May 24, 2009

Hello


I write occasionally for the Straits Times, Singapore's major English-language daily. Until they get fed up with me, I am a regular columnist in their "Ex-Pat Files" space, to which I contribute every 4 to 5 weeks. I also write for the Straits Times on science-related topics, my sterling credentials being that I am a biologist.

While wearing one hat or the other -- columnist or science writer -- I have experienced the heartbreak of having one of my pieces rejected by the newspaper. Sometimes it is because I have chosen a topic that my editor deems already covered to death, and sometimes it is because I have crossed the line chalked around every Singaporean writer. Crossing that line is the unforgivable sin. To cross the line is to OFFEND SOMEBODY...thunder, lightning, great crashing chords of music, or maybe the shark's theme from "Jaws".

My various articles, accepted and rejected, will follow.
Posted by Mark Featherstone at 7:59 PM

10 comments:

  1. Prof,

    I do not read the Straits Times so I'm glad you decided to post your writings on a blog. I hope you don't mind me posting a link to it - we can do with more science-writing. (Or should I say more better science-writing?)

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  2. angry doc,

    You're not going to believe this, but I was just sitting down to send you an email to ask if you wouldn't mind adding a link to my blog on your site. Hey, great minds and all that!

    Only after I (very recently) set up my blog did I start casting around for like-minded bloggers, and found your site and a few others. I'm delighted.

    I must apologize for not being as courteous as you, since I went ahead and linked to your blog before asking you. Hope you don't mind.

    Best wishes,
    Mark

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  3. Nah, I linked to you right after I posted the comment. :)

    I look forward to reading more of your posts - love the humour!

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  4. Hi Prof,

    Would you like to join Clearthought Singapore?

    We're a loose association of skeptical blogs. Currently there are six of us, including Angry Doc. The Clearthought Singapore sticker identify bloggers who promote science and rational thinking in their posts.

    If you are interested, please put this sticker anywhere on your blog -

    http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_nvWgMkmFQCE/RzGcagOZGjI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/7GLTb0TtrRg/s400/Clearthought+Singapore+Icon.BMP

    Cheers!

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  5. Happy to! Thank you for the kind invitation.

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  7. Hello Prof MARK,

    I love to read your scientific stuffs though I am not well educated/qualified enough to fully understand your thought speech & jobs. I love it because your English Expression is so down-to-earth simple, practical & clear that any ordinary/common people like me probably can catch one way or another what you had been talking about! I am only interested in internet surfing AFTER the AWARE saga recently. I feel it is the right time to stand up & speak out loud & clear for the sole benefit of Singapore & ASEAN or ASIA in this FULL OF CHALLENGE era of 21st century!

    DavidLeong

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  8. Your comments are much appreciated, David. :) I have always had to work hard to understand, and I hope it has helped me learn how to explain things to others.

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  9. Hi Prof~ =) You're a great writer and one of the best lecturers around. The only lecture I forward to is your lecture on Thursdays. Yay =)

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  10. Thank you so much. I also look forward to seeing you all at Thursday lectures.

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