ChiefNode

Give access to the negative

My colleagues & I always felt that "negative information" -- about research going on -- was just as important as the positive. What was tried that failed? What wasn't tried (but considered), and why? Companies often need this kind of information, as well as the "best mode" which is available when filing a patent application, in order to work on improvements, or bring something to market.

Many would say that the "negative information" is "trade secret" or should be transferred to others via consulting. That may be true, but is often not treated as trade secret at a university. So I'm happy to see more journals publishing negative information. Hooray for more sharing, and sharing information that is helpful -- even if it makes one look bad. Scientific progress.

posted by Dana Bostrom @ 10:16