What members say about CCNet

CCNet is good clean fun. I hope everyone appreciates the tremendous job you are doing.

--Sir Arthur C Clarke (1917 - 2008)

Needless to say I’m aware of your tireless efforts and appreciate CCNet very much. As the stakes in climate grow higher, the importance of contrarian effort becomes ever greater.

--Michael Crichton (1942 - 2008)

Thanks for CCNet which I enjoy reading. 

--Freeman Dyson, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton

I started subscribing CCNet service recently. It has been my pleasure since then to get from you almost every day news on various issues specially aspects of climate change and about asteroids and comets.  The coverage is exhaustive and balanced giving adequate coverage to all points of view. The style of presentation is particularly charming. I have greatly benefited by reading through these notes and look forward with eagerness the arrival of your bulletins.

--B P Radhakrishna, President, Geological Society of India

Benny Peiser is a phenomenon. No-one who wishes to keep up to date on all sides and all aspects of the climate change debate can afford not to be a CCNet subscriber.

--Lord Lawson of Blaby, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1983-89

Two things that help regulate my life are the chimes of Big Ben and the intellectual input from Benny.

--David Bellamy, Conservationist

One cannot praise CCNet too highly. At a time when our mainstream media is failing to present a balanced coverage of so many environmental and development issues, from climate change to near-Earth objects, CCNet has managed to keep us abreast of the fuller debate on a daily basis, thus ensuring that excluded voices are always heard. In the end, I believe CCNet will be judged to have been one of the most important contributors to bringing back some much-needed rationality into science, economics, and politics.

--Philip Stott, Emeritus Professor

This is an excellent service to scientists, and I think foreshadows the way science communication would go in the future.
--Chandra Wickramasinghe, Cardiff University, UK

In my major field of interest (near Earth objects/asteroids) I appreciate CCNet’s clearinghouse function very much. 
--Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 Astronaut

CCNet is a really great source of information and news that I often haven't picked up on from other sources

-- Paul Parsons, Editor, BBC Focus Magazine

You're doing a great job and have been extraordinarily patient in ensuring that all reasonable sides of an issue are covered on CCNet.

--Brian Marsden, Director, Minor Planet Centre, Harvard University, USA

I appreciate that CCNet keeps the spirit of Julian Simon alive, and is a medium through which his soul goes marching on. Hope and optimism is the true expression of the human spirit, not negativity and dooms-dayism.
           --Bob Brinsmead, Australia

CCNet provides an excellent service to the climate change and natural disasters communities in particular, as well as the scientifically literate public at large. CCNet is invaluable in letting people know that there is a diversity of views on climate change and other scientific issues that impinge on public policy. 

--Indur Goklany, Science and technology policy analyst, US Department of the Interior.

Where else can one find interesting commentary and exchange of views by Fred Hoyle, Chandra Wickramasinghe, Sir Arthur C. Clarke, David Levy, Brian Marsden, and others?

--Bill Dillon, Astronomer, USA

CCNet is a great resource to point me to views and research which does not always get aired on an equal footing with more populist or well publicised ideas in the mainstream media. I don't expect CCNet to be comprehensive or balanced, but it is a genuinely helpful contribution which is unrivalled in my experience.

--Juliette Jowit, The Observer

CCNet is extremely useful for picking up items I might otherwise have missed.

--Neil Collins, Editor and columnist, The Evening Standard

Being informed... Learning the challenging new opinions and researches... Reading the correspondence of the world's most open-minded scientists... I believe, being a subscriber of CCNet is like a kind of "privilege". This is simply the best scientific publication I have ever read. I have been a subscriber for more than a year now and it has already become a kind of addiction for me to open my mailbox and read the latest bulletin.

--Burak Eldem, Science writer, Istanbul, Turkey

CCNet is excellent. It keeps me up-to-date with stories and debates. As a lay-man I must say that CCNet is essential reading.

--Andy Walker, BBC News.

First rate, and completely invaluable

--Robert Matthews, Science correspondent, Daily Express, BBC Focus Magazine

My daily dose of optimism in a pessimistic world.

