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OK, you're right, hoax is the wrong word. Sorry about that. What irked me is this kind of hyped up story of "little guy in a workshop makes amazingly complex d
by pierrefar 16y ago
OK, you're right, hoax is the wrong word. Sorry about that.
What irked me is this kind of hyped up story of "little guy in a workshop makes amazingly complex device and look, he's going to beat all these scientists supported by billions of $". It is way too common and, frankly, bad reporting. Neil Calder, quoted in the article, summed it up nicely: we look forward to your ideas, but good luck.
Not once did the BBC mention Farnsworth. It would have been a much better article if they explained a bit what the science was.
Also, go to Fusor.net and read a bit. For example, question 1 on the right hand side column near the top under "welcome newbies" has scientific gems such as "It is God's own way of powering the universe" and uses the word "impossible" (in quotes) often. It's the typical bad science writing that is too common these days, and IMHO the BBC shouldn't be supporting it.
So, not a hoax, but written up like one.
- Retric 16y agoA table top device that produces enough electricity to microwave your coffee is going to release enough fast neutrons to kill everyone in the room inside a week. Having said that these are fairly safe toys that look cool and can get you written up in the paper. IMO, the really problem is simply bad reporting.
- randallsquared 16y agoSo, not a hoax, but written up like one. No argument there. Most science reporting appears to be done as "Find a narrative; look for a sciencey story that can be made to fit the narrative; write article".