If you thought you had discovered a new element, how could you get the scientific world to accept your discovery? What roadblocks might you face, working outside the science community? How could you avoid being labeled a "crackpot"?
To avoid being labeled as a crackpot, you need to not be one. You will have to be persistent, respond to reviewers criticism with facts, and try other journals for publication. Many go on TV with infomercials, with a paid "peanut gallery" if they are selling a product.
There are still crackpots out there promoting perpetual motion machines and cars that "run on water" as a fuel. In the field of medicine, buyer beware. They are everywhere.
If you believe you have discovered a new element and wish to have the scientific world accept your discovery, there are several steps you can take:
1. Research and document: Start by conducting extensive research to verify if your discovery truly represents a new element. Gather as much data as possible to support your claim. This could include conducting experiments, studying existing scientific literature, and consulting with experts in the field.
2. Peer review: Submit your findings to reputable scientific journals for peer review. This process involves sending your research to experts in the relevant field who scrutinize your work for accuracy, validity, and reliability. Peer review helps establish credibility and is an essential step in gaining recognition from the scientific community.
3. Replication: Encourage other scientists to independently replicate your experiments and findings. This is crucial in establishing the validity of your discovery. By demonstrating that your results can be reproduced by other researchers, you increase the likelihood of acceptance by the scientific community.
4. Present your findings: Attend scientific conferences and symposiums to share your research with others in the field. These events provide valuable opportunities to discuss your work, receive feedback, and engage in scientific discourse. Presenting your findings to a wider audience helps establish your credibility and enhances the visibility of your discovery.
However, working outside the science community may present some roadblocks and challenges:
1. Lack of formal credentials: Without formal qualifications or affiliation with renowned institutions, gaining recognition may be more challenging. The scientific community values credentials and institutional affiliations as they indicate a commitment to rigorous scientific standards. Working to establish your credentials by publishing in reputable journals and collaborating with established researchers can help overcome this obstacle.
2. Skepticism and bias: The scientific community is naturally skeptical, as it is driven by evidence-based inquiry. Working outside of this community might lead to initial skepticism towards your claims. Overcoming this skepticism can be achieved by providing robust evidence, engaging in peer review, and actively participating in scientific discussions.
To avoid being labeled a "crackpot" and gain acceptance, you can take the following measures:
1. Rigorous experimentation: Conduct thorough and systematic experiments following scientific protocols. Ensure your research methodology is sound and data collection is meticulous. This will strengthen the credibility of your findings and reduce the likelihood of being dismissed as a crackpot.
2. Collaboration: Collaborate with respected scientists and experts in the field who can validate and endorse your work. Their involvement adds credibility to your research and helps establish your reputation.
3. Openness to scrutiny: Be open to scrutiny and constructive criticism. Address any concerns raised by the scientific community and provide additional evidence if necessary. Engage in scientific discourse with others who are interested in your discovery, as this demonstrates your willingness to participate in the scientific process.
Remember, scientific discoveries are subject to rigorous scrutiny and verification. Patience, persistence, and adhering to established scientific practices will contribute to your chances of having your discovery accepted by the scientific world.