The Madsci Network: Direct Communicatio n of Science from Scientist to Layperson

Abstract

Internet-based volunteer communities collaboratively contribute to the expansion of human knowledge and cognition. Their popularity is evidenced not only by reference sites like Wikipedia but also by niche communities designed to help people answer complex queries, especially in relation to highly technical or scientific subjects that are beyond the ability of their peers to answer. Ask-A-Scientist sites like The Madsci Network are a subset of Ask-An-Expert sites that rely upon expert volunteers to disseminate information directly from the expert or scientist to the layperson.