--Oliver Marc Hartwich, Research Director, Policy Exchange

I am a journalist, but I find it useful for the news. It's very positive. It's an excellent example of science communication!
--Mario Menichella, Italy

I appreciate being able to read the opinions of list members. Sometimes it is hard to evaluate the important developments reported in the popular press. The exchanges in CCNet Debates are especially helpful in giving me a sense of what the professional community says about selected developments.
--Steven N. Koppes, University of Chicago, USA

CCNet is an excellent service which could be a model for others

--Scott Raeburn, Napier University, UK

I am a journalist in Switzerland. I love the 'audiatur et altera pars' in CCNet. It helps to avoid the traps of the disaster industry.
--Dr. Gerd J. Weisensee,  Bern

I am very sold on CCNet. This just shows how valuable the internet is, and why people are turning off the regular media in droves. The regular media is sensationalist and crowd-following, unable to rise above the level of oversimplified sound bites and 300 word articles covering the gamut of what interests the public at large. Well done.
--Richard Blandy, Director, Centre for Innovation and Development, University of South Australia

One of the best scientific forums available, particularly for presenting a healthy, skeptical approach to various issues and for presenting material to counter the pessimism all too prevalent in much mainstream science and reporting.

--Wendell Krossa, Canada

CCNet makes what appears to be a unique contribution to a possible major scientific paradigm shift. It’s a unique interdisciplinary forum for the key scientific questions society is currently facing.

--Brian Moore, UK

Moderation and the high quality of the writers plus the influential audience makes this almost a unique place for information dissemination and discussion.

--Timo Niroma, Finland

It gives me the opportunity to be informed about the latest developments and publications in the field.
--Viktor A. Shor, Russian Academy of Sciences

A useful and always readable barometer of sceptical but generally reasonable opinion

--Alex Kirby, Environmental journalist

CCNet is an outstanding and unusual resource for all aspects of the space science, providing a forum for a diversity of views seldom seen elsewhere. Its naturally evolving nature, expanding to test and develop new topics and formats, is a good sign of its robustness and ability to grow and include the energies and interests of many people, without taking away from their own unique contributions. This is the time to nurture and encourage the full diversity of the network's possibilities, not the time to nip it in the bud. Let it flourish, and I am sure we will all be better rewarded, and I am confident that we might come one step closer to creating a humane, flourishing civilization in space.
--Lewis Pinault, Vice President Imagination Lab Foundation, USA

We are three astronomers who read CCNet messages on this address, working on observing programme of minor planets (including follow-up astrometry of NEOs) at the Klet Observatory in the Czech Republic. CCNet seems to be very useful for us, partly from scientific point of view (abstracts of new papers, scientific debate, news from observing programmes and so on), on the other hand CCNet brings us interesting and important information about the attitude of the mass media, statesmen and the public

--Jana Ticha, Milos Tichy, Zdenek Moravec, Klet Observatory, Czech Republic

In my opinion, this network is very important because it lets you read some new information and keeps you informed easily every day about results of research in the world.

--Hamid Touma, National Research Center Morocco


CCNet is a valuable network providing views of the key issues affecting this important area.
--Richard Tremayne-Smith, British National Space Centre

When the list started I doubted that many people would join because it seemed too specialized. But the list has attracted world renowned researchers who post very interesting comments. 

--Carlos Trenary, Vanderbilt University, USA

CCNet gives me essential information that I cannot get here otherwise in a small town in the Ural region with the virtual absence of scientific journals and with very limited access to the Internet. I have been subscribed to the CCNet for 10 months and learn a lot. I have the impression that CCNet is self-educating in a highly non-homogeneous community. I am really happy to have this excellent opportunity to see the opinion and results of various scholars in a wide area problems which are so important for the next step the civilization should take in its development.

--Simonenko A Vadim, Russian Academy of Sciences

I love CCNet! It is a rare internet oasis of community, fraternity, and highly informed discussion on some of the most important scientific topics of our time. Thank you Benny for this fabulous realization of the Internet's highest potential.  Congratulations on the achievement!
--Matt Terry, Astronomer and science writer, USA

As you know, I frequently disagree, argue, flame, etc. That said, though, I find your work invaluable in helping support the breadth of my understanding of the topics at hand, exposing me to ideas and issues I might not otherwise see. You're a crank sometimes, Benny, but always of the highest quality. That might sound like a backhanded slap, but I mean it as a compliment.
          --John Fleck, Science Writer, Albuquerque Journal

I suspect that you have a number of readers like myself who want to be informed and want to help inform the general public. I find CCNet fascinating and I love it. I cannot speak too highly of your work on it.

