Hi all SysBio'ers!
I know it isn't really my place to be saying anything, but... when has
that ever stopped me ;-)
The last conference call was... odd?... and while Jun's extraordinary
efforts to keep it moving forward were greatly appreciated (!! well done
!!) I think it might be worth having a very open discussion about what our
expectations are from this group, since it was a fairly small group and
apparently with a wide range of experience and expertise.
From what I could hear, there were four "tiers" of expertise in the
group. Starting from the bottom:
1) People like me, who know nothing at all beyond that the
SysBio/Modeling community have worked hard on putting together standards
and technologies that are bearing fruit; and that I (as a mere potential
user of the tech) need to become MUCH more aware of what they're doing in
order to successfully pursue my own research interests. So... I'm the
ultimate lurker on the call.
2) People like Erich, who know *a lot* about what's going on in the field
(because this is their company's business!) but, as a vendor, isn't going
to be the first one to speak in a call like this because it might come-off
sounding like a sales-pitch. He's likely interested in both how the
technology is evolving (to ensure their products stay current) as well as
listening to the needs of the community (so that their products stay
relevant), but I don't expect him to lead the discussion if for no other
reason than he's simply too polite to "take-over" :-)
3) People like Jun, who has put in a lot of time learning what's out
there, has a deep and genuine interest, and wants to discuss the pro's and
con's of the various pieces at some level of detail with people who have
at least tried to use it. (...but there weren't many! ...so she was
speaking to herself most of the time...)
4) The full experts in the domain, most of whom were not able to make the
call, unfortunately. And I don't say that in any way as an accusation,
but rather, looking forward, I see a potential "boredom problem", which is
what I think needs to be discussed. At least one of the domain experts
who did attend, left the call mid-chat on the basis that it was "too
simplistic" (exact quote from IRC)... so if we don't find a way to engage
you, the experts, we might be in for some disappointing meetings!
What I'd like to ask the SysBio community - especially category (4), since
it seems to me that they are the critical ones to have on these calls,
is: "what can WE (1), (2), (3) do to make these calls as useful to you as
they will be to us?" I understand that you're probably already talking to
each other, since this field is your "baby", and thus these calls have the
potential to offer you little benefit beyond your existing email (etc.)
chats! ...So... what can we do, as the broader-community, to provide
value/feedback/etc. that would ensure we all - experts and noobs alike -
get something useful out of this group and enjoy and value the hour that
we spend together every couple of weeks?
If I'm speaking out-of-turn, please flame me :-) I can take it! LOL! I
just want to see this group succeed, and I am willing to stick my neck out
to see if I can help!
:-)===={
^^^
my neck
Best wishes all!
Mark
