Reply To: Some about a fusion dispute in Sweden.

[Rezwan]

Excellent question. That was moved here from the thread on accredited investors. That thread was about what it would take for FFS to invest directly in LPP.

This one is about the parameters of what we can do as far as drawing investors to LPP. I’ve been told we can’t solicit funds directly. Indirectly is OK, talking about LPP, which allows investors to become better informed. [Need concrete guidelines. Is there a nonprofit lawyer in the house?]

So, what IS the goal?
I think the goal of FFS is broader than LPP. LPP’s experiment is a means to the ends that FFS seeks (cheap, clean, safe, abundant fusion energy for everyone), but due to uncertainties, FFS can’t rely completely on the success of LPP. So we need to have a plan B standing by, and we need to be networking with other organizations for the broader fusion push. This is why context is so important.

LPP has the most elegant fusion idea – aneutronic, small scale, elegant, using natures instabilities instead of trying to control nature. If it works, it perfectly meets our goals. So the first project of FFS is to figure out ways to ensure that the LPP experiment takes place and is conducted with rigorous care and produces results that are peer reviewed.

This process may take longer than anticipated, and the outcome is uncertain – both in the positive and negative sense. E.g., if the outcome is that fusion works as theorized with the DPF – there may be all kinds of unanticipated consequences – challenges, chaos – who knows? – for which we need a robust organization that is well networked and has strong friends in many places.

Likewise, if the project is run with all good faith but doesn’t demonstrate feasibility, or suggests further work is needed, a further missing theoretical piece – we’d like to have people primed and prepared to continue with that work. Again, networking and allies are important. A broad base of support. Something to continue building on.

And no grounds for accusations of “oversold”.

That’s how I see the goals of FFS shaping up.

But right now, for the most part, LPP could use more money. A lot more, to take it up from the current “shoestring” level. So, if we can’t “solicit investors” – we don’t want to be scaring them off with talk of “backup plans”. Or does having a backup plan increase credibility and make us all appear well rounded and rational?