tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9959776.post114566408154496381..comments2024-02-15T04:42:41.606+00:00Comments on James' Empty Blog: Septic nonsense on the BBC again...sighJames Annanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04318741813895533700noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9959776.post-1146260418007932692006-04-28T22:40:00.000+01:002006-04-28T22:40:00.000+01:00This is going to sound harsh, on the other hand it...This is going to sound harsh, on the other hand it is IMHO, both harsh and necessary. Science is a social activity, most of us depend on the feedback we get from our colleagues, which is why it is much easier to do science in research active places than in isolation. <BR/><BR/>One of the things that keeps the "better" skeptics going is that the get the support and acclaim from the SSS (Sceptic Support Societies - marshall institute, etc.) while at the same time they are able to function as colleagues in meetings and seminars with those who are seriously doing science, even I suppose have beers together. My suggestion is that when they walk up to you, simply say that you don't approve of what they are doing and walk away. <BR/><BR/>Real Climate is starting to do this. Good for them.EliRabetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07957002964638398767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9959776.post-1146080394895687072006-04-26T20:39:00.000+01:002006-04-26T20:39:00.000+01:00Interesting point you make about the glib, "media-...Interesting point you make about the glib, "media-friendly" septics v. scientists who rise to the top via written research.<BR/><BR/>We all know how well scientific papers work as sound-bites. <BR/><BR/>Solutions, anyone? A mandated class in sound-bitery for atmospheric scientists in grad school?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9959776.post-1145678857220576942006-04-22T05:07:00.000+01:002006-04-22T05:07:00.000+01:00James, I actually think Phil did about as well as ...James, I actually think Phil did about as well as Carter for much of the interview, but then made a mistake in not jumping in to respond to Carter's comments just before the interviewer asked the question on ocean acidification. As a consequence, Carter ended up with a lot more air time and Phil ended up having to rush a rejoinder at the very end. <BR/><BR/>That said, of course Phil could have done much better than Carter. The weak defense of the instrumental record was especially ironic. Jim Hansen, e.g., would have had Carter for breakfast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9959776.post-1145673806084657532006-04-22T03:43:00.000+01:002006-04-22T03:43:00.000+01:00Eli,Yes I've seen your comments on RC and agree. O...Eli,<BR/><BR/>Yes I've seen your comments on RC and agree. Of course the scientists will generally say they don't want to play this game, but they end up playing anyway, and sometimes play badly (at least, not expertly).<BR/><BR/>I wonder if one alternative would be for the likes of Prof Jones to politely turn down such an interview request, instead suggesting some face from Greenpeace, or Friends of the Earth. Alternatively, maybe the likes of yourself might care to try their hand at it in their dotage :-) You're obviously no slouch in the communication stakes, and perhaps the "media tart" tag would not be something to worry you unduly. A few courses from Luntz and your phone would never stop ringing :-)James Annanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04318741813895533700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9959776.post-1145672329235336602006-04-22T03:18:00.000+01:002006-04-22T03:18:00.000+01:00It is not just that they are selected, but also, a...It is not just that they are selected, but also, almost certainly, they are rehearsed by pros. As I have been trying to get through on RC, if scientists want to play this game they have to learn the rules.EliRabetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07957002964638398767noreply@blogger.com