I hear it almost every single day. Because I talk or write about science, and promote ideas consistent with the scientific literature, I must be somehow receiving compensation to share such views. After all, what kind of sick bastard would spend their personal time communicating facts to the public? There must be something hidden!
These are the brilliant speculations that fuel the #Science14 public records request, the endless accusations of being a Monsanto lackey, and the distrust in scientists in general. If we are talking about cool scientific ideas, then there must be some secret money trail encouraging that discussion.
It is one of the most small-minded assertions I’ve ever heard, but coming from small minds it makes perfect sense. There are a lot of people making big bucks by promoting bad ideas. Swindles are financially lucrative, because “there’s a sucker born every minute”, and many modern-day charlatans are cashing in on building fear and/or exploiting the credulous.
It is the muck where Food Babes and Health Rangers are spawned.
This discussion prompted me to think about the question, “What is a shill, and how would I know if I am one?”
There are fundamentally two criteria.
1. You must espouse a position that is not consistent with evidence. Either out of ignorance, self-deception or knowingly false statements, claims are made. Claims continue to be supported after correction from sources with authority.
2. Compensation is received to make the claim. Some sort of compensation, financial, career motivation, etc is provided in direct exchange for the statements made.
Read full, original blog: Who Are the Real Shills?
