SAB NewsThe Science Advisory Board participates in local session on bloggingPosted 9/29/2006  In science communications, who�s blogging and why? What makes an effective blog? What are the challenges? And should you consider a blog of your own? On Wednesday September 27, 2006, Tamara Zemlo of The Science Advisory Board and two other panelists spoke and addressed these questions. The event, entitled "Blogging: Beyond the Buzz", was organized by the DC Science Writers Association and took place at the Johns Hopkins building at 1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington DC. A sold-out crowd of 85 journalists, freelance writers, and Science Advisory Board staff members Molly Scott, Bill Kelly, Richard Mankhey and Catherine Seguin gathered to listen to three speakers elaborate on the following topics: Science Blogs: Intersections with the Public, the Media, and Politics Matthew Nisbet, assistant professor, School of Communications, American University and author of the "Framing Science" blog, also columnist, "Science and the Media," for Skeptical Inquirer Online. Mr. Nisbet specifically addressed the concept of typical internet users as "cognitive misers" who seek information shortcuts and summaries...the "just tell me what I need to know crowd," which seek out brevity. Why Blog? Benefits for Science Writers Denise Graveline, president, Don't Get Caught, a Washington, D.C.-based communications consultancy and author of two blogs, her company blog, Don�t Get Caught, and Vegetables for Breakfast, recently named by the Pajama Market blog as "best business blog of the day." Ms. Graveline addressed blogging from a more personal "how-to" perspective and offered good advice on the mechanics of creating and maintaining a blog. Launching Science Blogs: Successes and Challenges Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Executive Director of The Science Advisory Board, spoke of blogs and their incorporation into the online community of life scientists that also includes a discussion forum, and regularly submitted member generated content in the form of Member Spotlights and Member Perspectives. Dr. Zemlo also offered the five following blogging tips gleaned from lessons learned while establishing The Science Advisory Board blogs:
If you have not had an opportunity to read The Science Advisory Board blogs, please visit this link: http://www.scienceboard.net/community/blogs.asp. |
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