The online interface becomes a necessity for any site with members spanning global time zones. Email then becomes the primary means of staying in touch. A listserv or similar means for contacting people answering questions helps immensely. The MAD Scientist Network started as an in-house venture, but has developed into a global project drawing upon the expertise of scientists at institutions around the world. Participation requires a valid email address, access to the WWW and knowledge of some area of science.
Scientists join by filling out an online sign-up form.
This form asks for the person's name, email, institution, level of education, areas in which they would like to answer questions, and a brief description of their research interests. In addition, the moderators have the option of providing feedback, or of requesting further changes to submitted answers before they appear on our site. For this reason the MadSci Net instituted the review of answers by moderators. Moderators are graduate students or professionals with expertise in their particular fields. Nonetheless, with a small staff, it is impossible to have every last detail confirmed by a second party.