The value of ECOLOG-L and how it has brought people from far and wide to one intellectual place

Background/Question/Methods

ECOLOG-L  is an Internet discussion group for topics in ecology, supported by Listserv software, hosted by the University of Maryland. As such, it can function in some ways like a “place,” similar to other places discussed in this session.  Since its inception by David Inouye in 1992, it has grown to 17,000 subscribers, in what looks like a population growth curve still in the exponential growth phase. Many subscribers, but probably a minority, are members of the Ecological Society of America. Although subscribers come from about 60 countries, the US has the highest numbers, about 15,000, while many countries have only one or two subscribers (probably underestimated; data from interpreting e-mail addresses).

Results/Conclusions

Like face-to-face social groups, some people tend to dominate a variety of discussions, while others are quiet. However, unlike social groups, there is a majority of silent observers, termed “lurkers” in listserv jargon. ECOLOG-L serves its subscribers in a number of ways. Perhaps the most important function is as a place to post many kinds of job announcements (academic, federal, consulting, temporary field work, etc.) or graduate student and postdoc positions available, and for job seekers and potential graduate students to ask for advice. Many ecologists ask for advice on lab or field techniques or on the best equipment to purchase for particular needs. Advice on statistical methods, ideas for the classroom, and opportunities for field courses are also common discussion topics. Requests also come in for publications that are hard to get in the country of the requestor. People are extremely helpful and generous with their suggestions, providing papers and other information. ECOLOG-L is also a forum for intellectual discussions about theoretical questions in science, and also some heated disagreements about a number of topics, including political issues,  the politics of academic publishing,  women in science, the philosophy and science of alien species, and  the reality (or not) of  “sustainability.”  Trends in the nature of subject matter and impacts on subscribers will be discussed.