I mentioned recently that I'd been thinking about publishing advice for postgraduate students. Following on from that, I thought it worth drawing attention to this provocative paper from Keith Burgess-Jackson*, in which he advocates publishing in so-called 'predatory' journals, rather than so-caled 'reputable' ones. This, he suggests, means that he can say what he wants - with less need to pander to editors or reviewers - and reach a larger audience.
I think there's some interesting food for thought here. I like the line about audiences: "Writers want to be read.... A writer without an audience is a diarist" (p. 2). I might use that one, when talking about the motives to publish.
However, I'm rather surprised to read that he has "never received a useful comment from a reviewer--in nearly four decades of publishing" (p. 7). To be sure, there are plenty of unhelpful reviewer comments. I wouldn't necessarily say that they were stupid, but more that reviewers sometimes fail to distinguish between an objection to a view and a reason to reject publication, or want you to write the paper that they would have written, or whatever.
Everyone with enough experience also has bad experiences to share. But even the 'bad' reviews can have evidential value, for instance showing ways in which the argument is open to misinterpretation. And I've definitely had helpful, constructive reviews that have improved my work, even where rejecting it. If someone hasn't had that experience, it seems to me that they've either been incredibly unlucky or just they've failed to appreciate comments that are actually (or would have been) useful.
I won't be recommending this paper or its approach to our PGR students. Even if there's something to be said for this advice, it doesn't seem suited to PhD students aspiring to an academic career after graduation. Rightly or wrongly, the 'prestige' of where they publish matters, more so than the number of downloads. And, in any case, I suspect that these reputable journals are more likely to be read by fellow researchers rather than, say, students desperately searching for anything on their assigned essay topic.
*Interestingly, I don't seem able to find a webpage for him, even though he appears to be a tenured associate professor.
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ReplyDeleteI recently came across an intriguing article titled "In Praise of Predatory Publishing," and it sparked quite a bit of contemplation. The piece delves into the controversial world of predatory publishing, shedding light on its supposed merits. While the author makes compelling arguments about accessibility and inclusivity, it's crucial to approach this topic with a discerning eye.
ReplyDeleteThe article contends that predatory journals offer an alternative platform for marginalized voices, providing them with an opportunity to publish when mainstream avenues may be inaccessible. It suggests that this approach democratizes the publishing landscape. However, it's essential to question whether sacrificing quality and ethical standards is an acceptable trade-off for inclusivity.
One cannot ignore the ethical concerns associated with predatory publishing, such as the lack of peer review and the potential exploitation of inexperienced researchers. Advocating for inclusivity in academia is commendable, but it shouldn't come at the cost of academic rigor and integrity.
In conclusion, while the article presents a thought-provoking perspective on predatory publishing, it's crucial to approach the topic critically. Balancing inclusivity with academic standards is the key to fostering a scholarly environment that is both accessible and rigorous. Most students are drawn to these types of articles and information, but they are unable to prepare for their exams, If you have been struggling with your exams and want assistance, students can do my exam - do my exam for me and get higher grades on their examinations by providing them with the best available resources, including quality academic services.