A Rational First Contact Scenerio

Set up a relay some way from the inhabited planet; not near enough to be very noticeable but not so far that they cannot be monitored. Have the relay broadcast a distinctly-artificial signal that the alien species may be able to pick up. Then, wait for them to discover the probe for themselves and let them be the instigators.

Also, reserve the resources in that solar system for the inhabitants of that planet. Seriously, we got an entire solar system to ourselves, only seems fair to let the natives have it. Prevents a future interstellar war over planets.

@pagad: Or tell them that we can help them on some things, but not just give them tech. Help them where they ask help, but don't go in and say "Hey, we know better way!". Kinda like adults teachs kids, prevent major disasters but still give them freedom to experience and learn.

@Chainsaw Exactly what I was going to say. All the humans exploiting aliens stuff can be avoided or postfixed. Specicide ala smallpox to America, not so much.

edited 26th Jun '11 2:11:04 PM by Qeise

Observe and Report. Nothing more.

I plan to write a book about this, but the aliens reach us first.

If we don't share common ancestors with those aliens, and our genetics and biochemistry are utterly different, why would either side's diseases affect the other? I doubt we'd be biocompatible to the point of zoonoses.

We don't know if our and theirs diseases or wildlife could wreck each other. It could be both benefit from it, but we can't be 100% sure.

To be honest, I'm not sure of how this could be of benefit bar from a scientific point of view. Trading knowledge, especially regarding radically different forms of life, intelligent or not, could be invaluable. Unless you invent FTL travel, trade is unfeasable, and settling seems like a sure-fire way of pissing off the natives.