Write Boring Science Lit
From: How to write Consistently Boring Scientific Literature
Table 1. Top-10 list of recommendations for writing consistently
boring publications.
Avoid focus
Avoid originality and personality
Write l o n g contributions
Remove implications and speculations
Leave out illustrations
Omit necessary steps of reasoning
Use many abbreviations and terms
Suppress humor and flowery language
Degrade biology to statistics
Quote numerous papers for trivial statements
The previous quotation is from a paper or article by Kaj Sand-Jensen of the Freshwater Biological Laboratory, Univ. of Copenhagen, Denmark. I wasn't quite sure if it is a serious academic piece or meant to be a humorous send-up of serious academic literature. It hauntingly reminded me of working on the thesis for my M.A. Otherwise, I think Sand-Jensen's points are well-taken directions for any nonfiction writing, especially anything meant to persuade others or to support a point of view (like op-ed articles, letters to the editor and personal essays).
Table 1. Top-10 list of recommendations for writing consistently
boring publications.
Avoid focus
Avoid originality and personality
Write l o n g contributions
Remove implications and speculations
Leave out illustrations
Omit necessary steps of reasoning
Use many abbreviations and terms
Suppress humor and flowery language
Degrade biology to statistics
Quote numerous papers for trivial statements
The previous quotation is from a paper or article by Kaj Sand-Jensen of the Freshwater Biological Laboratory, Univ. of Copenhagen, Denmark. I wasn't quite sure if it is a serious academic piece or meant to be a humorous send-up of serious academic literature. It hauntingly reminded me of working on the thesis for my M.A. Otherwise, I think Sand-Jensen's points are well-taken directions for any nonfiction writing, especially anything meant to persuade others or to support a point of view (like op-ed articles, letters to the editor and personal essays).
Labels: information, reference, writing
posted by Georganna Hancock M.S. | 8:02 AM
3 Comments:
So very true! I'm not sure that I could write a scientific piece as I probably wouldn't be able to put all of the information together to create a compelling work.
On the other hand, I don't mind breaking down complex information and simplifying it for the masses. Provided, of course, I understand what is being said in the first place.
Congrats on getting added to Maria's blogroll - well deserved! I've linked you on my blog as well, such a fount of info here...
This ditty caught my attention... by day I write these 'boring' scientific-type articles, at night (and early morning) I turn on the other side of my brain and write my fiction and poetry. Makes me feel a bit schizophrenic at times. This left-right brain dichotomy is one of the paradoxes I explore on my blog. It is important in all writing to tell a compelling story, for scientific writing is as 'creative' as other forms and genres of writing.
Peace, Linda (aka drwasy from the forums)
Thanks for your comment, Matthew. Synthesizing complex, technical (often medical) info into ordinary language was my strength as a newspaper writer. But when I went home, I couldn't write creatively for anything. Linda, I really admire you for being able to work with both sides of your brain! I also see we have several characteristics in common. Thanks for the kudos & link.
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