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Yep, there's now a 'seal of approval' for the scientific accuracy of novels
Ever think that the mystery and sci-fi genres could use an extra shot of reality? Well, if the Washington Academy of Sciences has anything to say about the matter, you'll never again need to wonder if a novel is littered with misinterpretations and inaccuracies. The group -- which dates back to 1898, when it was co-founded by Alexander Graham Bell -- has introduced a seal of approval to inform readers whether a novel conforms to generally accepted scientific fact. Any willing novelist may submit their work to the organization, which then sends it through the peer review gauntlet. The certification program has been in place since June, but has flown under the radar before now. Since its inception, four novels have been certified by the WAS, and an additional book is said to be under review. Maybe once the word gets out, authors will know where to turn when they're looking to get the facts straight.
The Daily Grind: What do you think about experience scrolls?
With the holidays coming up, we'll have lots of options for purchasing goodies with all the holiday money that will soon be coming in from relatives. One of the options that's recently opened up in the EA Store for Warhammer Online is an item that will, for $10, allow you to skip a level in the game. Sure, it's an item that's already available for free as a reward for playing, but to some, the idea of putting a price tag on it and selling it changes the entire concept. In Greg's recent post about the EA Store, some players pointed out that purchasing bonus experience potions, scrolls, and the like is essentially the same as buying a level scroll. After all, the additional experience can get you an additional level (or more) -- only spread out over time. So, in light of that, we ask you: Do you think purchasing an immediate-level item like the Warhammer Online scroll is the same as getting a bonus experience buff? Does the fact that you still must play to "earn" the level via bonus experience influence your opinion? Is the price difference between a cheap potion and an expensive scroll your main sticking point? Are these experience scrolls over the line? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
