TED talks speaker compares TED to Scientology.

[Courtesy Flush]

[Overseas]

1. K&R. I didn't know TED talks required their unpaid speakers to follow so many rules and stay so long

I can't imagine being invited to give a free talk and then to be required to hang out for so many days of extra free events for their membership.

That's really interesting.

I guess they figure the TED publicity is worth the speakers donating days and days of time.

[Mr. Mojo Risen]

2. I always had a hard time getting into TED

It's just something about the presentation that I find off putting. They just seem too slick and polished. Almost creepy in a way.

[freshwest]

3. Same feeling.

[Bucky]

4. I read about the $8000 enrollment fee earlier this year & lost interest in TED

But that's just me, I'm knee jerk anti-elitist. If they make money at what they're doing, let 'em have it. At least TEDx presentations are still free.

[Poll_Blind]

7. I am suspecting the $8k enrollment fee is why they want their speakers available so much during...

...the week. So nobody can go "I paid $8,000 and I couldn't network with (blah)."

That's just my thought.

PB

[Plucketeer]

5. I'm having trouble believing this guy

How do we know he's telling the truth???

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

6. They creeped the hell out of one of my friends in the mid-90's

So i'm inclined to believe it.

[Poll_Blind]

8. I've heard from a few places that TED is basically super upscale Coast to Coast AM.

And more than a fair share of the people who weasel their way into the talks (the presenters) more often than not are pitching for investment capitol than sharing wisdom. Or selling products. Etc. Etc.

Richard Hoagland, "Major" Ed Dames, if you listened to C2CAM enough in the 90's, you know it's never about UFO's, bigfoot, astral projection with the regular guests. It's about moving books, DVDs, and getting pre-registers at conventions.

Same with the resurgence of paranormal ghost hunting shows. A number of those cats are raking in the dough on side gigs. It's all about the side gigs.

PB

[pam4water]

9. When I heard about I was really excited. Now the talks just seem like more motivation speakers also

they sensor anything with a real social conscience.

http://www.whydontyoutrythis.com/2013/03/3-censored-ted-talks-the-establishment-does-not-want-you-to-see.html

[fasttense]

10. So, TED makes $16 Million

off these speakers who give their talks for free (minus room and board - and they double up on the rooms -to save that $16 million for what? They probably limit meals too.) They also have membership fees and global conferences they make money off of.

What a scam. Here come work for me for just room and board for 1 week. I keep your talk and make money off it.