Nature Network makes interesting reading for those who might think it is a highly technical, niche website for highbrow, specialist discussion.
For example, Brian Clegg, author of 31 (or 112, depending on how you look at it) books in his "ouevre", starts a fascinating discussion (certainly for those like me, on the outside) about publishers' advances, royalties, and whether you can earn your living as an author or just eat ice-cream with your earnings.
And what about the dandelions? Cath Ennis writes about her weekend work in her Vancouver garden; by reading her comment thread you can find out a great deal about dandelions, including useful things to do with them, how to get rid of them (and why they are so prevalent; this is a scientific site after all). Tomatoes and Japanese knotweed get a look-in now and again.
Jennifer Rohn feels the womanly force at a "power lunch for women", at which topics such as "why many at the table were earning less than their male colleagues, [and] how UCL could get away with allowing a particular science committee to be held at an all-male private club" were discussed. Jennifer can't imagine male-only groups focusing exclusively on gender issues. Cue a hugely wide-ranging comment discussion about discrimination (check out those Nobel prize statistics), playing musical instruments, and how rubbish is disposed of in various parts of the world (Finland is the best).
With its free-ranging forums, groups and blogs, Nature Network is a nice place to hang out on the occasional evening. Who needs Facebook?
For example, Brian Clegg, author of 31 (or 112, depending on how you look at it) books in his "ouevre", starts a fascinating discussion (certainly for those like me, on the outside) about publishers' advances, royalties, and whether you can earn your living as an author or just eat ice-cream with your earnings.
And what about the dandelions? Cath Ennis writes about her weekend work in her Vancouver garden; by reading her comment thread you can find out a great deal about dandelions, including useful things to do with them, how to get rid of them (and why they are so prevalent; this is a scientific site after all). Tomatoes and Japanese knotweed get a look-in now and again.
Jennifer Rohn feels the womanly force at a "power lunch for women", at which topics such as "why many at the table were earning less than their male colleagues, [and] how UCL could get away with allowing a particular science committee to be held at an all-male private club" were discussed. Jennifer can't imagine male-only groups focusing exclusively on gender issues. Cue a hugely wide-ranging comment discussion about discrimination (check out those Nobel prize statistics), playing musical instruments, and how rubbish is disposed of in various parts of the world (Finland is the best).
With its free-ranging forums, groups and blogs, Nature Network is a nice place to hang out on the occasional evening. Who needs Facebook?
Even the title of this post is eclectic!
Posted by: Susan Balée | 17 May 2008 at 16:03
Yikes, thanks Susan -- I've been having trouble with my eyes recently and have been relying (too much) on spellchecker, which does not extend to titles.
Correction made.
Posted by: Maxine | 17 May 2008 at 20:01