Post 1776404 by UnclearFuture@mastodon.starrevolution.org
 (DIR) More posts by UnclearFuture@mastodon.starrevolution.org
 (DIR) Post #1776403 by invaderxan@scholar.social
       2018-12-06T14:09:52Z
       
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       As far as I'm concerned, if you spend a large amount of your time doing something, that's what your profession is.If you're studying science, it doesn't matter if you're a professor or a student. You are a scientist. The same goes for people studying law, engineering, history, art, and so on. Students make valuable contributions to our community and should always be welcomed.
       
 (DIR) Post #1776404 by UnclearFuture@mastodon.starrevolution.org
       2018-12-06T16:18:31Z
       
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       @invaderxanI actually think anyone who does things by the scientific method, student, professor or just some person in a lab, or home somewhere, is a scientist, doesn't have to be doing it professionally, if that makes sense?I never bought into the idea that you have to have a PhD, wear a white coat, be working with other scientists or be in a shared lab space to be one.
       
 (DIR) Post #1776405 by invaderxan@scholar.social
       2018-12-06T16:33:30Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       @UnclearFuture That makes perfect sense, and I agree. The real difference between "professional" and "amateur" is that amateurs are doing it for fun. I don't think we should look down on people who do things purely because they enjoy them.What's more, a lot of valuable scientific contributions are made by amateurs. I've certainly seen a few in astronomy!