Science journalist Christie Ashwanden posted a summary of her recent talk to the National Association of Science Writers meeting on “The Last Word on Nothing” blog.
Her talk was, “You’ve got mail, you idiot: what reader mail has taught me about science writing.”
This one is going to resonate with anyone who writes about science/medicine/health/healthcare.
Her summary:
“Tell readers that they’re wrong about something they know in their heart to be true, and they will send you hate mail.
…
…people believe what they want to believe. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing about. People don’t want to know that they could do everything right and still die of cancer. I don’t want to know that I might not be as brilliant as I think I am. So we reject the facts and fall back on our worlds of truthiness.And personal anecdote. Don’t even bother trying to overturn those with facts. No study will ever convince the people who are certain that the vitamin helped them. I’m not sure it’s possible to convince people with data that contradict their personal experience.
But I know this: if you’re going to have any hope whatsoever, you have to speak to their story. Because that’s what you’re competing against.
Here are two letters I received about the very same article. I know which one I believe.”
Almost all of my similar experiences revolve around what I’ve written about screening tests. She cites an example of her own with a mammography story, in response to which she got this note:
Read Christie’s full piece. And, by the way, I think she does terrific work!
Opinions on other issues in news, journals, PR, advertising, marketing
Puleeeeease... this 'game changer' weight loss drug causes more nausea and vomiting than a placebo. Some game, some change. My friend Gary would spank you for using the eighth word medical reporters should never, ever use. @garyschwitzer @thackerpd
https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/just-journalists-writing-tips-case-studies/7-words-and-more-you-shouldnt-use-in-medical-news/ https://twitter.com/OttawaCitizen/status/1361426796126830597
A scary @statnews Op-Ed warns that govt attempts to rein in Pharma may cut off access to "life-changing" drugs.
It takes @garyschwitzer to let us know: the author spent 10 years as Pfizer's public-policy chief. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1360325022578053123
.@TranspariMED criticizes STAT op-ed for not disclosing pharma funding of author’s institute - similar to criticism we’ve made of STAT op-eds in the past. @transparify @ThinkTankWatch @icer_review https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2021/02/transparency-watchdog-criticizes-stats-non-disclosure-on-pro-pharma-op-ed/
Comments
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Don
November 2, 2011 at 8:45 amScientific evidence? If anything in that statement might be referring to “STUDIES” it’s no wonder nobody believes any of it. Wait a day or so and you’ll get another opinion from results.
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