Jason G. Goldman

We now live in a world where news spreads at the speed of Twitter and connections are measured in fans, likes, and followers. Social media and the  digital audience represent a vast new frontier for science communication. Some pioneers have paved the way, but many others are still wondering: How do I communicate science in an online format? How can this benefit my career as a science communicator? How do I avoid the pitfalls that leave so many discouraged?

Communicating science online is no longer an option; it’s a requirement. Science and science journalism are changing to meet the demands of an increasingly digital audience. In Science Blogging: The Essential Guide (Yale University Press, 2016), we draw on the cumulative experience of twenty-seven of the greatest minds in scientific blogging to create a comprehensive guide to science communication within today’s social media ecosystem.

“This collection of essays and tips, wisdom and insight on science blogging should be considered a must-read. From its all-star editors to its remarkable contributors, Science Blogging: The Essential Guide offers a range of information suited to everyone from those curious about starting a blog to practitioners looking for ways to improve. The word ‘essential’ is often overused but in this case, it suits perfectly.”

The editor of this year's edition of The Open Laboratory, Jason G. Goldman, put together a collection of 50 selected blog posts, 6 poems, 1 cartoon, showcasing the quality and diversity of science writing on blogs in 2010.

“Some of the smartest, best informed, and — yes — most entertaining writing about science today can be found in the vibrant community of science bloggers. Each year The Open Laboratory series performs an invaluable service by pulling together some of the highlights — proof that the best blog posts can and should be savored long after they’ve scrolled off the bottom of the screen.”

—Scott Rosenberg, author of Say Everything and Dreaming in Code, and Salon.com cofounder