Looking back at last week's post, I realised that I was quite forceful in my opinion. I really wanted to get my point across. I wanted the world to know that I am dead set against allocating organs to only those already registered to donate, and why. But what makes my opinion matter? Who cares what I say anyway? To the scientific world, I'm a nobody.........................
According to Gopen & Swan (1990), the purpose of scientific writing is not to merely present information and thoughts or to convert data into sentences and paragraphs, but rather to actually communicate to an audience in a way that lets the majority of them perceive exactly what the author had in mind.
My blog is now under scrutiny by the whole world via the world wide web. That puts my thoughts and information out there, before a public audience. They now have access to my thinking and just like a planted seed that may grow into a tree, that planted information may grow and expand another individual's line of thought. I read scientific research and it broadens my thinking, therefore a seed is planted in that area and I may or may not change my view on that topic, depending on my perception of what was written. When I read an article in the newspaper or someone's opinion on social media on a specific topic, a different seed is planted. Again, I may or may not change my view on that topic, depending on how well the author discussed what was written.
In answer to my questions above; once information is made public, it becomes important because somewhere, somehow, someone is reading and taking note of what was said, true or false, relevant or irrelevant, it makes an impact. Hopefully, in my case, it will be a positive impact.
Gopen, G.D. & Swan, J.A. (1990). The Science of Scientific Writing.
American Scientist 78(6). 550-558. Retrieved from:
http://www.jstor.org/stable/29774235?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Wow. I really, really, enjoyed this post. It makes you stop to consider what happens to information after you write it, and the many lives, and opinions you can influence. It really makes me think just how important it is that the information - while filtered through the authors opinion, needs to be clear and factual. I feel like writing is a way to not only portray your opinion and your thoughts, but also to educate. While people's opinions may not change, the will become aware that other opinions exist. There are many, many, many, ways to look at every single issue on this planet!
ReplyDeleteAmazing right to the pint post, i liked that you can and do have the right attitude about helping people see a diffrent side of researching information. And yes i to have found by taking the time to read in depth its opened up my mind to want to reasearch alot more and about all sorts of things thanks for this awesome post.
ReplyDeleteAwesome Mel, get straight to the point! I like your no fuss way of writing. Good to see you read science mags. Are you comfortable with having your thoughts on the world wide web now that your blog has been posted?
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