Interview with Author of Banned ‘Fake Science’ Book

Melissa Knowles

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Blogs being turned into books is becoming more common. People select content from their blog entries and piece them together to tell a cohesive story. Success stories include "Rules for My Unborn Son," "This Is Why You're Fat," and the now controversial
"Fake Science 101: A Less-Than-Factual Guide to Our Amazing World."

"Fake Science," written by Phil Edwards and which includes content that first appeared on Tumblr, features comical and questionable advice for science students. One suggestion is "Try not to run with a lit Bunsen burner toward an explosive barrel under a hanging rabbit cage." So what's so controversial about a fake science book?

The Houston Independent School District has banned "Fake Science." An administrator replied negatively to a teacher's request to use the book, saying, "A book like that may be intended humorously, but it is mocking the quality of education in our district." Another spokesman added, "Spending taxpayer funds on a spoof publication would be difficult to defend at a time when schools are losing state funding."

Edwards is not taking the ban lying down. He is turning to Twitter and Tumblr to ask for a "ban on the ban." The author joined us on Skype to talk about the controversy.