Open Letter to Popular Science
- At December 13, 2004
- By Bob Howe
- In Blog Posts
2
December 13, 2004
Mark Jannot, Editor
Popular Science
Dear Mr. Jannot:
I was a reader of Popular Science in my twenties. I recently re-subscribed on a whim, when some local school kids on a magazine drive rang my doorbell. My first issue arrived today (January 2005), and the first thing I read was your editorial, “Political Science.” I was pleased, and a little surprised, frankly, to see the words “political” “science” and “journalistic integrity” in the same piece.
I’m a science fiction writer, and one of the prime requirements of the trade is knowing the difference between science and fiction. I think it’s a distinction that Americans are increasingly unqualified to make, for a variety of reasons, including watered-down science curricula in primary and secondary schools, and a mass media that is increasingly fearful of boring its audience or alienating those whose political and religious beliefs make empiricism a four-letter word.
I applaud your editorial stance, especially since it may cost you readers. I will encourage my friends and acquaintances to subscribe to Popular Science.
Best Wishes,
Bob Howe
shunn
Was this an editorial about the necessity of moving the magazine away from its traditional non-political editorial cant? If so, I read and applauded the same editorial, though it seems as if it’s been a few weeks. Anyway, wholeheartedly agree with your open letter.
Funny thing—I subscribed to Popular Science a few years ago as part of a Police Athletic League fundraiser.
admin
Was this an editorial about the necessity of moving the magazine away from its traditional non-political editorial cant?
The gist of it, in my opinion, is “Hey, we’re not politicizing science: we’re just reporting the facts.” Jannot writes: