Author Archives: paleololigo

Scientist (Paleontology, Geochemistry, Geology); Writer (Speculative and Science Fiction, plus technical and non-technical Science); Mom to great boy on the Autism spectrum; possessor of too many hobbies.

How to Live-Tweet a Professional Meeting: Lessons from #NAPC2014

I’m here at the 10th North American Paleontological Convention in Gainesville, Florida. I’ve been sitting in sessions and live-tweeting the talks as a way to both take notes on the talks and to disseminate the information presented to those who cannot attend the meeting.

There are lots of people here also live-tweeting the meeting. Some have a lot of experience, having live-tweeted meetings before, others are just now trying it for the first time.

I thought I might take a moment here to explain how one live-tweets a meeting. First,I’ll start with explaining what it means to ‘live-tweet.’Continue reading “How to Live-Tweet a Professional Meeting: Lessons from #NAPC2014”

Twitter, Storify, and taking notes in the 21st Century

I’m enjoying the 10th North American Paleontological Convention, being held right now in Gainesville, Florida. Earlier today, I presented a poster talking about how Twitter and blogging could be used for educational outreach. Specifically, I talked about its use to accurately portray what the field experience is like for paleontologists.

I’m a big fan of Twitter. I tweet constantly. It’s a bit invasive, really. How often in a day do I think, ‘That would make a good tweet.’ Nevertheless, I feel like my use of Twitter is not detrimental to my day-to-day life.Continue reading “Twitter, Storify, and taking notes in the 21st Century”

Day 2 of #NAPC2014 – Another For the Record Books

It’s a four day meeting. This is only the end of day two. And I’m spent.

Well, that’s typical. I usually don’t remember the last two days of any meeting. Looks like the North American Paleontological Convention will be par for the course.Continue reading “Day 2 of #NAPC2014 – Another For the Record Books”

Day 1 of #NAPC2014 – Round-Up

The 10th North American Paleontological Convention has officially begun in earnest. All sorts of great talks have already taken place, and I’m really excited about presenting my own poster tomorrow.

Somehow, I’ve made it to the conference – an outcome that seemed highly unlikely yesterday. Others haven’t been so lucky, and a great number of speakers were not able to actually give their presentations today. I feel kind of guilty for having made it when others did not.Continue reading “Day 1 of #NAPC2014 – Round-Up”

Day 0 of #NAPC2014 – Travel Woes

The North American Paleontological Convention began today in Gainesville, Florida. Having a meeting in February in Florida seemed like a brilliant idea. I was excited about traveling south and being warm for a few days.

What the planners of the convention forgot about, especially in the light of a series of relatively mild winters, that anyone traveling to Florida in February would have to make connections at northern airports.

Winter Storm Pax hit the northeaster United States at the exact time when most NAPC participants were traveling, resulting in measurable snow as far south as Atlanta, Georgia, through which many flights to Gainesville must connect.Continue reading “Day 0 of #NAPC2014 – Travel Woes”