The question:
How is it that all the PIs (Tara, PZ, Orac et al.), various grad students, post-docs, etc. find time to fulfill their primary objectives (day jobs) and blog so prolifically?
The answer:
Since I'm still an undergrad, I suppose I fall under the "etc" category, here. I can't say that blogging interferes with my studies; rather, I think it enhances them. In some cases, I've taken a paper or a project, and transformed it into a blog post or series. (Like this.) I've yet to find a professor who minds; most seem to appreciate a well-written paper accompanied by charts and images.
Now, what is "prolific?" I tend to do fewer, but longer posts. Others, who do five or six posts a day, might be considered more prolific. It depends on perspective, I suppose. 
Then, there is "day job", which indicates some form of economic reimbursement. Er... I don't have that. My earnings come in the form of sloppy kisses and button pictures. However, I'd certainly consider parenting my "primary objective" as well as my biggest challenge. Posting goes something like this:
[type, type, blog, blog...]
Mommy!!! Come look at this cool thing I built!!
Just a moment, honey, let me finish typing this.
[type one half of a sentence]
Mommy!! Aren't you coming down to see my building?
Yes, but please, wait one minute.
[type one word]
Mommy! Can I have a glass of orange juice?
You might see where it becomes a challenge. I wouldn't trade jobs with anyone, though. My son will be going to kindergarten this fall, and I'll miss having him around in the day. While he sometimes slows down the blogging process, he often inspires, as well. He loves to watch (and help) as I make fractals or work with photoshop. When he looked over my shoulder at my petroglyph pictures, he offered some rather interesting interpretations for a few of the symbols.
I suppose, in the end, the same things that hinder the blogging process also inspire.
- Log in to post comments