The Scholarly Kitchen
Archive for December 2011
Measuring the Wrong Things — Has the Scientific Method Been Compromised By Careerism?
As we continue to measure the number of papers, citations, and the combination, perhaps we should be measuring a much lower number — the number of studies that can be replicated after publication. Continue reading
The Broader Context of Patron-Driven Acquisitions
A new book edited by David Swords on patron-driven acquisitions (PDA) provides a good background on the topic, but there is a broader context of PDA, which is not fully addressed. Continue reading
Can We Measure the Value of Professional Editors?
eLife asserts that professional editors create more harm than good. But how do we know that? How can we know that? Or is this just an emotional argument based on anecdote and conjecture rather than fact? Continue reading
No Such Thing As a Bad Book? Part 2 — Implications and Problems
Who can judge quality or utility? How are library acquisition practices optimized? Continuing an earlier post, the tensions are now exposed by budgetary limitations, and the repercussions of shifting away from traditional acquisition practices will be felt for years to come. Continue reading
Short, Silent, and Stunning — Comparing Earthquakes By Energy Release
A silent infographic showing the power of moving tectonic plates. Unexpectedly dramatic. Continue reading
Blinded by Ideology — Open Access Advocate Continues to Fight the Battles of Yesteryear
More tired OA rhetoric, this time wielding an argument that copyright approaches of some OA publishers aren’t pure enough to qualify as “real” open access. Get ready to feel the burn. Continue reading
Is Peer Review a Coin Toss?
When authors think peer-review is about their chances of acceptance rather than the quality of their paper, it can lead to the wrong expectations and unproductive behaviors. Continue reading
The Costs of Print
The question of when print will end is often framed as if it is a natural occurrence, an evolutionary question, or the likely outcome of a sporting event, rather than a business decision that publishers may revisit on a regular basis. Continue reading
Another View of DRM for Publishers
Publishers’ practice of clinging to DRM may be strengthening Amazon’s already overwhelming market position. Publishers should consider dropping DRM and even assisting in the creation of new digital venues. Continue reading
Ask the Chefs: “What Was the Best Conference You Attended This Year, and Why?”
Conferences are a vital place to exchange information and ideas for publishers and other information specialists. Which meetings stood out in 2011? Continue reading
Authors
The mission of the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) is "[t]o advance scholarly publishing and communication, and the professional development of its members through education, collaboration, and networking." SSP established The Scholarly Kitchen blog in February 2008 to keep SSP members and interested parties aware of new developments in publishing.
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The Scholarly Kitchen is a moderated and independent blog. Opinions on The Scholarly Kitchen are those of the authors. They are not necessarily those held by the Society for Scholarly Publishing nor by their respective employers.
