Re: This is a news article about an important scientific finding
Subject: Re: This is a news article about an important scientific finding
From: Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com>
Date: 9/30/10, 15:41
To: Scott Mintz <scott.w.mintz@gmail.com>
CC: Mano Singham <mano.singham@case.edu>, Todd Essig <tessig@me.com>, Clark Robinson <robinsonchicago@gmail.com>, Robert Luhn <luhn@ncse.com>

Here's a summary of how the sci-journ program will work. Mano, I can expand on this if you can think of anything else that ought to be addressed, and will send along the announcement article later today.


The purpose of this project is to encourage improvements in science journalism directed at 

laymen by pairing freelance writers with scientists who would provide guidance in terms of 

identifying potential story ideas, providing assistance with research, putting the writers 

in touch with other qualified sources who would in turn be able to provide quotes and 

specific background info, and otherwise helping to ensure that the resulting articles are 

of better quality and accuracy than those that currently tend to appear in mainstream 

publications. Other project members possessing backgrounds in media will also provide 

assistance in facilitating the publication of these articles.

Generally, the process will entail enlisting both science and freelancers, getting a bit 

of info from each on their areas of interest and expertise, and then putting them in 

contact based on that info. Although the particulars of the articles to be produced and 

the specific process involved can be decided by each respective pair, we advise them to 

proceed by coming up with an article idea and then having the freelancer query one or more 

editors on their interest in such a piece and then turn in the results upon completion, 

rather than making such arrangements that might involve a particular dealine; such a 

process ensures that our volunteer scientists can assist on their own schedules and also 

prevents a writer from missing a deadline in such cases as the scientist's schedule may 

not allow for him to provide the necessary assistance in time. If the freelancer in 

question requests assistance in placing an article, we can provide contact info for 

particular editors or publications and otherwise assist in the very necessary process of 

getting the piece sold.


On Tue, Sep 28, 2010 at 7:29 PM, Barrett Brown <barriticus@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi, all-

Sorry for the delayed response.

Scott - The fellow you mention and the dentist would both be ideal for our purposes.

Mano - I will provide more specific info regarding what we would be asking of our participants very soon; am finishing up the Skeptical Inquirer announcement tonight and will forward to all of you before I send it along to the Skeptics Society.


On Mon, Sep 27, 2010 at 9:46 PM, Scott Mintz <scott.w.mintz@gmail.com> wrote:
I was actually about to send out an email on this subject, but Mano beat me to it and was much more direct.

On the investing website I belong to there is a Coffee Shop section where I can make a request for interest. However, beyond roles and responsibilities, I'd like to get a better idea, or at least, hone in on the main purpose and who would be useful.

For example, one member of the aforementioned websites comes to mind. He has a history of evaluating clinical trials of certain publicly traded medical companies. Would this be a person of interest? Also, regarding Mano's email, what will be the extent of his obligations. I ask since although he worked for over two decades doing Hematology & Medical Oncology, he's retired now and likes to spend his time investing.

Would my dentist who informed me recently that, contrary to the prior thought process, receding gum lines are caused by bacteria rather than overaggressive brushing be a candidate? He'd be willing to participate.

Scott


On Mon, Sep 27, 2010 at 9:32 PM, Mano Singham <mano.singham@case.edu> wrote:
Since this is a new venture, I am pretty comfortable with roles evolving but if I am going to approach colleagues to get involved I wioll need to be a little bit more specific about what kind of role and responsibilities they are committing to.

Do you have a paragraph or so on this topic that I could send to them along with my endorsement?

Mano

Mano Singham, Director
University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE)
Allen Building 101, LC 7025
Case Western Reserve
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone    : 216-368-1224
Fax         : 216-368-0197
Email     : mano.singham@case.edu






On Sep 27, 2010, at 5:26 PM, Barrett Brown wrote:

It's wide open; I think that most any field should present opportunities for articles that would interest editors. Thanks again, Mano. Let me know if you have any other questions.

On Mon, Sep 27, 2010 at 4:40 PM, Mano Singham <mano.singham@case.edu> wrote:
I can try and recruit some scientists but do you have any fields in mind or is this wide open?

Mano Singham, Director
University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE)
Allen Building 101, LC 7025
Case Western Reserve
10900 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
Phone    : 216-368-1224
Fax         : 216-368-0197
Email     : mano.singham@case.edu






On Sep 27, 2010, at 3:04 PM, Barrett Brown wrote:

Thought you all would enjoy this:


Also, I'm writing up an announcement for the science/journalism project for Skeptical Inquirer and have also gotten a couple of noted freelance writers to sign on. I also hope to recruit a few more scientists to start out with, so if you happen to know anyone who might be interested in working a bit with our freelancers at the outset by providing them basic subject matter and then going over the resulting article to ensure accuracy, please let me know when you get a moment.

--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302




--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302





--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302



--
Regards,

Barrett Brown
512-560-2302