What do you think of Boaty McBoatface?

The ship cost over two hundred million pounds. It is going to be conducting planet saving research in one of the world's most hostile environments. There will be top British scientists on board.

And you want to send them out there in a ship with a name smacking of Tellietubbies?

Have a bit of respect.

Even the radio dj who came up with the name is now apologising profusely.

And there is a time for 'stays loosening' Gill57. But perhaps not on serious threads?

One or two people on here need to loosen their stays.

How dare we not follow the herd..

It's not even funny... glad to hear that the perpetrator appears to be regretting it.

Both my two are scientists and both love the name.

Yeah. My daughter's a scientist, and she couldn't see anything wrong in it.

I'm not proud of that. TBH.

Go jingle. Great that she's back and putting a bit of realism to these threads.

As I said a generational thing

Made me smile too. And I agree - regardless of what they do actually name the boat - this nickname will always stick.

I did laugh at this story. Sometimes we take ourselves too seriously. I love Trainy Mctrainface.

I can quite see where jingle is coming from as DH thinks exactly the same, in fact he is appalled. I can imagine saying that one of my DC is working on important research on Boaty McBoatface and all acquaintances falling about laughing, after all how could one take that seriously?
I have to say I am in disgrace as I can't stop giggling about it and the more I do that the more DH is annoyed. Oh dear!

Just think how many very young future scientists might be inspired by a boat with a name that is fun. I am a scientist - research is challenging, inspirational and FUN! If a fun name for a research boat inspires more children to become interested in a career in environmental research, then bring it on, Boaty McBoatface!

That's w hat I think gran

Pardon?

I like the name Boaty McBoatface for a research ship. One's not going to forget it, for a start. Might provoke some interest in the research being done. NERC should be glad of the free publicity.

Agree with GranE and thatbags.
One of my sons has plenty to do with NERC, in case that has any relevance to anything at all.
Science is fun and Britain can be fun too.

I've known many scientists including DH, most of whom have an excellent sense of humour and would find Boaty McBoatface very funny. I loved the Trainy McTrainface episode. I guess it partly depends on whether you enjoyed Blackadder. It's brought a smile to many people - what's not to like?

There could be bit more to the research than just interesting the kids.

Important as that may be of course.

And do we really think they will all be following the journeyings of 'Boaty McBoatface' on Twitter? Or their Facebook pages?

" what's not to like "???!!!

Oh, fuck me!

Did you notice anything happening at all yesterday? Great line in empathy from that train driver.

I'm out of here. Again. #Gransnet

No, Jinglbells, they will be following it in class at school and on quality CBeebies and CBBC programmes. It is a mistake to think that children are not interested in grown-up science.

Oh jing --and breath

I believe the train guard was before the bomb.

Boaty McBoatface simply made me laugh and I don't know why. I think they might give it an official name, then a pet name, like a pedigree dog. I wish it were possible to 'like' some of the Gransnet comments.