In a society devoted to “reality shows” and rampant commodification, it had to happen some time. Late last month an independent scientist auctioned off his services as a co-author on eBay, with the promise of helping the highest bidder write a scientific paper for publication. The offer even had the added allure of a linkage with the legendary mathematician Paul Erdös. —Richard Monastersky —Hot Type: Thumbing His Nose at Academe, a Scholar Tries to Auction His Services (Chronicle)