It is hard to imagine a world without science Friday.<\/p>\n
But it is easy<\/em> to image a world in which our collective respect for the National Science Foundation, who is pulling their funding for the program, is seriously compromised. Also, it is easy to imagine a world in which we do NOT renew our memberships to NPR because they are ALSO pulling funding.<\/p>\n UPDATE: <\/strong>Ira Flatow, host of Science Friday, has added a comment below which you should read. <\/a><\/p>\n As you know, I tend to be bit radical in these areas. I may very well shift my personal donation to Sci Fri despite Ira’s suggestion, or perhaps split the donation between the two, for a year, in order to make the point. Also, as soon as I can find out to whom a letter should be addressed at NSF I’ll let you know.<\/p>\n Also, since NSF funding is set by the congress, a letter to your members of congress would be helpful.<\/em><\/p>\n Here’s the word from Ira Flatow: We at SciFri are facing severe financial difficulties, i.e. raising money. NSF [National Science Foundation] has turned us down for continuing funding, saying they love what we do, we are sorely needed, but it’s not their job to fund us. At the same time, NPR has said the same thing, telling us that if we want to stay on the air, etc, we now have to raise all our own money. Despite what listeners may think, NPR only gives us about 10 percent of our funding.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n You can help by donating directly to Science Friday, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n But if you do that,you should also go here<\/a>, the contact page for NPR, and click the boxes for “Contact an NPR Department or Service” and “NPR Management” and give them a piece of your mind, because obviously, they have lost their minds and could use some more.<\/p>\n My note said:<\/p>\n At present, my family puts out a bit of cash every month as sustaining members for NPR. This will end if you end funding to Science Friday. This is not subject to negotiation.<\/p>\n Sincerely,<\/p>\n Greg Laden It is hard to imagine a world without science Friday. But it is easy to image a world in which our collective respect for the National Science Foundation, who is pulling their funding for the program, is seriously compromised. Also, it is easy to imagine a world in which we do NOT renew our memberships … Continue reading UPDATED: Major Funding for Science Friday Ends; What will happen next?<\/span>
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\nhttp:\/\/scienceblogs.com\/gregladen\/<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"