[Gefreiter]

Of course, maybe it's not a swell idea to stumble around in the dark, shouting, "HERE I AM" :

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0688139892/ref=ase_cssf-20/103-0456473-4825460

[doc30]

I prefer the idea of the "Inhibitors" from Alistair Reynolds "Revelation Space." There are secret, relentless, ancient machine intelligences programmed to eliminate any star faring civilization when encountered. Intelligence can rise, but if it gets beyond its solar system, it is inhibited. That's why, in this future, humans have settled a few star system, with slower than light ships, and accidentally trigger the inhibitors.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0441009425/qid=1112723933/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-7205075-7184732

[mitchbert]

Of course, maybe it's not a swell idea to stumble around in the dark, shouting, "HERE I AM" :

This is one of these "Be careful what you ask for" situations. We might be able to contact another civilization but what happens if they view us as a food source? Sort of like the buffet table singing "come and eat me."