Microblogging the ISMB: A New Approach to Conference Reporting
2009

Microblogging the ISMB: A New Approach to Conference Reporting

Sample size: 1600 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Neil Saunders, Pedro Beltrão, Lars Jensen, Daniel Jurczak, Roland Krause, Michael Kuhn, Shirley Wu

Conclusion

Using microblogging platforms like FriendFeed enhanced note-taking and allowed for a comprehensive coverage of the ISMB 2008 conference.

Supporting Evidence

  • FriendFeed allowed users to share items and generate conversations around conference highlights.
  • The use of microblogging led to a more comprehensive set of notes than a single person could take.
  • Keynote talks were covered online with long comment threads, enhancing engagement.
  • The conference notes served as a permanent, searchable archive.

Takeaway

Scientists used a tool called FriendFeed to share notes and ideas during a big conference, making it easier for everyone to learn from each other.

Methodology

The study involved using FriendFeed to capture and share notes from conference sessions in real time.

Limitations

The notes reflect the interests of a relatively small number of bloggers, which may not represent the entire conference.

Participant Demographics

Approximately 1,600 participants attended the conference.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000263

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