[ASC-list] Where is the ASC headed and top 10 reasons

Fri Nov 15 02:18:05 UTC 2013

Well run conferences make money. 

For example the 2007 conference injected $70,000 or so into the ASC bank balance (tripling it). 

Many organisations substantially subsidise their secretariats through their conference activities. 

Niall

________

Niall Byrne

Creative Director
Science in Public

82 Hudsons Road, Spotswood  Vic  3015
(PO Box 2076 Spotswood VIC 3015)
03 9398-1416, 03 9078-5398, 0417 131 977

niall at scienceinpublic.com.au
Twitter scienceinpublic
www.scienceinpublic.com.au  

-----Original Message-----
From: ASC-list [mailto:asc-list-bounces at lists.asc.asn.au] On Behalf Of Susan Kirk
Sent: Friday, 15 November 2013 13:12
To: asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au
Subject: [ASC-list] Where is the ASC headed and top 10 reasons

It seems to me there is a slight overlap of benefits here.  The question is do ASC members think they are getting these benefits or is/was this a wishlist?  

I agree members should be proactive and attend branch meetings etc but how to achieve this where members may also be located rurally, as is my case.

That is why I think we need to up the ante when it comes to online comms.  I agree with mobile science education I think we are putting all of our eggs into workshops and conferences, that even by the executive's admission don't make a profit or some years don't even break even.

Again I see there is no mention of a code of ethics in that list.

S

On 15/11/13 4:54 PM, "asc-list-request at lists.asc.asn.au"
<asc-list-request at lists.asc.asn.au> wrote:

