Everyone talks about how scientists should give back, outreach, blog, tweet, tumble, etc., as if it is some kind of charity work. What about science writers and science communicators? Are they to sit idly by while scientists (who are more worried about where the next grant will come) fumble through trying to communicate their “latest discoveries and innovations”? I think science writers should also give back, outreach, blog, etc., but not the way you think. The growing group of science writers should outreach to scientists as a form of charity. We all know they (most of anyway) need our help. When was the last time, writer, you emailed some of the top scientists in your passionate field to ask if there was any way you could help communicate to everyone what exciting new findings they have that most people wouldn’t know about?
This is all tongue in cheek dribbles I’m writing. But, I am trying to get a point across. As presented by scicurious, professors and grad students have a lot on their plate. It is about time we engage them.
Disclaimer: I’m very new at science writing since I just graduated with the Ph.D. in August 2012. I’m naive but optimistic (about this anyway).
Related articles
- Carl Zimmer’s advice for aspiring science writers (mhrussel.wordpress.com)
- Science Online Advice: Blogging as a Scientist [Uncertain Principles] (scienceblogs.com)
- A Practical Step to Bridge the Divide Between Scientists and Journalists (scilogs.com)
Writer’s Block 1 (Photo credit: OkayCityNate)
[...] February 4, 2013 · by SCBN · in Feature. · From ‘Taking Science to the People’, Feb 4, 2013 [...]
By: Let me handle that, I’m a professional: A case for letting science writers tell of scientists’ discoveries | Science Communication Blog Network on February 4, 2013
at 5:50 pm
In my opinion, the dangers of having science writers tell the stories is that writers have the tendency to sensationalize findings and discoveries. This leads to an overall misperception of work in the mainstream media.
By: Andrew Varnell on February 7, 2013
at 1:00 pm
I completely agree. It has happened in the past, especially when the writers are trying to sell papers or websites. My belief in writing this is to start a conversation. Also, I thought of science writers telling the story as an outreach to scientists. I imagined the process of the writer creating an article or press release then sending it back to the scientist to disseminate or authorize the release by the writer.
By: Matt Russell on February 7, 2013
at 1:04 pm
[...] Everyone talks about how scientists should give back, outreach, blog, tweet, tumble, etc., as if it is some kind of charity work. What about science writers and science communicators? Are they to s… [...]
By: Let me handle that, I'm a professional: A case for letting science writers tell of scientists' discoveries | Science Education and Communication | Scoop.it on February 7, 2013
at 2:06 pm
[...] Let Me Handle That, I’m A Professional: A Case for Letting Science Writers Tell of Scientists&… [...]
By: The Week in Science (Feb 4-10) | Science Communication Blog Network on February 10, 2013
at 10:09 am
Congratulations on being cited as an Outstanding Post—at Science Seeker!
By: jaksichja on February 26, 2013
at 6:36 am
Thanks!
By: Matt Russell on February 26, 2013
at 8:53 am