# Key Points from IRC Log (March 20, 2011)

• A discussion about the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence (SIAI) revealed criticisms that they focus too heavily on existential risks and "doomsaying" rather than practical development work.

• jrayhawk characterized SIAI's approach to AI development as having two main goals: attempting to comprehend the unfathomable responsibility of stewarding AI takeoff, and avoiding mistakes until they achieve that understanding.

• The conversation touched on artificial general intelligence (AGI) development, with one participant newly considering the implications of AGI potentially arriving before brain-enhancing nanotechnology.

• There was debate about whether publishing open research on artificial brains would be beneficial or dangerous, with fenn arguing that open collaboration produces more net benefit than secretive development.

• Participants discussed theoretical AGI containment strategies, including restricting internet access and implementing time limits, though some considered these approaches naive or impractical.

• kanzure mentioned submitting a Y Combinator application, indicating entrepreneurial activity among channel participants.

• A brief discussion about "gitduino" revealed it was a project management tool related to RepRap development, with sebastienb expressing interest in using it to replace the MediaWiki system they had been using.