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> Today's Topics:
> 
>    1. Re: Where's ASC headed? Was science or persuasion
>       (Nancy Longnecker)
>    2. Top 10 Reasons You Should Join Australian Science
>       Communicators (Nancy Longnecker)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 09:41:21 +0800
> From: Nancy Longnecker <nancy.longnecker at uwa.edu.au>
> To: Jess Tyler <jessyorta at gmail.com>
> Cc: Asc List <asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au>
> Subject: Re: [ASC-list] Where's ASC headed? Was science or persuasion
> Message-ID: <CEAB92CE.38A80%nancy.longnecker at uwa.edu.au>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252"
> 
> Yes, I'll bite too. It's great when we get passionate discussion on this list!
> 
> Like Jess, I've seen many cycles in ASC and participated in voluntary 
> capacity through both highs and lows of ASC. My perception is that ASC 
> is currently a healthy and active organisation, albeit small and run by volunteers.
> 
> Perhaps my perception is coloured by being member of a currently 
> active branch with regular events coordinated by a small but 
> significant band of enthusiastic members. My perception is also 
> fuelled by being part of behind-the-scenes national activity in lead 
> up to conference. From this perspective, ASC is flourishing.
> 
> An aside on the conference: Not everyone can get to them. I couldn't 
> attend the one in Sydney. But the biennial gathering of science 
> communicators for a face to face meeting is crucial. For me, attending 
> the Melbourne PCST conference changed the course of my career. It was 
> an eye opener to realise there were other people who were passionate 
> about communicating science. I know our conferences are unlikely to be 
> life-changing experiences most of the time, but they can have useful 
> and significant influence on development of collaborations, improved 
> professional practice and revitalisation of motivation to continue to make efforts that can otherwise seem unappreciated.
> They eat up a lot of resources. But least as much effort goes in to 
> local branches.
> 
> Depending on where you are, make an effort to go to your branch 
> activities and support the small band of people who are working hard 
> to put on worthwhile activities. What you get out is directly related to what you put in.
> 
> Another aside on code of ethics: I strongly agree with Julian's 
> assertion of the importance of a code of ethics. This is something 
> that I see developing at a pace too slow for some but developing 
> nonetheless. Not having an official code of ethics (yet) does not 
> prevent us progressing in parallel with the many fantastic initiatives that are happening around the country.
> 
> So the question ASC continues to face is: why pay a relatively low 
> membership fee to be part of a national organisation that is committed 
> to furthering professional development and recognition of those of us 
> who communicate science? I'll post in another email Top 10 Reasons You 
> Should Join ASC that the WA branch came up with years ago (courtesy Brendon Cant, from memory).
> 
> Kind regards, Nancy
> 
> Professor Nancy Longnecker
> Science Communication
> School of Animal Biology, M092
> The University of Western Australia
> 35 Stirling Highway
> Crawley, WA   6009
> 
> ph: 61 8 6488 3926
> nancy.longnecker at uwa.edu.au
> 
> www.animals.uwa.edu.au/research/science-communication
> www.facebook.com/pages/UWA-Science-Communication/139535189461853
> skype: nancylongnecker
> 
> CRICOS Provider No. 00126G
> ________________________________________
> 
> 
> From: Jess Tyler <jessyorta at gmail.com<mailto:jessyorta at gmail.com>>
> Date: Friday, 15 November 2013 7:48 AM
> To: "Ian M." <ianmcd85 at hotmail.com<mailto:ianmcd85 at hotmail.com>>
> Cc: Susan Kirk <skirk at iprimus.com.au<mailto:skirk at iprimus.com.au>>, 
> Asc List <asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au<mailto:asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au>>
> Subject: Re: [ASC-list] Where's ASC headed? Was science or persuasion
> 
> I'll bite too.
> 
> AS a founding member and past Exec member, I"ve seen ASC go through 
> many, many iterations of how it presents to the world. Websites, 
> newsletters, ideas for people's pet projects, ideas for great 
> political change, ideas and projects that advance our cause. It all 
> comes and goes in the natural cycle of life in a non-professional volunteer industry representative group.
> 
> I've also seen a lot of people not turn up to events or give feedback. 
> Me included. I've seen states work so hard on initiatives that flop 
> through lack of interest. I coordinated here in Tasmania for 14 years 
> and tried every thing I could think of to engage members and I ended 
> up stepping aside because I was exhausted from the effort for no gain and with little support.
> 
> I've also seen a lot of people complain but not do anything or 
> volunteer anything.
> 
> ASC constantly asks what members want.
> 
> And many of us do put up project proposals that don't get acted upon, 
> but this is life. Because it is a voluntary group, with scant 
> resources, and as usual, only the solid few have the energy and drive 
> outside their day jobs to put effort in on a consistent basis.
> 
> I have my times of loving/hating ASC, but it has never failed to 
> strive for its objectives, and it is the only group in Australia with 
> a charter to advance the profession of science communication in 
> society. I will always support its existence, even though I don't always support individual tactics.
> This is part of a growing and developing organisation.
> 
> I would happily pay double my membership fee if that meant equipping 
> the nat exec with the resources it needs to reach to the next level. 
> Hell, I'd even triple it. This is my profession and I want to belong 
> to a group of people who are 'my' people.
> 
> If you don't like the ASC-media list, or SCOPE, don't subscribe to it 
> - we are a democracy - and see it for what it is: a posting list for 
> media items to whoever wants to look.
> 
> If you want to communicate about communicating - go ahead!
> 
> But please don't bag out the organisation and the people who work so hard.
> 
> Jess Tyler
> SciBiz Media & Communications
> ASC Founding Member #71
> 
> 
> 
> Jess Tyler
> SciBiz Media & Communications
> M: 0408 298 292
> 
> 
> On Fri, Nov 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM, Ian M.
> <ianmcd85 at hotmail.com<mailto:ianmcd85 at hotmail.com>> wrote:
> I'll bite....
> 
> Knowing a little bit about how the ASC runs, being actively involved 
> over the past 3 years - to post onto the ASC e-lists you need to be a 
> member but to receive the emails posted to the list - you don't...so 
> potentially people who are emailing you back privately aren't members but want to reply?
> 
> I agree the list should be about us starting discussions, learning 
> about events in your region and getting advice from those in the 
> field....obviously the media list should be kept to media releases and promoting science.
> 
> I hope someone from the exec replies but I know that alot of the 
> things you have suggested such as website and professionalism are well 
> underway and I also look forward to hearing of the progress as well  - 
> potentially at National AGM. Which - just to remind you the ACT branch 
