@naturepoker When I asked for the ability to merge pulls it was because there were folks that wanted an updated directory of projects and things. But after much discussion I think there wasn't anybody who could lead/do the work to update it as an directory.

But I agree with you it's a marketing tool. I think that's why it was interesting to folks as a way to collaborate on marketing. I think it's become even more explicit because James was imagining a sort of newsletter being generated from it

@naturepoker Yes I was not active in biology outside academic institutions/industry then.

Oh I did partially misunderstand what you were saying though. You're saying that folks were excluding academic people from "low-ranking" institutions. One story I listened to was of exclusion because they were from a "high-ranking" institution, a sorta you're not outsider enough sentiment. In any case, that exclusionary behaviour is no good. Enough problems trying to do science/maintain organizations.

Hmm. I think there's a bit of a serious cultural difference at work here, between you and me that is.

The division in DIYBio was people with, say, B.S. from UC system (leadership of DIYBio) complaining that warehouse laborers and people with degrees from 2 year colleges are involved, acting like 'welfare queens' who 'coast on other people's work' and are generally too stupid and incompetent to know what they're doing - not paraphrasing. Real phrases thrown around in person.

@naturepoker

Sounds horrible. And I am absolutely so interested and thankful right now that you're taking the time to share. I want to boost your last comment, but I want to get your consent first. No worries if you are not comfortable. If you're not comfortable then I'm also happy to switch to followers only as well (if you want mentioned only then let's just try and meetup in meatspace?) to continue the discussion. (1/3?)