of walked into it.

I have mentioned money three times. Three, and not recently, and not like give me your money.

Once was enough.

I think many of you must be very sad, very distrusting people, or maybe it's just in your internet lives. I hope so. I really do.

Sad and distrusting?

Scam.
The mark: TB members
Con man: you
Con is short for confidence. If you hook at least one person to donate because they are confident you are telling the truth, then you've done your job. Now, instead of just you spreading the word, you have a second person suckered into spreading the news. That person becomes part of the con without even knowing it.

For the record I have no monetary stake in this,

You probably don't have any money staked in it. It doesn't cost a lot to fund a cheap website. By suckering people in, you get a cut.

I'm not Michael Laine,

Of course you aren't. It's part of the con.

there is no money in any of this

That's a lie. You asked for $8 donations towards the project.

... and probably won't be for at least three years, and when there is, as it stands right now, I stand to gain absolutely nothing. Nothing.

Lies. How do we really know? I mean, you could say, via an Internet forum you have brown hair, when in reality, you have blonde hair.

I'm appalled at many of you.

I'm appalled at you. I guess we're even.

 

[Simo98]

That's a lie, unless you are have a bunch of stuffed animals sitting around a Risk game board and pretending to build a space elevator to Barbie's mansion.

It's not a lie, I've seen many reports of large companies and governments themselves discussing and doing some preliminary investigation into the construction of a space elevator. One of Japans largest construction companies even have a price-tag and a 38 year project outline afaik, and as mentioned even google have brought it up in some of their brainstorming sessions.

To the OP: if you didn't see this coming, I don't know what to tell you. Really? You thought there was a chance that this would be well recieved?

I thought it would be well received. I just ignored the couple of requests for money and opted to discuss the actual overall subject of a space elevator.

I'm surprised this has turned into some sort of name-calling fear-mongering free for all. I thought I'd have an opportunity to talk about a particular scientific concept I'm quite interested in with others here on TB and discuss what the future could hold.

I mean, I managed to do a 20 minute presentation on the space elevator for an engineering assignment without criticism, and had some good discussion on the subject with others in the class afterwards.

Oh well, this is the internet I guess, my expectations were probably a little high.

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

It's not a lie, I've seen many reports of large companies and governments themselves discussing and doing some preliminary investigation into the construction of a space elevator. One of Japans largest construction companies even have a price-tag and a 38 year project outline afaik, and as mentioned even google have brought it up in some of their brainstorming sessions.

I thought it would be well received. I just ignored the couple of requests for money and opted to discuss the actual overall subject of a space elevator.

I'm surprised this has turned into some sort of name-calling fear-mongering free for all. I thought I'd have an opportunity to talk about a particular scientific concept I'm quite interested in with others here on TB and discuss what the future could hold.

I mean, I managed to do a 20 minute presentation on the space elevator for an engineering assignment without criticism, and had some good discussion on the subject with others in the class afterwards.

Oh well, this is the internet I guess, my expectations were probably a little high.

For me it's an extremely far fetched idea.

It currently, is still much more Sci-Fi than actual scientific possibility. Currently the entire possibility teeters on sciences ability to make NanoTube technology bigger than a mere few centimeters.
Which means that, currently we're talking about trying to get to space on a staircase one molecule at a time, if the reality was not that the one key element to building the space elevator was still just in its infancy and very much still just at it's basic molecular level, then maybe the idea would take more hold among the public.

Is it possible to do it? MAYBE

Is it still possible it's nothing but a pipe dream? MAYBE

Will it happen in ten years like the OP seems to believe? NOT A NanoTubes chance in Space. NO

This technology is at best IMO tens of decades away if not more. This all provided NanoTubes even maintain their tensile strength on a much bigger scale.
Currently their only achievement is some short threads.
We need a lot more than thread to get there.
I just don't see it happening in our lifetime, that's not to say it won't, just that the realistic pursuit is laughable, to me anyway.


Your right though, it's not as far fetched as many (myself included) make it seem, I think most (myself included) just enjoy having fun with crazy ideas, which for now is what it remains to be.
I really think it took a turn for the worse at the first hint of donating to this guys R&D well that and the OP's whole ten years out timeline.

If the idea is presented seriously with realistic timelines, my guess would be a much warmer, welcoming, audience would be ready to receive it.
And yes, several large companies, and multiple country's space programs have plans with it as well as projected timelines, and investments,
NASA included, from what I hear.
And with that, I'd much, much rather invest in the continued missions from NASA, the ones that are actually responsible for 40+ years of American extra terrestrial advancements, than some guy who used to work for them that allegedly has already been wrapped up in other financial scams.

In short, I'm not so sure it's the message being received poorly as much as it has become the messenger. The approach is questionable, and I honestly don't mean that offensively, I mean that anyone approaching a large group with grandiose ideas, should expect some resistance from many, and should know that asking for money before supplying sufficient knowledge is very detrimental to their mission to make others "informed". Money should NEVER have been a part of the conversation.
Let that bug bite people when the time is right.

