WARNING! This blog may contain traces of humour ...
If you suffer a sense of humour deficit ... DO NOT READ ON!
Some time ago now, I had the pleasure of reading an excellent article by Will Self called ‘The awful cult of the talentless hipster has taken over’ …
Whilst I didn’t necessarily agree with his diatribe entirely, I lapped up the trademark dour humour, empathised with his view and thoroughly enjoyed the read. Then in a bizarre moment of thought association, my mind turned to my own area of interest, Health Sciences and evidence based practice (Physiotherapy in particular) … though this undoubtedly pertains to medicine and all other areas of health care ... I began to ponder ‘the cult of the evidenced based blogger’, which now appears to pervade the zeitgeist of our increasingly confused World
Don’t get me wrong, our World is important (to
us … and the people we care for, hopefully) as is the evidence. I like and
respect (most) bloggers (cos’ they’re out there), I blog myself … But sometimes
I begin to wonder about the whole process, or perhaps question the motives of
the bloggers (myself included).
Bloggers and Twitterati, these days are ubiquitous; everyone seems to be having a go and some appear to be very authoritative. Yet blogging is a strange and
precarious pastime/hobby/profession, which is both time and thought consuming.
So, unless they are getting paid for it (some are … Will Self falls into that
category), one would have to debate what motivates the ardent blogger. Shouldn’t they have just gone out for a run or cycle ride or something?
What would actually drive someone to spend
valuable time writing and airing their thoughts on any topic? What drives them
to risk an avalanche of comment/critique if their particular diatribe hits the
wrong button, or perhaps, a rising tide of gushing agreement from the
‘Bloggioso’ or the ‘Twitterati’ for their latest fashionable and populist
masterpiece?
Some blogs are really helpful (or are they?) because they interpret and decipher some of those peer reviewed papers (which to be fair, may be a bit complex/wordy). So blogs may appear really helpful for those busy clinicians who only get limited time for reading/analysing the latest news on a topic.
One clear attraction of blogging (for bloggers), unlike the restricted writing of peer review for instance, which requires writers to declare conflicts of interest ... is that you can say what you like … and it is clear that some bloggers ‘like what they say’.
But … is what they/we say, prone to BIAS or subject to ‘conflicts of interest’ as a result?
To help my own decision making, I decided to gather a concoction of my own observations on some of the blog sites that may be influencing how we think and view evidence. Some bloggers may see parts themselves or their writing in one or all of the types (I did). That's not really the intention. Rather, it is for readers to see how a topic may, or may not, be spun.
I'll leave you to decide what you think ... Perhaps after a lighthearted game of 'biased BLOG bingo'.
I wrote about this in my last blog, so if you haven't already, take some time to consider the definition of confirmation bias ... 'the tendency for people to favour information that confirms their beliefs'.
A quick look at this short YouTube clip may help.
One clear attraction of blogging (for bloggers), unlike the restricted writing of peer review for instance, which requires writers to declare conflicts of interest ... is that you can say what you like … and it is clear that some bloggers ‘like what they say’.
But … is what they/we say, prone to BIAS or subject to ‘conflicts of interest’ as a result?
To help my own decision making, I decided to gather a concoction of my own observations on some of the blog sites that may be influencing how we think and view evidence. Some bloggers may see parts themselves or their writing in one or all of the types (I did). That's not really the intention. Rather, it is for readers to see how a topic may, or may not, be spun.
I'll leave you to decide what you think ... Perhaps after a lighthearted game of 'biased BLOG bingo'.
I wrote about this in my last blog, so if you haven't already, take some time to consider the definition of confirmation bias ... 'the tendency for people to favour information that confirms their beliefs'.
A quick look at this short YouTube clip may help.
Then consider the concept of conflict of interest which may be easy to identify in medicine for example, with concepts like 'Big Pharma' and 'Bad Pharma', which even have their own Wiki pages, but perhaps less overt in Health Sciences and related subjects.
With those things in mind, here is my tongue in cheek personal take (from the experience of both reading and writing blogs) on a few of the types of blogger you may encounter out there … and some of the factors that may influence them ... Enjoy!
With those things in mind, here is my tongue in cheek personal take (from the experience of both reading and writing blogs) on a few of the types of blogger you may encounter out there … and some of the factors that may influence them ... Enjoy!
Meet some of the ‘blogger types’
1.
The altruistic/educational/hobby
blogger – Blogs about a variety of topics of interest to potential readership.
