Re: Steve's pages ARE science

I also wanted to chime in here.  As a newbie, Steves pages are an incredibly valuable resource.  Since he has no obligation to mask his findings and understanding in the obscure and dense language of what is currently accepted as 'scientific literature', he presents an unparalleled resource for the novice, as well as promulgating recent findings and advances in a format that is accessible.  This allows the uninitiated to think more clearly about the subject, and stimulates new thoughts and ideas.  This in turn promotes further inquiry, and serves the purposes of both scientist and hobbyist.
 
The fact that he is willing to pursue and perform the translation required is remarkable, and admirable.  He takes a fact based approach and investigates the latest info available (which may run counter to the 'conventional wisdom' in the trade), and that sets his pages apart and above many other hobbyist pages.
 
In my opinion, scientists would do themselves and the world a great favor by promoting their findings in a format that allows the layperson to understand what knowlege has been gained.  To do otherwise runs the risk of continuing the trajectory of anti-science that is currently rising in our society.  I think Steves pages are a great model for communicating what would otherwise be obscure and somewhat sterile knowlege and transforming that knowlege into something enjoyable and useful.
Chad


Message: 1
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:02:28 -0400
From: ted.held@us.henkel.com
Subject: [Aroid-l] Steve's pages ARE science
To: Discussion of aroids
Message-ID:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

That Steve`s pages, which offer correct information to collectors are
available on line is, I am certain, gratifying to science.

Good Growing,

Julius


Let me weigh in on Steve and his wonderful notes. There is science of the
sort buried in little-read journal papers. And then there is the
promulgation of knowledge to a wider and interested audience.

To me Steve is an amazingly unselfish person. He adopts the completely
constructive approach of allowing unlimited comment and correction. This
is also science. It is true to the notion that scientific opinion is
conditional on new information coming in. What emerges is a living source,
populated by expert opinion and the best photographs anywhere.

We will probably never get all the ducks in a row for the naming of
commercial offerings. But a public source that is open to the best
available ID work is a blessing to us all. For those who care will always
be interested.

Let me put in a cheer for the Exotic Rainforest.

Ted.

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