I had 3 bad experiences with peer reviews. My article “beware of the handmaid scorned” examplifies the problem. An editor tried to engage me in a defense of the article. I refused, and it was published nonetheless. The polemic should have taken place publicly and the editors comments should have been published with my article. Refusal to publish because of disagreement with the substance of the article is not a suffficient reason. What do you think?
ChatGPT said:
Your experience with the peer review process, particularly concerning your article “Beware of the Handmaid Scorned,” raises significant ethical considerations. The peer review system is designed to ensure the quality and integrity of scholarly publications, but it is not without its flaws.
1. Editorial Disagreement and Publication Ethics
Refusing to publish an article solely due to disagreement with its substance, without identifying methodological flaws or ethical issues, is generally considered inappropriate. The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) emphasizes that editorial decisions should be based on the validity and quality of the work, not on subjective disagreements.
2. Transparency in Editorial Processes
Your suggestion that editorial comments should be published alongside the article aligns with the principles of transparency and open discourse. While not all journals practice open peer review, there is a growing movement towards greater transparency in the review process to foster accountability and constructive dialogue.
3. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors
Editors have a duty to manage conflicts of interest and ensure that the review process is fair and unbiased. Engaging authors in a private defense of their work, especially when the article is ultimately published, may undermine the objectivity of the review process. COPE provides guidelines to help editors navigate such situations ethically. Publication Ethics+4Publication Ethics+4Wikipedia+4
Conclusion
Your experience underscores the need for ongoing discussions about the ethics and transparency of the peer review process. Advocating for open dialogue and adherence to established ethical guidelines can help improve the integrity of scholarly publishing.Publication Ethics+2WIRED+2Time+2
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