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I had something of an epiphany recently about needing to work for a cause I believe in, rather than just fiat mining. I was up all night thinking about the right fit and what my value proposition is.
You all have helped me realize that there's real interest in my perspective (thank you), so that's part of the proposition.
I was also reflecting on how limited the presence of most prominent libertarians is in the bitcoin ecosystem, despite the immense interest in their insights. That made me realize I can make at least a two-fold impact for a libertarian/free-market organization: my own content and integrating them into the bitcoin community.
This is the first draft of a letter I'm planning on sending to the Libertarian Institute, which is run by the great Scott Horton. I'd love your feedback on this letter. The aim of it is simply to pique their interest and generate a follow up conversation.
As it happens, the Libertarian Institute is based in Austin, so perhaps this will enable me to drop in on the SN HQ occasionally.

Dear Libertarian Institute,
I'm reaching out to express my interest in joining your amazing institute. I’ve been following Scott’s work since 2007 and deeply admired the late Will Grigg’s articles. I believe I can add to the impressive scholarship you're already doing, while also helping you reach an audience that is very interested in your work and opening new fundraising opportunities.
I finished my economics PhD during the pandemic. Like most new graduates, I took what work was available, but now I’m looking to dedicate myself to spreading libertarianism and sound economics full-time. Some of my interests are economic geography (voting with your feet, jurisdictional arbitrage, secession, etc), political polarization, parallel institutions, bitcoin, and climate science. My academic training and research in those areas would give the Libertarian Institute another person to dissect the relentless stream of propaganda that comes out on those and other topics.
For my own sanity, I've been writing about libertarianism and economics at Stacker News, on the side, for the past couple of years. The positive reception to Rothbardian libertarianism and economics there has made me realize that our ideological camp is missing out on some low-hanging fruit. This site is part of the bitcoin ecosystem, where demand for Austro-libertarian thought is very high, but our scholars have a very limited presence.
I’ve found bitcoiners to be eager and willing to donate to those who are adding value in their spaces. I can help the Libertarian Institute establish itself as one of the intellectual pillars in this emerging libertarian community, both through my own contributions and by making your existing scholarship more visible there, as well as setting up the necessary technology to receive bitcoin donations and interact with their social media spaces.
I wish you all the very best. Thank you for your work. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to continue this discussion with you soon.
Sincerely, Undisciplined (not how I plan to sign the real letter)
Good luck. Letter is well written.
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Great! You're setting yourself up for a noble cause!
The letter is fantastic and you can bracket your real name after Dr. undisciplined which makes more sense rather than omitting it completely.
Best wishes and Looking forward to your new expedition!
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Thanks, I'm probably just going to sign with my real name.
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Best of luck. Good job Sir, keep it up.
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I wonder how many stackers are really libertarians, or classical liberals or just liberals as defined by Mises. Based on almost fanatical views of Trump and republicans and conservatives, which imho are dominating the SN space, I would say that very few.
Anyway, nicely written, good luck!
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I appreciate it.
I don't see MAGA being the dominant position here, but perhaps we're just reading different stuff. Either way, it's a great opportunity for the Libertarian Institute to reach new people.
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Best wishes sir! Didn't know you're a Dr. as well.
The letter is written well. The only thing that I can suggest you is edit your nym with 'drundisciplined' now. 😜
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That seems a bit pretentious. Maybe.
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How about this 'dr_undisciplined'?
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I only invoke my title if my nym is already taken. This is the frontier, after all. Fancy big city credentials don't count for much out here.
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True! Within a year and half, I'll be able to say the same to you! I don't wanna brag but I'm enjoying synopsis thing right now!
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Well done. You should give yourself a promotion and change your username to moderately disciplined.
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In all seriousness the letter is really good. Nothing to add. Send it like that.
On another note. Even though I knew you had a PhD in economics, it never dawned on me until now that you should be calling yourself doctor like Jill Biden.
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I've had to call myself Dr. Undisciplined on the few occasions when Undisciplined was already taken.
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Alternate punchline:
"I'm a doctor of Economics"
"My friend is dying"
"I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do."
"Why not?"
"In an efficient market, all surplus generating transactions would have happened already."
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Nice. That would have taken much more editing than I was willing to do to troll Undisciplined. My commitment to trolling him is high but not elite. I need to up my game.
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Love it!
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Lol! 🤣 And what would you say if he suggests that inflation won't allow you a treatment. Better die!
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Thanks, but no thanks.
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Great endeavour! Keep us updated! :)
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36 sats \ 1 reply \ @kepford 21 Aug
Excellent letter! Best of luck to you!
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It’s always hardest to take the first step, so kudos to you. I might include a footnote, which comprises a link to one of your SN postings, in the event that the fine folks at the Institute haven’t heard of SN. They can get to know of your writing too.
My two sats’ worth
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Thanks. That's a good idea.
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Best wishes for you
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Thank you
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33 sats \ 1 reply \ @siggy47 21 Aug
Fantastic idea! You are setting yourself up for a career that you can put your heart and soul into. Sorry if that's sappy. Not many of us can pull that off.
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That's the hope
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You've got this! Also if you don't hear back or it is buried in some black hole inbox, I recommend finding one of the current members on LinkedIn and treating them to a beer or coffee. I think it is better than just a cold email or application (just my two sats).
I've always wanted to be a part of an institute like this. best of luck!
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I'll keep that idea in mind. I know one person who might have contacts there, but I haven't reached out to him, yet.
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Interesting. When are you mailing it out?
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Probably later today
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Good luck :)
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Nice. I would like to see the response to your letter :-)
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I'll keep everyone posted. If the response is not too embarrassing, I might share it.
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Good luck! I look forward to reading your work! Bitcoiners and libertarianism is a match made in heaven
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