I’m back!

It’s been a long time since I’ve written a post. The last substantial post was Biotechnology: communication and politics back in May! I’m slowly getting back into blogging as time allows, such as with the DNA for dinner, and I have quite a few drafts that need to be polished before publishing, half written posts that came about when I just couldn’t ignore some interesting biotech or ag news item despite my best efforts to stay away from Twitter. Just in case anyone’s interested in what I have been up to in my absence, here’s the details…

For civility, add names to opinions

Rekha Basu, columnist for the Des Moines Register. Image via Iowa State University.

Anonymity allows folks to escape the flak for some of the ugly and prejudiced things they say – and which flout the standards for what our society considers decent and civil.

For whatever reasons, this column seems to be a lightning rod for that sort of demagoguery. But there is a relatively simple solution: Requiring people to use their real names when they comment. From now on, that will be the standard for commenting on columns with my byline. I’m willing to bet that step alone will force the quality of discussion to improve. When people know their friends, neighbors and co-workers are reading what they say, they have to be more accountable.

This isn’t punishment, and it’s certainly not to deny anyone’s free speech. It’s an invitation to come out of the closet.

The above are quotes from an article by Rekha Basu about civility in internet discussions: For civility, add names to opinions. Ms. Basu, a columnist on the Des Moines Register, writes about some pretty complex topics, including human rights, racial and gender issues. You can imagine that she gets some pretty nasty comments on her column. For years, she’s been discussing with her editors what to do to encourage more civil conversation, and has found something to try. Comments on her column will now only be allowed through Facebook. She’ll still get some nasty comments, I’m sure, but I’d be surprised if this change didn’t greatly improve the quality of discussion.

We’ve been pretty lucky here at Biofortified to have gotten only a few nasty comments, and the editors have only gotten a few nasty emails. Things aren’t going so well on Grist and many other sites. Biofortified isn’t going to start requiring real names, at least for now, but I would like to ask commenters to pause for a moment before clicking “Submit” on a comment. Remember that the people you’re entering into the discussion are real people just like you.

Gina Trapani, editor of Lifehacker. Image via Gina's website.

Lifehacker editor Gina Trapani has some great commenting guidelines that all of us, no matter our opinions on genetic engineering or anything else, should take a moment to read. She begins:

Leaving a comment on someone’s weblog is like walking into their living room and joining in on a conversation. As in real life, online there are some people who are a pleasure to converse with, and some who are not. Good blog commenters add to the discussion and are known as knowledgeable, informative, friendly and engaged.

Let’s listen to these two smart women and work towards having more meaningful discussions. Who’s with me?

h/t Francis Thicke who posted the column on Facebook.

Scientia Pro Publica

Scientia Pro Publica is a rotating compilation of the best blog writing targeted to the public about science, medicine, the environment and technology intended to build and encourage a thriving virtual community of science communicators.

The authors of Biofortified are honored to be this month’s host. The entries span a wide range of scientific topics that defies summarization. You’ll just have to see for yourself. In no particular order, I present to you this month’s Scientia Pro Publica.

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We won!

Thanks to everyone who voted for Biofortified in the Ashoka Changemakers GMO Risk or Rescue contest. I’m delighted that so many people took the time to register and vote for science communication! Karl and I are really looking forward to our interview with Michael Pollan! Start thinking about questions you’d like us to ask

Please vote for Biofortified!

Genetic Maize is just one blog about genetic engineering that contributes to the group blog Biofortified. Scientist bloggers at Biofortified have all made a commitment to communicate with the public about GMOs.

Biofortified is in the running to win the Ashoka Changemakers contest, GMO Risk or Rescue. But we need your help! The grand prize is a $1500 grant and a conversation with Michael Pollan – both of which will help us to contribute to the global conversation about genetic engineering. If you read Genetic Maize or Biofortified and want to see bigger and better things, please take a couple minutes to register for Changemakers and enter your vote.

Please note that a vote for Biofortified is not a vote for genetic engineering – it is a vote for good science communication and for dialogue between non-scientists and scientists.

Their site is unfortunately awkward to navigate, so visit Biofortified for step-by-step instructions.

Thank you very much for your votes!