This is a modified version of the talk I gave at Restoration 2012 about the importance of science blogs and the role they play in science communication. I also address common questions and concerns that scientists have about blogging.
3. What is a blog?A blog is a website that is periodically
updated withposts, with the most recent content appearing
first.Blogger: person who writes for a blogBlogging: the act of
writing for a blogNetwork: community of blogsThere are lots of
great blogs and blogging networks
4. Blogging networks
5. Who blogs? Shema et al. 2012 PLoS ONE 7(5)
6. Who blogs? Shema et al. 2012 PLoS ONE 7(5)
7. My blogging storyI wanted to improve myscience communication
skillsand broaden my impact.And I wanted to get people excitedabout
salmon and science.
8. My blogging story20102011
9. Why blog?communication MORE communication
10. Why blog?Blogs enable you to read widely, makeconnections,
and expand your scientific network.Science blogs demystify science
for the public.As I became more publically aware, I realized
thatlack of scientific literacy is a big problem here inthe United
States. Non-scientists face two big issues:
11. Campfire CommunicationsImage by Mel Bochner
12. Journals limit access to articles and require
fees.Scientific literature can be dense and difficult toread for
the layperson.Science blogs are FREE.Science bloggers minimize use
of jargon.Goal: to write posts understandable to anon-scientist
while not losing important meaning.
13. Why blog?Science blogging increases awareness andinterest
in scientific literature.The change in impact can be
substantial.
14. Why blog?Science blogging increases awareness andinterest
in scientific literature.The change in impact can be substantial.
Figure from McKenzie & Ozler 2011 World Bank
15. Meet Peter Janiszewski Peter published a study in Diabetes
Care, gave internationaltalks, but felt he hadnt reached his
desiredimpact level.
16. So he blogged about his work.
17. Within the week, he had>12,000 page views
18. I might not reach >12,000 people with each of mypostsBut
I reach more than I wouldif I were not blogging.
19. Why blog?communication MOREweb presence communication
20. Why blog? you. People will google What do you want them to
find?YOUR NAME
21. Why blog?communication transparency MOREweb presence
communication
22. Why blog?Some labs use blogs to keep open lab notebooks.The
goal is to be transparent about their work tothe general public,
colleagues, & potential funders.
24. Science bloggers [] become very, very good writers, often
as good (or better) as the professional science journalists.Bora
ZivkovicBlog EditorScientifc American
25. Why blog? SCIENCE ISEXCITING
26. But what about?Time commitment
27. Time spent writing depends on lengthand content of your
posts.One way to decrease time constraints: Keep a group blog.If
you have 12 lab members And you aim to post every other week Thats
2 posts per person per year Low time commitment; potentially high
impact
28. But what about?Time commitmentBlogging identity
29. PseudonymityPseudonymity is NOT anonymity. Pseudonyms are
consistent and identifiable, but not linked to offline
identity.Pseudonym pros: Safety issues are of less concern Does not
interfere with professional lifePseuonym cons: Blogging accolades
do not translate to offline life Initial distrust of others towards
you
30. But what about?Time commitments & persistenceBlogging
identityNegative comments (trolls)
31. Trolls In internet slang, a troll is someone who
postsinflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online
community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room, or blog,
with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional
response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion.
Definition from Wikipedia
32. The best way to deal with trolls? Ignore them.
33. But what about?Time commitments & persistenceBlogging
identityNegative comments (trolls)Job limitations
34. Some jobs might require you not to blog about your work.
Its best to check with your supervisor before starting your
blog.
35. But what about?Time commitments & persistenceBlogging
identityNegative comments (trolls)Job limitationsGetting
scooped
36. In some fields, getting scooped is apressing concern. But
not all fields.It is the bloggers decision what he or she wants to
reveal about current work.
37. DIY bloggingSome tips to get started1. Decide who your
audience will be.2. Establish your blogging identity.3. Read. A
LOT.4. Name your blog.5. Write!6. Publicize yourself.7. Ask
questions.8. Grow a thick skin.9. Be persistent.10.Have fun!
38. DIY bloggingSocial media
wiki:restoration2012.wikispaces.com
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