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A Tribute to Aaron Swartz - Post all academic articles for open public review, and end the traditional peer-review process
I did not know Aaron Swartz but I feel deep grief at his passing, and the circumstances.
I suspect that many people believe that the research of governments and academics belong in the public domain and should be available for all to review or simply access. This would eliminate the need for journals which set up an elite system that decides who can and cannot access the articles.
The idea behind the peer-review process is that others with robust knowledge (hopefully) of the material makes an assessment of the research methodology, accuracy etc etc.
In an open review process, the article would be placed on the institution's or authors' website which is designed to allow discussion. Anyone with interest can read the article and interact with the authors. The reviewers are not anonymous and their names, qualifications, knowledge of the topic will be known and available to the authors. The discussion remains public and online. There will likely be more than the traditional 3 reviewers, and the open discussion would strengthen the critical reviews.
One of the very unfair aspects of Aaron's case is that the real "thieves" are, in many cases, one or more of the listed authors who have not contributed to the articles, have plagiarized or otherwise taken credit for the work of others. The open review process might force some of the dishonesty from academic publications, while fulfilling the hope of open access.
What are your thoughts?
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Kate Blake 50+
I know I totally appreciate his contribution to Creative Commons, something I've used extensively after having academics use my work. And sharing of articles would be worthy but agree with Fritzie that there needs to be a way to recover costs.
Reviewing the process of peer review desperately needs to happen and again I agree with Fritzie that researchers don't need the added distraction of getting immersed in debate and explanation with those less learned. But you make an extremely valid point about the misuse of others work, I'd add nepotism, professional biases and many other issues. A review of the process is due!
Julie Ann 10+
There is a lot that is unjust in the publishing world and it really needs to end. We consider ourselves to be civilized and we should act accordingly, I agree. Cheers.
Xavier Belvemont 30+
I'm sorry, but what?!
The government went on a complete onslaught against this guy.
They bankrupted him (out of Millions), pushed aside all companies/parties involved and made it beyond clear to everyone that they're not going to let this go until he's hit with a 35 year sentence and a enough fines to bankrupt his family (estimated, another million).
This was in no way a legitimate legal case. They went out of their way to make an example out of this guy and get rid of him and sadly he didn't have the capacity to cope (or escape to China and then do it all again x50 for their government which I would have done in a goddamn instant, had America pulled this on me).
Kate Blake 50+