Here is it:
The term 'Citizen Science' as it's currently being used is very deceptive. The person you interviewed is nothing more than a 'Data Collector'. Don't get me wrong! Data collection is VERY important and is very exciting and technical, but he's not doing science! They're fooled into thinking they're actually doing science by YOU calling it 'Citizen Science' to make what they are ACTUALLY doing sound a little more appealing. All they're doing is participating in the scientific process, part of which is the tedious process of data collection. Tedious AND expensive! So you fool these people into willingly and happily collect the data for you -- for free!!! Tom Sawyer did the same thing and got away with it just like you are. Brilliant.
Are any of these 'Citizen Scientists' co-authors or authors on any papers, or are they maybe just mentioned in the acknowledgements? If the former, then yes they are 'Citizen Scientists'. But if the latter, they are 'Data Collectors'.
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