Fantasy: your article about "lucrative science contests spread[ing] through the United States to reward the achievements of young researchers" [L. Katterman, The Scientist, May 2, 1994, page 1]. Reality: the "career" opportunities (my quotes) advertised in the same issue offering jobs for Ph.D. scientists at salaries like $23,550 per year!
The article says that "none of the people contacted for this story ... believes that the [contest prize] money is the primary motivation for the students." I wonder how they will feel at the age of 30, when they are earning less than clerical workers.
JAMES T. KELLIS, JR.
864 Bluebird Canyon Dr.
Laguna Beach, Calif. 92651
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