--Jasper V. Wall, University of Cambridge, UK


I like this network and it is quite informative.

--Jin Zhu, Beijing Astronomical Observatory, China

I like it a lot. I keep folders of some of the things you've covered that really interested me and refer to them every so often.  Since I've returned to school (at age 68!) I haven't had as much time to read CCNet (or Nature or Science News -- the other two publications I read).  Before I went back to school, I read every word of CCNet.  Indeed, it may have helped motivate my decision to return to school. Thanks!
--Raynelle Feinstein, USA

CCNet is in a unique place. It is the only frequent electronic forum which addresses the most important safety issue in history. It is so important that we should find ways to protect and preserve it. We are extremely grateful to you for the things you have done and continue to do, to promote global communication on this vital topic.

--Andy Smith, International Planetary Protection Alliance

CCNet is my window to the Scientific world in the areas of science that interest me.

--Owen Fox, Melbourne, Australia

CCNet has given me another means to stay in touch with the rest of the field. Your service helps me to fill in any gaps in areas concerning NEO new items.
--Paul Abell, Planetary Astronomy Group, NASA Johnson Space Center

CCNet has been very useful, often entertaining, frequently worthy of quote, a thoroughly welcome means to drag my attention away from too narrow a focus upon geomorphology.

--Jim Marple, Canada

It provides a thoughtful, skeptical outlook on important and interesting scientific questions, which I find interesting, and sometimes, though not always, persuasive
--Dan Whipple, Science correspondent, UPI

I am very happy with CCNet. Its comprehensiveness and early warming function are very important to me. As a publicist it provides me with a rich source of valuable information and opinions.

--Hans Labohm, Amsterdam, Holland

I find CCNet stimulating and enjoyable! It alerts me to a lot of info I would otherwise miss.
--Keith E. Barber, School of Geography, University of Southampton

Thanks for doing a fantastic job! I love your critical stance and your content very closely matches my personal interests.
--Chris Jones, Secretary-General World Futures Studies Federation

CCNet keeps me up to date with the current research and debates in my field of study and marginal to it. It does not follow the popularised science of many of the Media news articles, but instead stimulates debates amongst those that actually do the research.

--Robert Lasky, Astronomer, USA

I find CCNet useful for my research because I am often first alerted to new journal publications in my field of interest by CCNet. It also allows a window into the popular and journalistic perceptions of my field of research, that I would be largely unaware of otherwise.

--Peter Haines, Sydney, Australia

I appreciate the straightforward format and the depth of coverage refreshing.  Let the reader decide, yet cover the bases, so to speak.  Very much enjoy the humor together with the candour. That I am grateful for the hard science content, goes without saying.

--Charlie Hayman, USA

CCNet is extremely informative, humorous at times, and very useful for my graduate degree program in Space Studies. I look forward
to reading it every day and I'm actually disappointed on the days I don't receive it.

--Steve Cochrane, USA

CCNet is most helpful to keep up with the week-to-week, or sometimes day-by-day findings, analysis, conclusions, and controversies of the most important matter of life, human and otherwise, as affected on the one hand by inexorable terrestrial and extraterrestrial forces, on the other hand by the almost as inexorable momentum of human evolution. CCNet provides me with a lot of ammunition for the dialogue I still keep up on global development and related matters with colleagues and friends all over the world. Also, I am strongly recommending to them to subscribe to CCNet themselves, for the same reason.
--Martin G. Beyer, Geologist, Senior Adviser and Chief, Water Supply

and Sanitation, UNICEF

CCNet is always interesting and stimulating, a great help in keeping a clear head in a world of short-termist "infotainment" and scares.

--Jürgen Krönig, UK editor, DIE ZEIT

I read CCNet all the times and have learned a lot from it. The materials are always timely that can even add to my own scientific research.

--Willie Soon, Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA

I think something like CCNet is really needed and performs a most important function. The steady growth in the readership is indicative of the fact that CCNet is serving a useful purpose.