Evidence based, educational conduit, who likes to hear the sound of his/her
voice … Keeps up to date and an open mind, avoids extremism and generally goes
out of his/her way to avoid bias, May throw in some controversy for interest, but sticks to honest appraisals of the evidence. Likes
a little devilish humour and for folks to read his/her blog. No commercial
interests, no adverts, no shop. Altruistic, ego driven, no nonsense profile builder. Moderate use of social media
(SoMe) to promote blogs. Checks blog
metrics occasionally. Likes to be asked to ‘guest blog’. Secretly hopes for a
trip to Hawaii to speak on his/her latest blog topic. Conflict
of interest - Nil of note. Has had a book 'in the pipeline' for 15 years.
2.
Student blogger – Students who
(led by their University Professor) have entered the World of blogging, without
actually knowing what they have let themselves in for. Main qualities are
passion for the topic and enthusiasm. Downfall may be inexperience (blogging), naivety
and failure to critique, or cover the topic from a wide and unbiased
perspective. May find themselves, unwittingly at the sharp end of criticism
from outraged readers. Not always prepared for this. Variable use of SoMe use,
that is until they realise blog metrics contribute to their overall assessment
mark. Comments are enabled … until they get thoroughly blasted by someone. Not
entirely sure ‘exactly’ where Hawaii is, but would love to go. Conflict of interest? ... Actually, the main thing is ... to pass the assessment!
3.
The Snake oil seller – So enthusiastic about their particular brand
of ‘snake oil’. They forgot, or chose not … to support any of their claims with
even a shred of evidence. They tend to rely entirely on anecdote and personal
recommendation from users of the product/idea/treatment technique. Tales of miracle cures are commonplace. Comments are
moderated to include more anecdotal claims or gushing personal endorsements.
Commercial interests are generally utmost on their minds and they will ALWAYS
have an advert for their particular type of ‘snake oil’ on their blog. This
blogger, will be targeted mercilessly by bloggers number 5 and 7, generally to
no effect (because they live in their own World, or maybe Hawaii). Heavy use of
SoMe. The course for this is product /idea/service is ‘brilliant’, said a
delegate. Conflict of interest – Zero (there
is no conflict, as their sole interest is profit). A modern day ‘medicine
show’. Link directly to the 'shop' here. Entirely and unashamedly biased.
4.
Society or organisation ‘news’
blogs – Generally low-key interest/news articles for members. Designed to
update folks on the latest development in the field of interest/profession.
Tend to report and stick to facts, seldom court controversy and may tend to be
a little bland. Media spokesperson quotes some 'evidence', but may not always be in context or
entirely up to date (this will be spotted and hastily dealt with by blogger number 7). Low to moderate use of SoMe for promotion of
blogs/articles. Comments commonly disabled. Bland content,
seldom gives opportunity for bias. Metrics? Hawaii? Humour? Shop? ... Pardon me!?
5.
EBM proponent/Targeted attacker –
Wily operator, who picks a specific (often universally disliked target) and
exposes it/them and provides reams of evidence to back up his/her claims. The
best of these will end up on a TV show deliver a TED talk or get a column in a broadsheet. Heavy use of SoMe to promote blogs. Commercial
interests may include books, newspaper articles, TV show appearances, talks
etc. Sycophants and wannabees will include them in a Tweet in the hope of a
rebound (seldom works). Comments ARE enabled, and this blogger loves to argue
the toss with anyone who cares to have a go and often does so with incisive
humour or complex statistics. Perhaps a little obsessed and in possession of a
large ego. Naturally biased towards own (often populist views) but generally
and genuinely supported by the evidence. This blogger loves notoriety. Metrics
are through the roof (seldom needs to check) Goes to Hawaii regularly via
private jet. Conflict of interest? ‘Pah … call my booking agent, I'm busy working on my next book/TV show’.
The rest … (Type
5b), may end up looking looking like aspiring wannabees with a particular axe to
grind. These yet to be so ‘successful’ wannabee type 5's, are feverishly typing whilst
waiting for ‘the phone call’ and busily fending off ad hominem attacks from
‘outraged of Tunbridge Wells’ or assorted trolls.
6.
The evangelical blogger – Combines the friendly bonhomie of blogger type 1 with the spin of blogger 3 but has a clear underlying mission of promoting a
particular product/method or school of thought. May have a track record in
peer review publication, suggestive of authority, yet routinely cherry
pick evidence, to support a particular view.
Entirely convinced by the sanctity of their chosen path/product. Extremist disciples, lambast non-believers or other 'churches' as unseeing heretics.
Blog
comments are ALWAYS moderated and predominantly populated by devout and
enthusiastic followers.
Humour is not a common feature of their writing. Evidence based, but a stoic adherence to one
doctrine/product/method, leads to blogs that are littered with confirmation bias and supported by cute anecdotal stories. Heavy use of SoMe for promotion.
Strongly motivated by metrics and sales. Conflict of interest - You can
join the latest crusade (in Hawaii) next week, which ironically coincides with their latest blog (submit HERE to apply). Merchandise shop? Click here.
7.
