I understand why you’re saying that, but I would say that scientific terms shouldn’t be changed just to appeal to the lowest common denominator. That isn’t science, that’s PR.
Now we do have a lack of good science communicators. A lot of people don’t like Neil DeGrasse-Tyson, although there seems to be less hate for Bill Nye. We sure could use a guy like Carl Sagan these days though. I think what Sagan really understood and was able to do in a way that people who came after him just couldn’t replicate was getting people to understand science through the wonder of it all. To show them that the real universe is a far more interesting place than anything they might read in any book of fiction from thousands of years ago.
The article that was posted earlier today about how oil and gas firms are twisting scientists words to make “uncertainty” (which is a confidence interval, not “we’re not sure”) I’m pretty sure we need to stop using certain words. At this point, PR is a major part of scientists jobs. Just like managing communications is a major part of programmers jobs, even though there’s a huge belief that programmers can’t talk to others. I won’t hire someone who can’t work with nor communicate with others. The same should apply to scientists.
(I feel like I should point out that I don’t think either of them are wrong for having a bit of an ego. It’s really hard to be right all the time and surrounded by a sea of idiots without turning into an exasperated jerk – frankly, I think they should both be commended for resisting assholery as well as they do.)
I honestly barely pay attention to BIll Nye because I used to watch him on Almost Live, so it’s basically impossible for me to take him seriously, so you’re asking the wrong person.
Admittedly, I never watched Bill Nye Saves the World, so I don’t know firsthand how egotistical (or otherwise) he was. But still, that title alone says something…
I did watch the obscure Planet Green show Living with Ed, however, in which Bill Nye was portrayed as the rival/antagonist and kind of an asshole. Who knows how much that was being played up for the camera, though.
I probably would as well, but Sagan didn’t and that’s a skill that’s very hard to master. Unfortunately, that’s also a very necessary skill when trying to communicate science with people ready to attack you.
I understand why you’re saying that, but I would say that scientific terms shouldn’t be changed just to appeal to the lowest common denominator. That isn’t science, that’s PR.
Now we do have a lack of good science communicators. A lot of people don’t like Neil DeGrasse-Tyson, although there seems to be less hate for Bill Nye. We sure could use a guy like Carl Sagan these days though. I think what Sagan really understood and was able to do in a way that people who came after him just couldn’t replicate was getting people to understand science through the wonder of it all. To show them that the real universe is a far more interesting place than anything they might read in any book of fiction from thousands of years ago.
The article that was posted earlier today about how oil and gas firms are twisting scientists words to make “uncertainty” (which is a confidence interval, not “we’re not sure”) I’m pretty sure we need to stop using certain words. At this point, PR is a major part of scientists jobs. Just like managing communications is a major part of programmers jobs, even though there’s a huge belief that programmers can’t talk to others. I won’t hire someone who can’t work with nor communicate with others. The same should apply to scientists.
I wonder white the difference could be?
I’m sure that’s it for some people and I personally like him, but he does have a bit of an ego on him and I think that turns people off.
Is Bill Nye’s ego not at least as large, though?
(I feel like I should point out that I don’t think either of them are wrong for having a bit of an ego. It’s really hard to be right all the time and surrounded by a sea of idiots without turning into an exasperated jerk – frankly, I think they should both be commended for resisting assholery as well as they do.)
I honestly barely pay attention to BIll Nye because I used to watch him on Almost Live, so it’s basically impossible for me to take him seriously, so you’re asking the wrong person.
Admittedly, I never watched Bill Nye Saves the World, so I don’t know firsthand how egotistical (or otherwise) he was. But still, that title alone says something…
I did watch the obscure Planet Green show Living with Ed, however, in which Bill Nye was portrayed as the rival/antagonist and kind of an asshole. Who knows how much that was being played up for the camera, though.
Bill’s TV career started in sketch comedy (hence me being unable to take him seriously), so I wouldn’t be shocked if it was played up for the cameras.
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I probably would as well, but Sagan didn’t and that’s a skill that’s very hard to master. Unfortunately, that’s also a very necessary skill when trying to communicate science with people ready to attack you.