I am wondering how other users deal with the “when worlds collide” event of True Scientists vs Citizens. An example of this is when a member tries to id something for another member, only to be given a lecture, or curt remark, a disempowering comment or given reference to a scientific paper that ju…

I think it can help to assume that the writer is simply being efficient in the way they express themselves, and either doesn’t know how to be more diplomatic, or just doesn’t feel like taking the time. Being diplomatic doesn’t come naturally to everyone… that doesn’t reflect on you at all, so it’s …

A person does not even need to be a prof or a professional to run into this. I have spent a lot of time identifying the NA moth genus Feltia (or at least four of the confusing species). I’ve even made a Wiki to explain. I get the same ID mistakes over and over again. So yes, it can be frustrating. I…

Ha! No. (Besides, I won’t remember that name for more than 15 minutes.)

Oh, I just assumed after looking at the most reported species (mallard, honeybee, monarch, lady bug, etc) that the way it works is still like a popularity contest. :grinning:

Yes, I couldn’t believe it when I started receiving requests for ID because I was considered the second best identifier of Irpex lacteus :grinning:

[image] Shauns: Just say thank you that the person has given you added intel you did not plan on. That is how we all learn. I was going to say something much like this. :smiling_face: “Thank you” is always an appropriate response.

thanks for all the suggestions, insights and humor! :smiley:

I love when I get an extra comment on an ID or an ID correction, even if very brief/curt. It feels like winning the Lotto. (OK, maybe not a million dollars good but at least free ticket good. :wink:) I interpret it as: “You’ve made a mistake. I’m correcting it, but I also think you show enough promi…

That’s why I said “not necessarily”

People hate not knowing stuff, and people hate being told so. (Homo sapiens are all like that btw.: we hate insecurity.) So as a “scientist” I always try to point out that more often than not there is no simple answer in the way a layperson would prefer it, be it on topics like climate, pollution …

There is yet another thing I wanted to mention: if a correction sounds impolite, aggressive or plain weird to you, you might consider that this guy could be dealing with serious issues. There are quite a few high functioning autistic or aspergerian taxonomists. Others are dealing with chronical pain…

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General

matt227 November 13, 2021, 12:43am 42

thanks for all the suggestions, insights and humor!

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