 

[Relic]

I'm surprised this has turned into some sort of name-calling fear-mongering free for all. I thought I'd have an opportunity to talk about a particular scientific concept I'm quite interested in with others here on TB and discuss what the future could hold.

I mean, I managed to do a 20 minute presentation on the space elevator for an engineering assignment without criticism, and had some good discussion on the subject with others in the class afterwards.

Oh well, this is the internet I guess, my expectations were probably a little high.

Then why not start a thread with the bold title of "What do you guys think about the concept of a space elevator?"
Include some links and documentation of some sort that would explain what may seem to the layman to be a rather odd idea, and leave the money out of it. Personally, I've never heard of this before and it sounds like BS to me, so help me understand the possibility of it and maybe I'd feel differently. Here on TB as is in life in general, oftentimes it's simply how you present something that makes all the difference.
I've found that TB, contrary to many other forums, is actually full of some very open-minded and free-thinking individuals. Sure you'll get some non-cooperative ones in the bunch, you always will no matter where you are. But really, you thought otherwise of a thread where someone brings up a seemingly bizarre topic that includes a suggestion of sending money to help fund this?

 

[superfunk47]

Jeez, what a show of everyone's true colors, huh?

Hustlers gonna hustle, haters gonna hate.

I'm excited for space to become more accessible, FWIW.

 

[MJ5150]

For the record I have no monetary stake in this......

I asked you a few pages ago what your financial interest was in this project. You told me $1,000.

-Mike

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

Jeez, what a show of everyone's true colors, huh?

Hustlers gonna hustle, haters gonna hate.

I'm excited for space to become more accessible, FWIW.

So much so that you'd just jump on any bandwagon to get there?

Or would you question each and every one that approaches and make an educated decision once you've weighed out your options?



"New opinions often appear first as jokes and fancies, then as blasphemies and treason, then as questions open to discussion, and finally as established truths."

George Bernard Shaw

 

[1SHOT1HIT]

I asked you a few pages ago what your financial interest was in this project. You told me $1,000.

-Mike

I caught that too, but didn't want to take on the burden of digging up the comment.

Glad you brought it to light, interested, why the inconsistencies?

 

[MJ5150]

N/M.

-Mike

 

[mcglyph]

I asked you a few pages ago what your financial interest was in this project. You told me $1,000.

-Mike

That is exactly what I have in it. in the form of a freakin pledge. Do you know how (the site which will remain unmentioned) works? And oh, by the way when I started this thread, the project was funded 850% or something so please keep your criticism/suspicions/accusations to yourself as to the relationship between it and my pledge! I'll spell it out for those who can't take the time to see for themselves. The project was already funded, so to the extent that any of the pledges which all come with some, "reward", at the specific level pledged was, "safe". In other words, once the, goal is reached on the site which will remain unnamed is reached, all pledge rewards will be disseminated, and the one who started the project will get his money. Everyone clear? So my stake, what I stand to get from this project, is what I said, a reward for pledging at the 1K level.

When I said it's not about, "..hard earned..", I meant it. I have attempted not to beat anyone over the head about donating, I have repeatedly asked people to go look things up for themselves. In some cases it appears I did so with commenters who in their opinion knew more than me, and thus vehemently disagreed and took umbrage at the very(in their mind anyway) short time scale of ten years. This appears also to have driven the suspicion this is some type of scam.

 

[tastybasslines]

FWIW, the United States Patent Office temporarily closed in 1899 stating that, "there is nothing left to invent".

 

[Tituscrow]

That is exactly what I have in it. in the form of a freakin pledge. Do you know how (the site which will remain unmentioned) works? And oh, by the way when I started this thread, the project was funded 850% or something so please keep your criticism/suspicions/accusations to yourself as to the relationship between it and my pledge! I'll spell it out for those who can't take the time to see for themselves. The project was already funded, so to the extent that any of the pledges which all come with some, "reward", at the specific level pledged was, "safe". In other words, once the, goal is reached on the site which will remain unnamed is reached, all pledge rewards will be disseminated, and the one who started the project will get his money. Everyone clear? So my stake, what I stand to get from this project, is what I said, a reward for pledging at the 1K level.

When I said it's not about, "..hard earned..", I meant it. I have attempted not to beat anyone over the head about donating, I have repeatedly asked people to go look things up for themselves. In some cases it appears I did so with commenters who in their opinion knew more than me, and thus vehemently disagreed and took umbrage at the very(in their mind anyway) short time scale of ten years. This appears also to have driven the suspicion this is some type of scam.

Even if you put the whole money thing to one side, it still reads like a plot from Red Dwarf.

 

[MJ5150]

Everyone clear? So my stake, what I stand to get from this project, is what I said, a reward for pledging at the 1K level.

No. Why did you say you have no financial interest in this venture when you admit to pledging $1000? A simple answer will suffice.

-Mike

 

[mcglyph]

No. Why did you say you have no financial interest in this venture when you admit to pledging $1000? A simple answer will suffice.

-Mike

Because I don't have a financial interest in the project. When I started this thread, it was not to further any financial interest. Essentially, at that exact point, I had placed a couch on lay away, and in 5 days or I think 7 seven days, my credit card is charged. A financial interest in my mind, would mean it was my project or if it was really successful then my pockets are lined, which as stated before, isn't going to happen. I'm just one of 2700 or so people to have donated. I get some art or something for pledging at that level. There is no interest, if everyone on TB donated five dollars, it has no effect on my money so to speak. There is no, "interest" literally one way or the other.

 

[Angus]

So my stake, what I stand to get from this project, is what I said, a reward for pledging at the 1K level.

Essentially, at that exact point, I had placed a couch on lay away, and in 5 days or I think 7 seven days, my credit card is charged.

Highlighted for very odd juxtaposition.

 

[Angus]

I mean, I managed to do a 20 minute presentation on the space elevator for an engineering assignment without criticism, and had some good discussion on the subject with others in the class afterwards.

Oh well, this is the internet I guess, my expectations were probably a little high.

To be fair, there are more engineers in this thread than in your undergraduate engineering class, so it's not the same crowd. There are a bunch of non-engineers too obviously, but in this particular case, "the internet" is not the problem.

 

[Febs]

FWIW, the United States Patent Office temporarily closed in 1899 stating that, "there is nothing left to invent".

That's an urban legend that has been repeatedly debunked.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

While it might be possible to build such an elevator within' the next decade or so, in the current idealistic variance whe have on this globe ATM, would make it impossible to maintain and protect it.

The first rockets date to about 400 BC.

The first rocket to make it into space was the V2 - in 1942.

So...about 2500 years.

Sounds about right.
Then again the inormation about the first rockets is a bit scarse to say the least, so it might be as much as a few hundred years earlier.

As stated previously, I'm not a scientist. Or engineer, I'm not even Italian!
And of course, as previously stated, we are YEARS away from the from earth elevator. The LUNAR elevator is the SHORT term goal. The from earth elevator is much longer term. And no there are no clear cut answers for your question at least not from me.

If you are talking lunar elevator, on liftport.com there is a pretty clear description, in addition one of the last links I put up has a nice video representation of what the whole thing might look like.

You state repeatedly that You don't have an engineering or scientific background or knowledge, but when scientific and/or enginering aspects of the endeavour are talked about, You just brush those off as sceptisim?

You also state repeatedly to "be informed" and most of us Sci-Fi nerds and Engineering types are, but yet You fail to recognize the fundamental flaw in their reasoning and plans.

they should spend some of that kickstarter money on building a website that is half decent.

Amen to that, that's pretty painful to read...just as the text of a certain someone who's use of paragraphs is pretty limited .

Ok.

15 years hands-on experience designing and producing audio electronics for the most sought-after bass guitar manufaccturer in the industry, and a line of succeful products in their own right.

Toured with Chick Corea, David Sanborn, Al DiMeola, Manhattan Transfer, bachelors in music from University of North Texas.

So what?

So you are one of the people who IS educated and informed and I'm GLAD you are here.

That has exactly what to do with a space elevator????

There are lots of poorly designed power supplies out there! Asserting that they should have hired a better engineer to design it doesn't make it work any better. However, I am not a supporter of anything more than good quality cabling. I would never pay more than a few dollars for a good power cable.

And that has exactly what to do with a space elevator????

And oh, by the way when I started this thread, the project was funded 850% or something so please keep your criticism/suspicions/accusations to yourself as to the relationship between it and my pledge! I'll spell it out for those who can't take the time to see for themselves. The project was already funded, so to the extent that any of the pledges which all come with some, "reward", at the specific level pledged was, "safe". In other words, once the, goal is reached on the site which will remain unnamed is reached, all pledge rewards will be disseminated, and the one who started the project will get his money. Everyone clear? So my stake, what I stand to get from this project, is what I said, a reward for pledging at the 1K level.

You're not being serious there, are You?

In some cases it appears I did so with commenters who in their opinion knew more than me, and thus vehemently disagreed and took umbrage at the very(in their mind anyway) short time scale of ten years. This appears also to have driven the suspicion this is some type of scam.

It sure has all the signs of one.

How come You try to shoot down everyone who disagrees with the less than possible idea the..um..eh..panhandlers are beggin' that money for?


What next?
The Dyson's sphere?

Now that'd be a feat and a half.

Regards
Sam

 

[ADbassman]

What next?
The Dyson's sphere?

Now that'd be a feat and a half.

Regards
Sam

Link Removed

Eh?

 

[mcglyph]

Well. You caught me, some how or the other, I'm aiming to be the second or third big kickstarter scammer, out of who knows how many successfully funded projects, in however long the site has been around. Finally you all have pieced it together. Your keen reasoning has given you all the right answers. It's not that I perhaps was really fired up about something, so much so, maybe I was a bit over insistent. It not's that in my opinion and others, ten years is plenty of time to accomplish the LUNAR elevator. It's not that to me the concept financial interest is not how I construe my particular (fairly remote) affiliation with this project. It's. None. Of. These. All you smart, suspicious, untrusting, worrying fellows saved yourselves and the known universe from certain financial ruin. Congratulations.Stop the presses. Call the dogs. Power up the chair.