Re: [DIYbio] As a bio-noob, where do I start learning?

Well, considering IndieBB is supposed to come with a full-colour
instruction book for absolute beginners, I'll be writing it up to some
extent one way or another.

I had intended this to be a total-beginner's kit that teaches
sterilisation, bacterial handling, and then manipulation, in a one-step
crash-course. I'd like to know what I can do to make that more appealing
and less intimidating to you as a beginner?

Of course, I totally understand if it's a simple issue of not having
enough money to invest in stuff. With any luck if it works out you'll
have a friend to give you a copy! ;)

Maybe I should put up a new pledge: "buy one, give one"? :)

On 25/02/14 17:23, Alex wrote:
> I like your current campaign but have been unable to pledge due to funding
> (fitting Dakota's desc to a T) and, for me, I'm not sure how beneficial it
> would be, being so new to this all. I mean no disrespect with that
> statement. I'm just saying that, at my current level of understanding, the
> experiment would be interesting but I need to start smaller.
>
> However, I'd definitely be willing to pledge to a reasonably priced
> beginner's book! The benefit could easily justify my pledge there, assuming
> that it's well written!
>
> Alex
> On Feb 25, 2014 11:58 AM, "Cathal Garvey" <cathalgarvey@cathalgarvey.me>
> wrote:
>
>> I'd probably have had better luck crowdfunding a beginner's book, it
>> seems. I've talked about it before but never completed even the
>> introduction chapter; if I run out of cash and can't do open-source DNA
>> development anymore, I'll give it another shot.
>>
>> Please don't take that as motive to sink my current project, though; I
>> really do prefer making things to writing about it! :)
>>
>> On 25/02/14 16:52, Alex wrote:
>>> +1 to your entire email.
>>>
>>> The only other thing I have to add is that it's difficult to find
>> relevant
>>> reading materials. I'm a complete noob, if I were to go read about the
>>> stuff that is generally discussed on this list, it'd be waaay above my
>> head
>>> 80% of the time. At the same time, being interested in plants, I'm
>> starting
>>> with a plant biology book. However, it is heavy with a lot of info that,
>>> without guidance, I'm not sure is relevant at all. For all I know, I'll
>>> spend 2 months trudging through this data and come out equally clueless.
>>>
>>> I'm aware this may also be a flaw on my behalf in someway I'm not saying
>>> that everyone would have this issue and, for all I know, I may get
>> through
>>> this and be much more  knowledgeable. I'm simply saying that I can feel
>> the
>>> pain here as well!
>>>
>>> This group does help immensely though, if not just to continuously peak
>> my
>>> interest!
>>>
>>> Alex
>>> On Feb 25, 2014 11:43 AM, "Dakota Hamill" <dkotes@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I don't think lack of enthusiasm or drive is a problem, from where I
>>>> stand, it's lack of equipment and space that is the biggest issue.  Many
>>>> people, myself included, are in tens of thousands of dollars of debt
>> from
>>>> school, and have to balance finding money for food and an apartment with
>>>> money for consumables and equipment.  That being the case, a 9-5 job is
>>>> needed, which generally ends up being a 9-7 job, which completely sucks
>>>> your energy during the week and makes weekends the more favorable time
>> to
>>>> be in the lab.  Couple that with heading to the lab to do an experiment
>> and
>>>> realizing you don't have that one extra piece of equipment you need, or
>>>> that reagent you need but can't get because Sigma won't ship it to you,
>> and
>>>> it's really damn frustrating.
>>>>
>>>> What's the alternative?  Go to grad school and slave for 5 years so your
>>>> PI can take credit for any work you do?
>>>>
>>>> In the end, I guess these are all just excuses.  If I wanted it bad
>> enough
>>>> I'd sell a kidney and sleep in a van and work 25 hours a day.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/diybio/CAGdeWmQVHm13Y9Y3BMvQuqKp%2BqGXsCWJYXxL49AoLD_wmZVFKg%40mail.gmail.com
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>>>
>>
>> --
>> Please help support my crowdfunding campaign, IndieBB: Currently at
>> 27.7% of funding goal, with 17 days left:
>>    http://igg.me/at/yourfirstgmo/x/4252296
>> T: @onetruecathal, @IndieBBDNA
>> P: +3538763663185
>> W: http://indiebiotech.com
>>
>

--
Please help support my crowdfunding campaign, IndieBB: Currently at
27.7% of funding goal, with 17 days left:
   http://igg.me/at/yourfirstgmo/x/4252296
T: @onetruecathal, @IndieBBDNA
P: +3538763663185
W: http://indiebiotech.com