Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs

Saunders, M. E., Duffy, M. A., Heard, S. B., Kosmala, M., Leather, S. R., McGlynn, T. P., Ollerton, J. and Parachnowitsch, A. L. (2017) Bringing ecology blogging into the scientific fold: measuring reach and impact of science community blogs. Royal Society Open Science. 4 2054-5703.

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Information
Abstract:
The popularity of science blogging has increased in recent years, but the number of academic scientists who maintain regular blogs is limited. The role and impact of science communication blogs aimed at general audiences is often discussed, but the value of science community blogs aimed at the academic community has largely been overlooked. Here, we focus on our own experiences as bloggers to argue that science community blogs are valuable to the academic community. We use data from our own blogs (n = 7) to illustrate some of the factors influencing reach and impact of science community blogs. We then discuss the value of blogs as a standalone medium, where rapid communication of scholarly ideas, opinions and short observational notes can enhance scientific discourse, and discussion of personal experiences can provide indirect mentorship for junior researchers and scientists from underrepresented groups. Finally, we argue that science community blogs can be treated as a primary source and provide some key points to consider when citing blogs in peer-reviewed literature.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Communication, science community, blogging, impact
Creators:
Saunders, M. E., Duffy, M. A., Heard, S. B., Kosmala, M., Leather, S. R., McGlynn, T. P., Ollerton, J. and Parachnowitsch, A. L.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Date:
4 October 2017
Date Type:
Publication
Journal or Publication Title:
Royal Society Open Science
Volume:
4
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1098/rsos.170957
ISSN:
2054-5703
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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