In theory...

Theorists think of observations and data a bit like businesses think of science and technology: it happens, apparently effortlessly, and is available for free as needed or on demand.

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Mediocre theorists think as you describe. Good theorists understand the limitations of available data. The best theorists will ask their observational/experimentalist colleagues, "What do we need to do to measure X?"

Unfortunately, too many of the theorists out there are mediocre.

By Eric Lund (not verified) on 20 Dec 2011 #permalink

This attitude seems common among those doing optical transient searches. Demanding to see triggers regardless of their significance and then scolding fellow observers for being hesitant about open data releases is NOT a way to win friends.

By hanfordgrad (not verified) on 21 Dec 2011 #permalink