> is hosting on the 29th of November, so hopefully local members can come along if in Canberra.
> 
> I disagree with your comment on the Scope Newsletter - what is the 
> justification for saying it's a flop? I thoroughly enjoy recieving it 
> each month and think more members should contribute. Plus I always 
> read a message from the National President giving us updates on 
> national activities -
> http://www.asc.asn.au/blog/2013/11/02/presidents-update-rocketing-towa
> rds-the- end-of-the-year-agm-and-members-abroad/
> 
> As for members not being involved in events - the ACT branch ran 
> multiple events this year targeted at members and didn't get a great 
> response - so this is something our committee is working on, the age 
> old question - what do members want?
> 
> How do we best target events for our members? Do members want more 
> webinars rather then events you have to physically attend?
> 
> We are using ASC money after all to run these, so we want to make sure 
> that members are happy with what we are doing.
> 
> As Susan stated, join in, it is a great way to learn from each other - 
> we are all a friendly bunch and if you are worried about posting from 
> your work email
> - post from a personal email.
> 
> Ian
> 
> Dr Ian McDonald
> Science writer and presenter
> 
> E:ianmcd85 at hotmail.com<mailto:ianmcd85 at hotmail.com>
> M: 0439 746 556
> Twitter: @ianmcd85
> Skype: ianmcd85
> 
> ABN: 91 575 957 824
> 
> 
> ________________________________
> Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 08:23:11 +1000
> From: skirk at iprimus.com.au<mailto:skirk at iprimus.com.au>
> 
> To: asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au<mailto:asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au>
> Subject: [ASC-list] Where's ASC headed? Was science or persuasion
> 
> I think Charles has a valid point..  ASC is beginning to look like 
> Food4media or TravMedia.
> 
> Maybe we should do what some other associations do and charge a 
> premium for these media release postings? They are after all 
> advertising.  I think there are other better places to get media 
> release, AusSMC, Eureka, Google alerts are a few of the places I subscribe and of course science direct topic alerts.
> 
> I personally would like to see more communication about communication 
> on this list.  I know you can take the horse to water etc. But why 
> don't members feel comfortable airing their bits on here?  So many 
> times people have responded to me off the list.  I feel like shouting.  Keep it on the list.
> 
> I would also like to see more communication from the executive on this list.
> We haven't heard anything about the new website.  We keep employing 
> scope editors and the newsletter keeps flopping.  We keep talking 
> about becoming more professional but what's happening to our charter and code of ethics?
> 
> Members are not involved in any of the communications for any of the 
> events or funding or anything really, the only communication comes 
> from those few that can be bothered to raise questions or liaise on the list.
> 
> I repeat.  We can't operate in a vacuum.
> 
> Please don't email me off the list with your replies.  Keep it on the list.
> 
> 
> S
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Susan Fairbairn (nee Kirk)   B.comm  freelance Journalist
> Member and Queensland Web Editor -  Australian Science Communicators 
> (ASC) Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA)
> tel:+61 7 5478 6761<tel:%2B61%207%205478%206761> | mobile:0414645953 | 
> email:susan at susankirk.com.au<http://susan@susankirk.com.au>
> www.susankirk.com.au<http://www.susankirk.com.au> |  Skype: susanakirk 
> |
> Tweet: @SusanAKirk
> Facebook group: Plant Power
> 
> ?If you don?t ask the right questions you won?t get the right answers.?
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list 
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> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 09:41:27 +0800
> From: Nancy Longnecker <nancy.longnecker at uwa.edu.au>
> To: Asc List <asc-list at lists.asc.asn.au>
> Subject: [ASC-list] Top 10 Reasons You Should Join Australian Science 
> Communicators
> Message-ID: <CEAB9CC7.38B06%nancy.longnecker at uwa.edu.au>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Top 10 Reasons You Should Join Australian Science Communicators
> 
> 1. Connect with a network of professionals from a wide range of 
> science communication related fields 2. Discover new ways to 
> communicate science to benefit you and your audience 3. Receive the 
> latest news on research and events from the world of science and 
> communication 4. Gain useful knowledge and skills from presentations, 
> workshops and discussion sessions 5. Learn the art and science of 
> communication through a professional network 6. Establish professional 
> and business contacts 7. Enjoy access to great local and international 
> scientists and communicators 8. Be informed of the latest developments 
> in communication, including technology and techniques 9. Share your 
> work, experiences and opportunities with a network extending through 
> Australia and the world 10. Join a group of people passionate about 
> communicating the importance, relevance and excitement of science
> 
> This list of reasons to join ASC was produced when we had a very 
> similar discussion years ago in the WA branch. My memory (not totally 
> reliable) is that Brendon Cant drafted these and other members 
> contributed. It's great to see that currently there is strong branch 
> and national activity in ASC. At the time (early naughties), a small 
> group of WA members was trying to reinvigorate a branch that was at a 
> low point and in danger of total atrophy. One deeply embarassing 
> moment for me personally was when a handful of members turned up for a 
> guest speaker who was invited because he was a published science 
> writer but had been in a rock band in the UK in a previous life. He 
> graciously persisted but likened presenting to the ASC-WA branch to 
> some of his early gigs when the band played to a pub manager and a few hangers on. Cringe. We persevered and membership doubled over the space of a couple of years.
> 
> The point here is: support your branch; support your national 
> executive. Go along to things, even if you're tired and just want to 
> go home. It won't happen in every instance, but you will get things 
> out of participating.You may not realise how important your presence 
> is to support those volunteers making the effort to organise things on 
> your behalf. And you can always decide to get more involved, help organise something or even join the local committee.
> 
> I've used some of the tips for editing your own work suggested in 
> recent list discussion to check for typos, but apologies if I didn't 
> catch them all. ;)
> 
> Cheers, Nancy
> 
> Professor Nancy Longnecker
> Science Communication
> School of Animal Biology, M092
> The University of Western Australia
> 35 Stirling Highway
> Crawley, WA   6009
> 
> ph: 61 8 6488 3926
> nancy.longnecker at uwa.edu.au
> 
> www.animals.uwa.edu.au/research/science-communication
> www.facebook.com/pages/UWA-Science-Communication/139535189461853
> skype: nancylongnecker
> 
> CRICOS Provider No. 00126G
> ________________________________________
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