marshall sahlins could have saved a million bucks if he’d just read orgtheory

Over at the Chronicle of Higher Education, anthropologist Marhall Sahlins rails against the Milton Friedman Institute, to be established at the University of Chicago. I found this passage quite strange:

Friedman’s name on the institution will be critical because “when you think about the battle between socialism and free markets — he led the charge on behalf of the University of Chicago,” Snyder said. “There will be a lot of people who will give back because of his name and effort and legacy.” Especially donors of $1-million or $2-million, whose membership in the Milton Friedman Society will entitle them to participate in workshops, seminars, and lectures on what the university terms “fundamental questions” of economics, business, and law, as well as the implications for related disciplines such as medicine and public policy.

For a measly $1 million, you can hang out at some econonerd workshop at Chicago? Way over-priced. Orgtheory provides the same service for free. We offer the educated public, without charge, cutting edge discussion of economics, sociology, management, and ferrets.

But we won’t be out done by the University of Chicago. For $1 million, you can join Orgtheory Platinum. What does that get you? Very special treatment:

• Brayden will protest in front of your house, and then measure the effect on your net worth.
• Teppo will loan you his iphone and then call you about methodological individualism.
• Kieran, a collegiate debate champ, will meet you at the next ASA and argue with you about any topic you want.
• Omar will show you that it is indeed the Earth that revolves around the Sun.
• The opportunity to coauthor a review piece with any of our guest bloggers.
• A free autographed copy of the annual swimsuit issue.

It’s a bargain. Operators are standing by.