The Best Writing on Science Blogs 2007 (And Us)

In the beginning of 2007, the indefatigable Bora Zivkovic compiled a collection of 50 selected blog posts showcasing the quality and diversity of writing on science blogs in 2006. This volume, The Open Laboratory: The Best Writing on Science Blogs 2006, was not only an outstanding representation of how exceptional science blogging can be but also served to extend the reach of worthy science writing to new audiences more comfortable with books than blogs.

This venture turned out to be so successful that Bora, along with Reed Cartwright and the help of a dynamite team of judges, has finalized the selections for the second anthology, Open Laboratory 2007. Check out the power-packed roster of contributing authors, truly a murderer’s row of online science writers, and you’ll notice a distinguished addition to this estimable assemblage.

10,000 Birds!

That’s right, I’m very proud to announce that Charlie’s impassioned encomium to the Passenger Pigeon, In Memory of Martha has been chosen for inclusion in Open Laboratory 2007. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll point out that I was one of the judges for this project (not to say I’m dynamite like the rest of them!) but my participation was not at all a factor in the selection of Charlie’s post. His writing is simply that good. But I can tell you that, considering the high quality of the 468 submissions for this anthology, inclusion is a high honor indeed.

Please join me in congratulating Charlie for this singular achievement. I for one have always found him to be one of the most engaging, incisive, and principled writers anywhere (and let’s not even talk about his photography) and applaud any outlet that extends his work to new readers! Let’s also offer an ovation to Bora, Reed, and everyone else involved in steering this project to completion. Much of the final judging took place over the last two weeks during a hectic holiday season. Yet, Bora fully expects the book to be ready and printed by the time the 2nd Science Blogging Conference starts on January 18. I’m sure you’re as eager as I am to see the published product. Say tuned…