On 14 October 2012, I published the very first article on this blog:
Why another blog offering critical analyses of the weird and wonderful stuff that is going on in the world of alternative medicine? The answer is simple: compared to the plethora of uncritical misinformation on this topic, the few blogs that do try to convey more reflected, sceptical views are much needed; and the more we have of them, the better.
But my blog is not going to provide just another critique of alternative medicine; it is going to be different, I hope. The reasons for this are fairly obvious: I have researched alternative medicine for two decades. My team and I have conducted about 40 clinical trials and published more than 100 systematic reviews of alternative medicine. We were by far the most productive research unit in this area. For 14 years, we hosted an annual international conference for researchers in this field. I know many of the leading investigators personally, and I understand their way of thinking. I have rehearsed every possible argument for or against alternative medicine dozens of times.
In a nutshell, I am not someone who judges alternative medicine from the outside; I come from within the field. Arguably, I am the only researcher in this area who is willing [or capable?] to state publicly what is wrong with alternative medicine. This is perhaps one of the advantages of being retired and writing a blog in an entirely private capacity…
Ten years later, much has happened but I am still at it – and what is more, I am enjoying it.
The blog has been a success, I think. We had
- almost 3 000 posts,
- ~30 guest bloggers,
- and ~70 000 comments.
I know that many journalists and others use the blog as a source of information on so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) – if you search it for acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, or any other SCAM, you find plenty of evidence. So, the blog has now become a much-frequented database.
Yet, the blog is more than that. It is foremost a place to discuss controversial issues. Its 10th anniversary is a good occasion to thank:
- all regular commentators,
- the many guest bloggers,
- and foremost the man who persuaded me in the first place to give it a go, and who now looks after all the technical bits.
THANKS, ALAN
14 Responses to I ALMOST FORGOT! My blog has just had its 10th anniversary
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Congratulations! Brilliant blog.
thanks, Kevin
Thank you so very much indeed for your blog, Edzard, it has made my world a better place to be in.
thanks, most kind of you to say so.
Congratulations Edzard, and thank you.
Congrats, Edzard!
IMO, one of the strongest points of this blog is that virtually every comment is posted without discrimination, giving advocates of so-called alternative medicine every opportunity to enlighten us with their exceptional insights and brilliant knowledge.
I wonder what is keeping them.
don’t rush them … it’s only 10 years!
Very glad you are still enjoying, and thank you!
My congratualations – and keep up the energy to continue with this important work.
Thank you very much.
thanks a lot
Sincere congratulations from Ghent, Belgium, for your enduring effortds and inspiring toughts.
many thanks
Thank you for a great blog. As a non scientist, it’s been very informative and helpful. I am very anti woo, but I’ve still learnt a lot thanks to you.
what a charming compliment!
thanks