links for 2009-06-21

[archerships]

• Learn how to make a screenshot / take-a-screenshot.org
  How to take a screenshot in Mac OS X
  (tags: tools/software screenshot)
• Technology Review: Blogs: Information Processing: Why are modern scientists so dull?
  Question: why are so many leading modern scientists so dull and lacking in scientific ambition?

  Answer: because the science selection process ruthlessly weeds-out interesting and imaginative people. At each level in education, training and career progression there is a tendency to exclude smart and creative people by preferring Conscientious and Agreeable people. The progressive lengthening of scientific training and the reduced independence of career scientists have tended to deter vocational ârevolutionaryâ scientists in favour of industrious and socially adept individuals better suited to incremental ânormalâ science. High general intelligence (IQ) is required for revolutionary science. But educational attainment depends on a combination of intelligence and the personality trait of Conscientiousness; and these attributes do not correlate closely.

  (tags: selfhelp genius, science)

Original: craschworks - comments

Comments

[pacotelic.livejournal.com]

re: 2nd link: YES

[inpetto.livejournal.com]

As someone who abandoned the career science career path more than once, I can surely say "Yes", too.

For certain kinds of small budget science, I think alternative funding models are already helping. For example, FQXi, private donations, or contract work. Doesn't help much for big budget science, like experimental physics.