…and this is a 
Any grad students or post-docs reading this site?
Category: Academics
Posted on: July 8, 2008 8:30 AM, by PZ Myers
Social networking sites are getting to be a dime-a-dozen — I'm getting invitations to join new ones all the time. Here's one that gets at least one thing right: Graduate Junction. They are specifically aimed at a narrow clientele, which at least adds a little focus to their group. In this case, it's a network for graduate students and post-doctoral researchers — at least they've all got shared goals and shared miseries they can talk about.
Comments
I joined this site last week...it's still pretty new so not enough people yet. So everyone needs to join if they're a grad student and spread the word around.
It has great potential I think...since there are groups for things like 'evolutionary genetics' and more can be created. Also, the best thing, which should be implemented soon, is a section on conferences. I always hate showing up to those things not knowing anyone and this could be a good way to meet people and arrange meetings in person.
And, though OT, there's another potentially great one at http://www.atheistnexus.org/
It's also very new but seems to be growing fast. I think I'll stop using myspace and facebook (which I only use to talk to people I knew years ago anyway) in favor of these two which are more relevant and focused.
Posted by: molecanthro | July 8, 2008 8:52 AM
I joined the Atheist Nexus a couple days ago and already have a good discussion on jobs in atheism going on! It looks very promising. Anyone joining feel free to add me as a friend!
Posted by: kevin zelnio | July 8, 2008 10:06 AM
Thanks for that heads-up, PZ, and to molecanthro and k. zelnio for the Atheist Nexus sites. I've already joined the GJ (anyone here interested in physical acoustics, network theory, lithic analysis, biophysics, statistical physics, etc.?) and may join AN, too.
Posted by: co | July 8, 2008 10:11 AM
Get off Teh Interwebs and get back to work! Finish that assay. I want to discuss the collated results with you in my office before noon.
Posted by: Your PI | July 8, 2008 11:52 AM
The only *useful* social networking site that I've seen is LinkedIn. Sure, Facebook is a fun way to share photos, but you wouldn't want an employer to see the crap people write on your Wall. But my wife and I both found jobs through LinkedIn.
/advertisement
Posted by: factician | July 8, 2008 12:12 PM
Elitist bastards!
Posted by: Patricia | July 8, 2008 12:37 PM
Ooh, this looks good. Thanks PZ!
Posted by: Charles | July 8, 2008 12:57 PM
Robert O`Brien is a grad student .
Posted by: RT NZ | July 8, 2008 4:30 PM
Thanks for pointing this out. I just set up and account. There aren't a lot of members yet, but this could be really cool.
Posted by: Jim RL | July 8, 2008 4:37 PM
Heh, I was just going to ask if the Graduate Junction features automated "get back to work!" warnings.
Posted by: windy | July 8, 2008 4:46 PM
About to finish a Master's degree, not in biology though (which is a minor to me); I'll probably pick biology up as a third study after having obtained my degree.
And this junction(junktion?) site does not appeal to me at all. Yours however does!
Posted by: Anon | July 8, 2008 5:13 PM
This is pretty neat! Thanks for the link!
Posted by: Joanna | July 8, 2008 5:26 PM
My wife is going to love this. Now I can complain about my captivity to someone other than her.
Posted by: KF | July 8, 2008 5:52 PM
Thanks alot for linking to this PZ. I've joined up - loks like it has lots of potential!
Posted by: LisaJ | July 8, 2008 7:46 PM
I would like a site for those of us still plugging through undergrad, as well. As site where we could discuss Academia with grad students, post docs, and professors, and gain some insight into our future fields.
Posted by: Donovan | July 9, 2008 2:23 AM
Well I joined under the name "SomeDanGuy". I figured we might want to see what other readers are signing up, so I made a group called "Pharyngulites" if anyone wants to join that. I'd be interested to see the research interests represented by readers here.
Posted by: Dan | July 9, 2008 2:59 PM
Dan - I joined your group, too! I'm Seamyst (duh).
Posted by: Seamyst | July 11, 2008 9:43 PM