Sometimes it is a bit hard to find a blogger that has unique
edge to a topic you have researching for a while now. Well lucky me I was able
to find one.
Ramsey Affifi is the blogger for The Genetic Engineering
Debate and he is in the education business. He is interested in “the
relationship between pure and applied science, between knowledge and
technology, between reflection and action, sustainability and changeability,
between science and spirituality” (Affifi, profile). All his interest are what
give his blog about Genetics a very interesting edge. He is able to capture his
readers not through his angle but through the information he provides.
He is not completely against genetically modifying organisms
(GMOs), but he does believe that everyone should be informed of the risks and
the technical information that we are not told by researchers and companies
that perform such experiments. He believes that these companies and researchers
should teach us about the risks and not just the benefits. His most interesting
argument revolves in him believing that the activist against GMOs should not
just focus on the ethical portion of the issue but should inform themselves of
the scientific risks and how that can affect humanity.
Although, Affifi does not blog very often only once a month
to once every few months, his posts are very detailed, researched and lengthy that
the reader does not feel like they are missing out between posts. Also, in his blogroll
he provides other blogs that have to do exactly what he is talking about, so if
you feel like you need more information or a different perspective, he provides
that for his readers. Overall he seems to be very dedicated to this topic which
even shows in his blogroll and the length of time he has been blogging about
it. Affifi, has been blogging since May 2007. He has had only 472 views to his
page, but by the comments his readers leave on his posts we can tell that they
appreciate the information. He does not receive many comments, but from the
ones he does receive he gets positive feedback and suggestions on how to strengthen
and back up his argument. Affifi does not respond to all the comments he
receives, but the ones he does respond to, he makes sure to take his time and
really address what the reader has to say. If he does not agree with what the
comment stated, he backs up his argument with evidence and tells the reader he
does understand where they are coming from but still holds to his opinion. His
dedication and connectivity with the reader also shows in the length of his
responses. Rather than having a couple sentences for a response, most of the
time he responds with full on paragraphs.
Another interesting
part of his blog is that Raffifi, has split his blog between 5 different
subjects. The way he managed to do this is by creating 5 different tabs with
categories that all have to do with his overall blog of The Genetic Engineering
Debate.
The 5 tabs are:
-
Science of GMOs
-
The Education Wars
-
Taking Action
-
GMOs and Children
-
Food Security
Each tab contains posts pertaining to each category but they
always tie back to his dominant subject which is the education of the public on
GMOs. The separation between these categories gives an interesting insight into
his voice and way of thinking. On some posts, like the ones under Science of
GMOs, he takes on a more matter of fact, straight to the point, research paper
voice. He provides the facts and his arguments and backs them up with research
he sites at the end of each of his posts. This might sound boring, but he
manages to make it engaging and relatable to the general public, that you would
not mind reading it. On the other hand, certain posts like some under the
category Taking Action, are a little less formal and shows his more animated
side. He still informs you, but at the
same time he keeps you engaged with his rantier manner of writing.
So you can get a better idea of what I am talking about
check out the two summaries I have provided from different posts Raffifi has
made.
Unpredictable
Genes
In this
posts rather than taking the nature vs nurture angle that many activists take,
he focuses on the scientific proof. He goes into depth in the sciences behind
genes and chromosomes and how they function. He also relates it back to human
behavior, but still keeping the scientific evidence to back it up. It is a very
interesting read. Even though, the post reads like a research paper, he makes
the material interesting enough that you don’t mind reading it.
The Powerful
Potential of Anti – GMO Cyber Citizens!
This
posts although still deals with research and data, it is lively and full of
voice. It talks about a survey done to people through the company Smucker’s
Facebook Page. His writing is less matter of fact and more story like which is
different from his usual research posts. He uses analogies to compare the
results of the survey to how bees function, which was very clever. Furthermore,
he is still realistic and engaging even though he has taken a different
approach to his writing. Definitely a fun and quick read!
Raffifi is definitely a blogger worth checking out. So if he
sounds interesting or you just want to learn more about genetics this is the
blog for you!
Here is the link to check his blog out:
