Those scientists interested in the idea of starting a blog but who are unsure how to start, or even understandably nervous about the prospect, might like to read an excellent article at Real Climate blog, “”https://www.realclimate.org/index.php/archives/2009/03/advice-for-a-young-climate-blogger/“>advice for a young climate blogger”, which equally well applies to old bloggers in any field of science – your voice is needed. The article begins:

“Congratulations! You have taken the first step towards attempting to communicate your expertise and thoughts to the wider world, which remains poorly served by its traditional sources of information when it comes to complex societally relevant issues like climate change. Your aim to clarify the science (or policy options or ethical considerations or simply to explain your views) is a noble endeavor and we wish you luck and wide readership. But do be aware that you are dipping your blog into sometimes treacherous waters. ”https://initforthegold.blogspot.com/2009/03/for-second-day-in-row.html">Bad things can happen to good bloggers. So in a spirit of blog-camaraderie, and in light of our own experiences and observations, we offer some advice that may be of some help in navigating the political climate relatively unscathed."

Be honest to yourself and your readers about the parameters of your blog and your mission.

Know there are people who will misrepresent you for their own agendas, particularly in areas that have a clear ethical dimension, such as environmental or medical related research.

Be aware that the impact you might have is different from the impact you think you should have.

Don’t expect the world to be fair.

Don’t let completely unfounded critiques bother you.

Don’t defame people.

Correct mistakes.

Avoid using language that can deliberately be misquoted. This is hard, particularly as the nature of blog posts is that of a brief, possibly out of context, quotation – accompanied by a pithy remark.

Realize that although you speak for yourself, you will be perceived as writing for your field, or even the entire scientific community.

If you get caught in a blogstorm, it will pass.

Advice for a young climate blogger.

Advice to bloggers and other online contributers from Nature Network.