Thus far this year I've had the privledge of publishing 6 popular press pieces (w/ @sciam @WIRED @NatureCareers @statnews) + more underway.

It has been a relief to write short, timely pieces, mostly about research results instead of long, formal academic articles. 1/4

This feeling of relief has made me think "what is science" & "why do academic publishing"? I see strong overlap between journalism (including e.g., running surveys & reporting on results) & research. Many times, journalism is faster and more widely read than academic papers. 2/4

BUT it seems unlikely I would have the time or funding to do most of the research I do, at the depth I do it, outside of the "land of science". 3/4

I'm curious if others have thought about this: Aside from the fact that academic publication tends to be a requirement for you to obtain resources (both time and money) is there something else that keeps you publishing your research results in academic venues? 4/4