Great posts (both this one and the Neil's linked post) and I agree with many of the sentiments expressed. However, I think that there is a tendency by many researchers (myself included) to underestimate the importance of "soft credit" in science and engineering. I may not be able to put a line on my CV if I write an insightful blog post, detailed protocol on OWW or even a News and Views for an NPG journal, but I may enhance my reputation and standing with my colleagues or it may mean that more people know who I am. Given that the reward system in research is largely based on evaluation by peers, whether it is papers, grants, invited talks, jobs or tenure, such soft credit can pay off in ways I may not ever fully realize. Soft credit can even ultimately translate to hard credit like research publications if reviewers say know who I am and respect me as a researcher.