Citizens are cognitive misers, meaning they rely on images and short cuts rather than knowledge to make up their minds about issues. It might run counter to democratic ideals and what scientists might prefer, but it's reality. One of the dominant heuristics is humor, as evidenced by the popularity of The Daily Show, and the impact of late night comedy on political campaigns.
So on the issue of climate change, how do you take into account this human tendency while also maximizing use of viral marketing techniques and new media platforms like YouTube? Well the Save Santa campaign is one leading example. Go to their site, BUT FIRST press play above.
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As I like to say, when it comes to science debates, the public is far more likely to be miserly in reaching a judgment than fully informed. Most citizens are cognitive misers relying heavily on information short cuts and heuristics to make up their minds about a science controversy, often in the…
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Obviously the Rabett Chorale did not pass through your neighborhood with anonymuse's songs of good cheer and dirty old men (comments) and sea shanties (bottom of post)
Eli leaves you with a couple of verses from the middle song
When the windowshades are falling,
cuz it's hotter'n hell outside,
the think tank wank comes calling,
to take you for a ride.
In the local paper you will find him,
and on blogs and websites too,
it's the AGW denier
getting rich while your grandkids get screwed.