Isn't that related to the fact that it has been announced across the world at the same time? In europe it was announced at 3 pm for example. I'm sorry, I don't understand your point
That showmanship counts. I don’t believe HN would argue with me if I said “a strong sales group can make or break a company”. Why is it unfashionable to suggest that, in the marketplace of ideas, with an announcement of this magnitude, this exciting, this “sexy”, the presentation of the announcement would benefit from being delivered in a likewise suitable atmosphere. At night, as an event, in a cool warehouse with cool music. I’m not trying to take anything away from the inherent excitement and importance of the news. Just suggesting that the cause could be furthered even more if there was a little hype, a little showmanship. Rather than a well lit lecture hall populated by scruffy reporters, early in the morning, morning as defined in the locale the event is being held.
Appropriate types and degrees of showmanship/salesmanship depend on the target customer. And scientists, by and large, don't seem to be concerned with impressing the general public - or at least, that is far secondary to the importance of impressing other scientists.
One could argue that making an impression on other scientists is the basis of the scientific method. And we impress with the quality of our evidence and the repeatability of our experiments.
> And scientists, by and large, don’t seem to be concerned with impressing the public...
Some quotes from European Research Commissioner Moedas, answering the first question.
“...which is that this is linking between the citizens and science, how important is that?...”
“Because we want European citizens to feel connected.”
“I’ve never seen this room so full.”
“It’s so refreshing to come here, to see so many people, to see people clap. I mean it’s very rare in a press room to have people clapping.”
During his introductory comments also, he is clearly excited and wants to engage people, and not simply through the scientific method. He talks about watching sci-fi movies as a kid and books on science.
I would argue that "hype", or as you say "showmanship", is actually damaging when it comes to science. Maybe it's just me, but I try to stay away from pop-science news sites because of all the hype they're filled with. As others have said, I like scientific conferences to provide the evidence, that is enough for me. As for the "early in the morning", as I already said, is a consequence of trying to make it possible for as many people as possible to follow the conference, I don't think anyone would be against another conference in the evening for american viewers. There were 5 "locales": Brussels, Santiago, Taipei, Tokyo, Washington. Unless I missed something, I still disagree with you.