--Bill Napier, Astronomer and best-selling author, Armagh Observatory

CCNet is by far the most accessible, broadly based science list, and the only one worth reading - dealing with issues that truly boggle the mind, stretch our scientific method and at the end of the day, deals with issues that matter: The life and death of everyone on the planet

--Chris Stewart, UK

CCNet FILLS A VAST AND GROWING VOID IN KEEPING US REMINDED OF THE BENEFITS OF INTEGRITY IN SCIENCE.
--Oliver Manuel, Nuclear Chemist, University of Missour-Rolla, USA

I am always excited to see that the latest instalment of CCNet has arrived. I would seriously feel out of touch and contact with the latest goings on that the CCNet covers if the CCNet were to stop.  Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the free exchange of scientific information, reporting on controversial topics that the other science journals choose to ignore, timely reporting of the important events in science in an unbiased manner, and assisting us all with you offering of enough good data and points of view to be the skeptical seekers of the truth we want to be.
--Robert E. Strong, Director, West Liberty State College SMART-Center

CCNet is something I look forward to every time it arrives. It's like getting a letter from a friend in the mail several times a week.
--George Taylor, State Climatologist, Oregon, USA

CCNet is an interesting compilation. Well organized and lively.

--Philip Beradelli, Science editor, UPI

CCNet: It's fun. I enjoy reading it when I've time. It's a great way to catch up.
--Martin Redfern, BBC Science Unit

It's nice how CCNet brings to our attention the latest scientific results regarding solar system astronomy, in general, and impact-related issues. CCNet is performing a valuable service for the scientific research community.

--Harold A. Weaver, Applied Physics Laboratory, The Johns Hopkins University

I think CCNet is entertaining and gives ad hoc views on new findings/opinions. I appreciate CCNet for quick reflections on issues which are "on". For me it is the ideal focused scientific news ticker incl. the necessary background information.

--Jens Romstedt, European Space Agency

I've been a long time reader of CCNet. It's a superb source and mix of information, opinion and debate, not a mere aggregator of news, which is quite interesting.
--Víctor R. Ruiz, Astronomer, Gran Canaria Observatory, Spain

CCNet is very useful & informative. Nice to see discussion by
leaders in the field. A better source of information on some issues than most other media sources.
--Jon Marchant, Astrophysics Research Institute, JMU

CCNet has been a very useful source for news on climate change and articles that are being printed around the world. Great to have this source.
--Pål Brekke, Astrophysicist, Norwegian Space Centre

CCNet is great, very enjoyable and informative.
--G David Price, Vice Dean, University College London

It's a great service to science in that it fosters interaction and airs controversies.
--Gerta Keller, Department of Geosciences, Princeton University

Educative, informative and thought provoking
--Arvind Paranjpye, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, India

CCNet is the only place I have seen which willingly engages in and encourages debate, all the while provoking thought and providing links for further study.

--Jim Bennet, USA

CCNet is one of the few daily emails I look forward to reading.

I keep them all and use them for reference.

--Ian Clark, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Ottawa

CCNet helps me very much in my research work and also as a teacher. As time passes it has become better and better.

--Razvan Andrei, Romania

CCNet is is an easy and informative way to keep abreast of science debates - differing points of view that are very useful.

--Jonathan Walter, Editor, World Disasters Report, International Red Cross

CCNet is excellent. It’s way ahead of normal media, including science media when it comes to consistency and debt.

--Joerg Mo, Norway

CCNet is a most welcome and refreshing breath of intellectual rigor in a world of assertion, emotional "reasoning", and junk science.

--Matt Terry, Astronomer, USA

CCNet provides access to information that otherwise would require a lot of effort on my part to gather. It is also interesting to be on a list with people like David Levy and Arthur C. Clarke

--Richard Herd, Astronomer, Canada

CCNet is a fantastic venue, and I enjoy getting it, as the debates and information exchange are great. The network is probably one of the best subscriptions I have made on the net in some time, it presents the day to day thoughts and opinions of a  range of people in and out of various scientific fronts. It's a great sounding board, sort of small symposiums, a few times a week, keeps the creative juices flowing.

--David J. Johnson, Astronomer, USA