Generally, I don't like chain letters but the following survey that I picked up at
Pharyngula, seems supportive of academic blogging, thus...
Overview:
The following survey is for bloggers who are actual or aspiring academics (thus including students). It takes the form of a go-meme to provide bloggers a strong incentive to join in: the 'Link List' means that you will receive links from all those who pick up the survey 'downstream' from you. The aim is to create open-source data about academic blogs that is publicly available for further analysis. Analysts can find the data by searching for the tracking identifier-code: "acb109m3m3". Further details, and eventual updates with results, can be found on the original posting:
http://pixnaps.blogspot.com/2005/09/academic-blog-survey.html
Instructions:
Simply copy and paste this post to your own blog, replacing my survey answers with your own, as appropriate, and adding your blog to the Link List.
Important (1) Your post must include the four sections: Overview, Instructions, Link List, and Survey. (2) Remember to link to every blog in the Link List. (3) For tracking purposes, your post must include the following code: acb109m3m3
Link List (or 'extended hat-tip'):
1.
Philosophy, et cetera
2.
Pharyngula
3.
Notes from the Biomass
4. Add a link to your blog here
Survey:
Demographics
Age - 33
Gender - Male
Location - Berlin, Germany
Religion - None
Began blogging - October 2004
Academic field - Computational Biology
Academic position [tenured?] - group leader [no]
Approximate blog stats
Rate of posting - daily
Average no. hits - 80/day
Average no. comments - 1/day
Blog content - 80% academic, 0% political, 20% personal.
Other Questions
1) Do you blog under your real name? Why / why not?
- Yes. Anonymity is not for scientists that want to communicate.
2) Do colleagues or others in your department know that you blog? If so, has anyone reacted positively or negatively?
- Yes. Most colleagues seem rather puzzled about why one would do so.
3) Are you on the job market?
- No.
4) Do you mention your blog on your CV or other job application material?
- No. But there is link from my home page for those who are interested.
5) Has your blog been mentioned at all in interviews, tenure reviews, etc.? If so, provide details.
- n/a.
6) Why do you blog?
- Social software (and blogs) are (one) good way to foster scientific communication, particular across disciplines. Add general curiosity.