My first saltwater tank was at 13. That was back when hobbyists were still hotly debating the usefulness of a protein skimmer. I killed a lot of fish, then a sea apple (or was it the other way around?), and didn't really learn much from the experience. That was back before the internet, so it's forgivable I suppose. I didn't come back to the hobby until 31. I've been in it for six years now and I couldn't care less about corals, or fish. That's not to say I don't love the hobby. I love it with a passion.
Once upon a time, the average tinker could contribute meaningfully to science, or even discover something entirely new. But as human knowledge accumulates, eventually you have to have a Ph.D. to play any real role in advancing a field of study. People don't invent much in their garage these days.
Or do they?
There are still a few places where amateurs can make a real difference. One is the hunt for near Earth asteroids. What a bunch of introverted geeks those people must be. Of course, it only takes one asteroid to make one of them a hero. Another is marine biology, and that's why I'm here.
Oh sure... it would help to have some formal scientific training I suppose. But these are the days of the internet. I remember when The Matrix first came out, how people liked the idea of just downloading knowledge and skills from a database. As if that could ever happen...
The reality is slower, I suppose. My brain doesn't even manage 1200 baud. That said, I've downloaded much in the way of knowledge and skills in the last few years. Those with knowledge I didn't have, generously sharing their mind with mine, have allowed me accomplishments that I haven't the formal education to justify.
There is nothing I love more than discovery, and this hobby is just dripping with opportunity, even for an amature like me. I crave the original research, exult the DIY, and find purpose in the sharing of new knowledge with others. The corals and fish are just a means to an end, and I'm mostly all about inverts.
That's why I'm here.
Once upon a time, the average tinker could contribute meaningfully to science, or even discover something entirely new. But as human knowledge accumulates, eventually you have to have a Ph.D. to play any real role in advancing a field of study. People don't invent much in their garage these days.
Or do they?
There are still a few places where amateurs can make a real difference. One is the hunt for near Earth asteroids. What a bunch of introverted geeks those people must be. Of course, it only takes one asteroid to make one of them a hero. Another is marine biology, and that's why I'm here.
Oh sure... it would help to have some formal scientific training I suppose. But these are the days of the internet. I remember when The Matrix first came out, how people liked the idea of just downloading knowledge and skills from a database. As if that could ever happen...
The reality is slower, I suppose. My brain doesn't even manage 1200 baud. That said, I've downloaded much in the way of knowledge and skills in the last few years. Those with knowledge I didn't have, generously sharing their mind with mine, have allowed me accomplishments that I haven't the formal education to justify.
There is nothing I love more than discovery, and this hobby is just dripping with opportunity, even for an amature like me. I crave the original research, exult the DIY, and find purpose in the sharing of new knowledge with others. The corals and fish are just a means to an end, and I'm mostly all about inverts.
That's why I'm here.