Frustrated, change agent blogger
– This passionate and profuse blogger is entirely frustrated by the speed at
which his/her profession effects change. Routinely supplies or demands ‘the evidence’,
which calls for the immediate abolition of out-dated ideas, methods and products,
which have been ‘shown to be ineffective’. Such vigour and attention to detail, means they may occasionally therefore, resemble the internet 'evidence police' or media watchdog.
Fierce belief that the only really valid evidence is the ‘gold-standard’ RCT. Particularly adept at highlighting what doesn't work ... but may omit to offer alternatives to the discarded idea/method/product ... therefore run the risk of leading his/her colleagues into an ‘evidence based’, but tool less cul-de-sac. Energetic, challenging and authoritative. Couldn’t make the conference in Hawaii, but hopes to be there next year (recently spoke in Milton Keynes/Basildon). Busy writing another blog in the mean time. Loves Twitter. Metrics matter. Big fan of type 5a. Ubiquitous. No time for shops, but currently working on a few other conflicts of interest.
Fierce belief that the only really valid evidence is the ‘gold-standard’ RCT. Particularly adept at highlighting what doesn't work ... but may omit to offer alternatives to the discarded idea/method/product ... therefore run the risk of leading his/her colleagues into an ‘evidence based’, but tool less cul-de-sac. Energetic, challenging and authoritative. Couldn’t make the conference in Hawaii, but hopes to be there next year (recently spoke in Milton Keynes/Basildon). Busy writing another blog in the mean time. Loves Twitter. Metrics matter. Big fan of type 5a. Ubiquitous. No time for shops, but currently working on a few other conflicts of interest.
NOW it’s time brighten up the academic tedium
with a game of ‘Biased BLOG Bingo’ with
the blog YOU last read … errr NO, not this one, it is ENTIRELY biased to my
point of view!
DISCLAIMER: Bloggers take part in ‘Biased BLOG Bingo’ entirely at their
own risk …
This presentation does not pertain to any bloggers called ‘Hamlin’ …or anyone else, it is merely a parody conglomeration of stereotypes. Anyway ... lighten up!
This presentation does not pertain to any bloggers called ‘Hamlin’ …or anyone else, it is merely a parody conglomeration of stereotypes. Anyway ... lighten up!
 |
| Grid design MattLowPT |
10 points = BINGO (start at zero)
The higher the score the MORE biased the blog
… GOOD LUCK!
1. Is this blogger a 'snake oil seller'? (Score 6 immediately)
2.
Does the blog contain ANY
credible evidence? (Deduct 1)
3.
Is the
blog full of anecdote, personal experience and endorsements from users of said
product/service/doctrine? (Score 3)
4.
Is the blog balanced and offers
more than one school of thought? (Deduct 2)
5.
Does the blog direct you to ALL
of its sources? (Deduct 1)
6.
Does the blog direct you to just
the sources it wants you to read? (Score 2)
7.
Does the blog promote ONE
specific idea, method product/service? (Score 3)
8.
Does the blog recognise and
report opposing views objectively? (Deduct 2)
9.
Does the blog denigrate/mock the
ideas of others? (Score 2)
10. Does the blog cherry pick evidence to support an idea, method
product/service (Score 2)
11. Are comments allowed? (Deduct 2)
12. Are comments moderated? (Score 1)
13. Are comments disallowed? (Score 2)
14. Are the moderated comments predominantly congratulations from ardent ‘followers’? (Score 3)
15. Is there
a SHOP? (Score 3)
As one blogger recently said, "We are all biased" ... it is just a case of how much? So, whilst you may heartily agree with what your favourite blogger says, does or sells, it may be worth reflecting upon their potential for bias/conflict of interest AND how that affects your decision making ... and subsequent actions.
Yes, yes … I know! … I’ll be scoring my own
blog later (BINGO!)
Big thanks to Will Self for his inspiration … I may include him in a Tweet (secretly hoping for a rebound ‘re-Tweet’) just before I delete my own Twitter account or become blogger number 4.
Big thanks to Will Self for his inspiration … I may include him in a Tweet (secretly hoping for a rebound ‘re-Tweet’) just before I delete my own Twitter account or become blogger number 4.
Author: Alan J Taylor is a writer and critic who thinks about stuff and works as a Physiotherapist and University lecturer ... The views contained in this blog are his own and are not linked to any organisation or institution. Like Bukowski, he 'writes to stay sane'.
You'll find him mostly on Twitter https://twitter.com/TaylorAlanJ
... that is until, he finally deletes his account, or is 'evidence based blogged' to oblivion.
Biased blog bingo grid design .... via @MattLowPT
... that is until, he finally deletes his account, or is 'evidence based blogged' to oblivion.
Biased blog bingo grid design .... via @MattLowPT
