Today is the day! I've gather enough courage to write my first post.
I would like this blog to be about anything related to academia. I'm currently a PhD student and I seriously intend to follow an academic career. Seth Godin has an interesting classification for blogs in his e-book "Who's There?": cat blogs, boss blogs, and viral blogs. I know I don't want to have a cat, nor a boss blog. Getting viral sounds unrealistic. So, for now, I'll post the reasons why I would like to blog and we'll see how it goes.
- I don't enjoy writing. I need the practice since writing represents a high percentage of the time you spend in an academic job. So, let's start with something more free-form than scientific writing.
- There are so few women in academia, specially in my domain (computer science and engineering/computer architecture). It would be great if we could connect online more than we do.
- Since I got to North America, I'm losing courage to voice my opinions. I'm not sure what exactly causes this, but I need to get rid of it.
I will be blogging with my real name for several reasons. First, I don't appreciate how the blogosphere sometimes transforms in a rant and rave place where you can say whatever because you don't really have to take responsibility for it. Second, there is a greater sense of connection when you know who you're talking to. I also believe we need to encourage female presence in academia by the power of the example, while assuming responsibility for it.
As the title suggests, I'd like this place to be a brainstorming place, not a collection of set-in-stone ideas. I appreciate reflection and flexibility.
Someone famous said something about doing one thing that scares you every day. Here it is for today: I'm starting a blog!