Fake news has been the go-to criticism of the media for some politicians, which in turn has been rejected as propaganda and fear-mongering by journalists. However, as former journalist Simon Linacre argues, the fourth estate needs to have its own house is in order first, and ensure they are not tripped up by predatory journals. … Continue reading A case study of how bad science spreads
Right path, wrong journey
In his latest post, Simon Linacre reviews the book, The Business of Scholarly Publishing: Managing in Turbulent Times, by Albert N. Greco, Professor of Marketing at Fordham University's Gabelli School of Business, recently published by Oxford University Press. Given the current backdrop for all industries, one might say that scholarly communications is in more turmoil than … Continue reading Right path, wrong journey
Reversal of fortune
One of the most common questions Cabells is asked about its Predatory Reports database of journals is whether it has ever “changed its mind” about listing a journal. As Simon Linacre reports, it is less a question of changing the outcome of a decision, but more of a leopard changing its spots. This week saw … Continue reading Reversal of fortune
Gray area
While Cabells spends much of its time assessing journals for inclusion in its Verified or Predatory lists, probably the greater number of titles reside outside the parameters of those two containers. In his latest blog, Simon Linacre opens up a discussion on what might be termed ‘gray journals’ and what their profiles could look like. … Continue reading Gray area
Doing your homework…and then some
Researchers have always known the value of doing their homework – they are probably the best there is at leaving no stone unturned. But that has to apply to the work itself. Simon Linacre looks at the importance of ‘researching your research’ and using the right sources and resources. Depending on whether you are a … Continue reading Doing your homework…and then some
The future of research evaluation
Following last week’s guest post from Rick Anderson on the risks of predatory journals, we turn our attention this week to legitimate journals and the wider issue of evaluating scholars based on their publications. With this in mind, Simon Linacre recommends a broad-based approach with the goal of such activities permanently front and center. This … Continue reading The future of research evaluation
Will academia lead the way?
Universities are usually expected to have all the answers - they are full of clever people after all. But sometimes, they need some help to figure out specific problems. Simon Linacre attended a conference recently where the questions being asked of higher education are no less than solving the problems of climate change, poverty, clean water supply … Continue reading Will academia lead the way?
Plan S for/versus Early-Career Researchers
Last week saw the joint-hosting by ALPSP and UKSG of a one day conference in London on the theme of “Shifting Power Centres in Scholarly Communications”. Former researcher and Cabells Journal Auditor Dr. Sneha Rhode attended the event and shares her thoughts below from both sides of the research and policy divide. The ALPSP and … Continue reading Plan S for/versus Early-Career Researchers
Bringing clarity to academic publishing
How do you know if a journal is a good or a bad one? It is a simple enough question, but there is a lack of clear information out there for researchers, and often scams that lay traps for the unaware. In his latest post, Simon Linacre presents some new videos from Cabells that explain … Continue reading Bringing clarity to academic publishing
When does research end and publishing begin?
In his latest post, Simon Linacre argues that in order for authors to make optimal decisions – and not to get drawn into predatory publishing nightmares – research and publishing efforts should overlap substantially. In a recent online discussion on predatory publishing, there was some debate as to the motivations of authors to chose predatory … Continue reading When does research end and publishing begin?