Nature on Science Blogs

Posted 5 July 2006 by Reed A. Cartwright

Nature, one of the top journals for scientific research, published an article today about the most popular science blogs. The Panda's Thumb came out number two, and Jack Krebs was quoted about our success:

Being a group blog is key, says contributor Jack Krebs, president of Kansas Citizens for Science. "We have some of the most well-informed observers and critics of the 'intelligent design' and creationist movements." The nature of the topic helps too, he adds. "There is an interest, a hunger even, for thoughtful analysis of the issues related to evolution and creationism."

In addition, PT contributor, PZ Myers, found his personal blog, Pharyngula as the most popular science blog. Over all, six of the top fifty science blogs were personal blogs of PT contributors.

Rank	Authorship	Blog
1	Paul Myers	Pharyngula
2	Group Blog	The Panda's Thumb
7	Tara Smith	Aetiology
18	John Lynch	Stranger Fruit
21	Jason Rosenhouse	EvolutionBlog
26	Mike Dunford	The Questionable Authority
30	John Wilkins	Evolving Thoughts

20 Comments

RBH · 5 July 2006

Does Wilkins count as a science blog? :)

RBH

hehe · 6 July 2006

PZ took the first place. Good; will make Lenny angry.

(shrug)

Inoculated Mind · 6 July 2006

Um.... why isn't the Bad Astronomer represented in this list? Does his blog not hook up with Technorati very well? There may be a bias in this report from Nature. (not personal bias... I figured other scientists would understand what I meant, but just in case)

Bob Carroll · 6 July 2006

Thanks for posting this. Somehow I missed John Lynch. The rest are at the top of my list, along with Pat Hayes' Red Street Rabble.

Bob Carroll · 6 July 2006

Oops, that's "Red State Rabble."

Tara · 6 July 2006

Um.... why isn't the Bad Astronomer represented in this list? Does his blog not hook up with Technorati very well? There may be a bias in this report from Nature. (not personal bias... I figured other scientists would understand what I meant, but just in case)

He's there, but he's listed under "writers" (along with Carl Zimmer and others) instead of scientists. I suppose that's based on his Bad Astronomy book, but it seems a bit odd to me.

wamba · 6 July 2006

Uh-huh. So how did the ID blogs rate? Or are religion blogs listed separately?

jeannot · 6 July 2006

Where is Dembski's "Uncommon Descent"? :P

steve s · 6 July 2006

Comment #110350 Posted by jeannot on July 6, 2006 01:57 PM (e) | kill Where is Dembski's "Uncommon Descent"? :P

Maybe there's a separate anti-science category?

David B. Benson · 6 July 2006

Congratulations to you all.

'Rev Dr' Lenny Flank · 6 July 2006

PZ took the first place. Good; will make Lenny angry.

How so? I've never had any gripe whatsoever with any of PZ's science. (shrug)

wildlifer · 6 July 2006

What? No TelicThoughts?

John Wilkins · 6 July 2006

Things are in a pretty pass when my blog is a popular science blog. I'm a philosopher, Jim!

[And you misspelled Mighrs]

Messenger of Julie Thomas · 7 July 2006

Julie Thomas will come back one day to make a blog which will be better than PZ Myer's blog!! Julie Thomas magically disappeared off of the Internet six years ago.

'Rev Dr' Lenny Flank · 7 July 2006

I'm a philosopher, Jim!

Dole Office Clerk: Occupation? Comicus: Stand-up philosopher. Dole Office Clerk: What? Comicus: Stand-up philosopher. I coalesce the vapors of human existence into a viable and meaningful comprehension. Dole Office Clerk: Oh, a *bullshit* artist! Comicus: Hmmmmmm... Dole Office Clerk: Did you bullshit last week? Comicus: No. Dole Office Clerk: Did you try to bullshit last week? Comicus: Yes! Sorry, John, couldn't resist. ;)

Henry J · 7 July 2006

Re "Sorry, John, couldn't resist."

What, ya think resistance is futile or something? :)

Popper's ghost · 8 July 2006

In addition, PT contributor, PZ Myers, found his personal blog, Pharyngula as the most popular science blog.

Even though he's an up-front atheist. Or is it because he's an up-front atheist? Keep up the good work, PZ, on all fronts.

Popper's ghost · 8 July 2006

How so? I've never had any gripe whatsoever with any of PZ's science.

But he doesn't just blog science, he also blogs about science and scientists and atheism and the relationship, and his post here that you chose to disrupt was about such an entry at his blog.

(shrug)

What exactly does that mean, other than "Hey everybody, I'm an ass"?

'Rev Dr' Lenny Flank · 8 July 2006

I am of course ignoring Popper's dick-waving. (shrug)

Popper's ghost · 11 July 2006

dick-waving

An interesting phrase, as it describes its very use.