Scientific publishing is in a revolutionary phase, with some instructive lessons to draw from the political arena. Continue reading
Preprints and direct democracy
peer review
Obstetrics and review merits
The new Review Commons initiative from EMBO Press and ASAPbio is another significant development for the progressive movement in scientific publishing. Continue reading
Neither chickens nor toadies
Might waiving anonymity actually improve the fairness of peer review? Continue reading
The 9 types of peer reviewer
Time for another lighthearted posting! TIR profiles some of the main types of peer reviewer out there… Continue reading
eLife – future present?
The first results of eLife’s pioneering peer review system might point to the future of scientific publication. Continue reading
Professional masochists
Getting feedback is never easy. But the gain is always worth the pain. Continue reading
Cloak and dagger
Facts, figures, and rhetoric
What’s the real purpose of scientific figures?
There’s a common misconception that they’re to show what we did. Continue reading
The art of refereeing
Could rugby teach scientists how to approach the review process?
On the night before the England rugby team attempt to win a first Six Nations grand slam since 2003, it seemed appropriate to have a rugby-themed posting. For those who are not fans of the game with the funny-shaped ball, bear with me… Continue reading
Total Internal Reflection 