Nature Network is one year old today! And to just think, I remember it when it was yaaaay big (picture very closely apposed hands).
It all started a long time ago, in a land far far away. Ok, it was about a year and a half ago in Cambridge, MA (which for any devout Boston dweller may as well be a land far far away). I found myself attending a launch party for a new Nature initiative, Nature Network, at the Museum of Science (MoS) – I was invited along by a very good friend who is a bigwig in the Harvard Biotech Club. At that time, I had very little knowledge of the wide world of science blogging and absolutely no concept of social networking sites and what services they provide. I was a science blogging NNNeophyte. (I know, it’s a cheap shot, but I couldn’t resist).
The MoS was all ours that night, filled with journalists, bloggers, scientists, and editors milling about, discussing science, blogging, science writing, and of course, Nature Network. We were free to roam about the empty museum with no distractions from pesky tourists. Computer terminals were set up for people to start accounts on the nascent Network and hopefully, to consider starting blogs.
It was a nice evening with wine, pretty finger foods and short talks from sponsors and important people with wonderful London accents. Who those people were, I am ashamed to say, I cannot recall. [There was also short interlude during which I made a profound horse’s behind of myself before a senior editor at New Scientist, but I prefer not to go into those details. I would rather drink them into submission.]
I went home intrigued and impressed, having met some very interesting people (and failing spectacularly to impress others – see above). I met Corie a couple of weeks later to discuss science blogging and the rest is in the blogging history books. Blogging for Nature Network did an awful lot for me and I owe it (and Corie, of course), big time.
Happy BirthdaVersary, Nature Network! Wishing you many more happy years (and parties and cakes and blog posts) to come.
P.S. The cake is from my very favorite source of birthday cakes in Boston – Party Favors.
Thanks Anna. I remember that party well! That cake looks nice too. mmm
plzzz next time u have parties with such delicious cakes do invite me also
Hello, Anna. I’m new to NN, where you were a year and a half ago. Only there was no party or networking event, sadly. Anyways, I’m thinking of starting a blog (completely new to the blogging world, although I write a lot) and I’ve looked through your archives. If you have any advice- would love it! Marissa
Swastik – I will be sure to do that. Although in the interest of full disclosure, that particular cake took place about two years ago. It was one of the many thousands of food pictures in my archives!
Hi Marissa – Congratulations on starting your own blog (or at least thinking about it)! Blogging is a door into a whole different universe, one with its own rules and built in society. I love it. The one thing that helps blogs succeed (and I have heard this from multiple sources) is regular posting. Make it a rule to post at least once a week, more if you can swing it. It keeps people coming back, checking for new content. Comment on other people’s blogs to build your little online community and carve out your little niche. It’s actually pretty straightforward. Much like a relationship, blogs require attention and time. I suspect you will never want for content, being a grad student such as myself. Please let me know if you have any specific blogging questions. I am happy to help in any way I can.