Chapter 20 – Eavesdropping on sensitive issues

Wednesday, September 23 | 49 days until the conference| 297 registrations Using all communication channels at their disposal, they were able to specify their messages to certain target groups. Some messages were only posted on Rodentnet.org, such as an article on new insights in care for lab animals. They felt this topic was too controversial for the general public. The researcher who was due to speak on the matter at the conference took a harsh stance on the issue and asked readers to respond to it, so he could use their ideas in his presentation. After a while, a small debate ensued between a select few; though still held in public, the discussion was between the researcher and three scientists working with lab animals. They discussed the issue of psychological care of the animals, on which their opinions differed rather a lot. Victor followed the discussion with interest, although it felt a bit like eavesdropping. They concluded their intense debate with the agreement that all three of them would register for the conference and would have dinner together on the first evening to continue their discussion face to face. See, thought Victor, there you have it. The quality of the content was practically working on its own. The advertisements, which in retrospect were a little too elementary, appeared a thing from the faraway past. .... ---- Written by Gerrit Heijkoop & Paula Vos Narrated by Kevin Stillwell