We are screwed. No really.

So we're slated to talk at the Londonist's Blogging Demystified event this Wed eve at the Apple Store on Regent Street. And. Um. We have no idea what to talk about. Seriously. So we thought we'd start with you dear inky circus goers and ask you: why the hell you come visit us.

This could be construed as fishing for a compliment but it's not. We're desperate. If you were in the audience, what would you want to know.

So pretty please with a cherry on top share your thoughts. And if you're in the hood come and stop by. There are some fab bloggers slated to impart their wisdom. Like the illustrious Tom Coates, hottie Annie Mole, and Tom Reynolds.

Thanks y'all.

Comments

[Jennifer Ouellette]

I check in regularly because we have a similar sensibility, frankly. :) A funny, irreverent, dare I say cheeky approach to what is all too often viewed as an earnest, elitest and intimidating field. The entries are short, punchy, with lots of helpful linkages to full articles or other online resources. As a science writer (and science blogger) myself, it's great to have easy access to that sort of thing. Plus, great photos...

I am alas not a Londoner -- I abide across the pond in Washington DC -- otherwise I'd be there cheering you on. Am sure you'll be great.

[Sean Carroll]

Science blogging by enthusiastic non-scientists is a fantastic use of the medium. In the pre-blogging world, scientists would (try to) explain their work to journalists, who would pass it along to the public -- a very one-way road. With blogs, there can be an actual conversation among people who are interested in science, whether or not they are ordained members of the academic priesthood. No reason why science shouldn't be fun and fascinating for everyone.

Let us know what you say, so I can steal stuff for the article about blogging that Jennifer O. has asked me to write!

[anna]

Thanks guys!!! And Sean, we'll send along our Powerpoint slides (they might be huge...).

Wish you all could come along. We'll take photos. Promise.

[science-woman]

Your posts are short, funny, educational, frequent, and not-dumbed-down-just-because-we're-girls. You've got a unique voice and something to say, and in the end that's what makes yours a great blog.

[Tom Coates]

I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to talk about which is proving to be a little worrying given that I've got about a day in which to figure it out.

[MT]

Mmm...sorry. I'm blanking. Isn't it about trying to be famous? Or about not having to be on TV in bikinis? Changing the world? Getting back at your parents? Sending hidden messages to your brothers in prison? Venting your inner cuteness online so you can be as ruthless as you have to be in the brick and mortar world?

[Jaimie]

What I would like to know: your process for finding topics for posts, and your general criteria for inclusion/exclusion of articles.

What I like about your site: the style of writing is sharp, and while it is not elitist, it's not patronizing either. It makes me feel like I'm expected to come to your blog with some knowledge and opinions of my own. Very cool -- teaching me stuff while acknowledging that I already know something.

[donna]

You post cool stuff. Duh. And I like to escape from the Merkins here in Merka.

[Andy Stout]

It's all about content: a) filtering it in the first place so you get the right stuff up (too eclectic a mix and the only people who'll ever read it are your friends) and b) then presenting it in an entertaining, well-written style.

There have been a couple of times recently where the web and his wife have covered the same story, but your take on it has been the one I've enjoyed most. Applause and lattes in Starbucks on Wardour Street all round.

[Annie - London Underground Blog]

My witterings about what I'm doing are here

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/themole7?p=158

although getting worried now

Your commenters have all made bloody good suggestions and I particularly like the idea of where the web and wife have reported on a story and that some blogs make the story different or funny - and that's a top point.

Glad I discovered your blog through doing this talk too and looking forward to meeting the three of you on Wednesday!

[Mariana]

I like your writing style; it makes me feel like I'm between friends. I'll be coming to the event to support my favourite bloggers. See you tomorrow!

[Peter]

Well wish I could be there but I am a bit far away.

Anyway I guess to learn what motivated you to do create this blog - how does it relate to other work you do and where do you think it will go in the future. Also probably your opinion of why women should care about science - and any stories of how you might have influenced women to get into science.

[dk.au]

I come here for the wit and brevity with a critical edge when it counts. Also it's nice to read poms who aren't whinging for a change :)

[Andy Stout]

Though in true grauniad reader style I'm starting to fret about using the phrase 'web and his wife'. I mean, that could be construed as being a bit paternalistic really...

Whatever...hope you knock 'em all dead tomorrow. More power to your elbows.

[sara]

I think your blog welcomes a sense of community among its readers, and this makes for an excellent forum to read and evaluate science for two reasons.

First, most popular science writing that I read in local papers and the like seems to report a 'scientific finding' as fact and leaves out the analysis of the methods, the potential impact the finding may have, and the context of the discovery. These are just as important as the finding itself.

Second, I think that it's nice to see issues in context of people's lives and the community format encourages this. It's just more fun to read.

[Alun]

At the risk of just adding me too, I'd agree the writing style is friendly. The selection of stories is good, and it's also timely, which is an oft-overlooked factor. Except for the economist April Fool, but that's still quicker than me. And as Sara points out, it's nice to read an opinion.

[Alun]

At the risk of just adding me too, I'd agree the writing style is friendly. The selection of stories is good, and it's also timely, which is an oft-overlooked factor. Except for the economist April Fool, but that's still quicker than me. And as Sara points out, it's nice to read an opinion.

[Kim]

I like blogs with lots of pictures (sorry, I'm a graphic designer). I agree with the above comments about your blog being funny, approachable, timely, and interesting. If I were in an audience, I'd like to know how much time you devote to the blog and how you maintain a balance between simply linking to other stuff on the web and adding your own perspective without it turning into an online diary. Also, what do you get out of it? Why do you spend time doing this? Does it have value beyond being just a hobby?

[the inkettes]

You guys are all so fantastic with sharing your thoughts. How encouraging. And it means so much to know that we're doing some stuff right. Really and truly.

Our talk tomorrow will definitely be better for all your comments now.

If you're around hope to meet you tomorrow.

Annie, Mariana, can't wait. Peter, wish you could make it. Andy, we're caffeine fiends and will take your offer of lattes to heart. Watch out. MT, damn you for seeing through our guises and bless you for making us laugh again.

Thanks everyone. You rock.

Like, you *really* rock.