Reforming Research Assessment: A Tough Nut to Crack
Alison Mudditt looks at the recently released TOP Factor from the Center for Open Science, and the bigger picture of shifting the nature of research assessment.
Data Analysis: How Effective Is TrendMD?
A reanalysis of TrendMD experimental data reveal details on its effectiveness, novelty, and bias.
Study: Recommender Systems May Increase Citations
TrendMD may drive traffic, saves, and citations, according to a new study by the founders and employees of TrendMD. Deeper analysis of their results reveal overstated results and a lack of context. Should these papers be considered sound science just another form of marketing?
How to Be A Good Peer Reviewer
A major factor in determining quality in the peer review process are the reviewers. Without peers providing high-quality reviews, the value-add of the peer review process declines. We started this conversation about what makes a quality peer review within our larger community via Twitter , and came up with a few qualities of good peer reviewers.
The Most Popular Social Media Networks Over Time
A look at the most popular social media networks by users over time.
Leaving Behind the Outrage Economy
Some thoughts about using social media in a more intentional and humane manner, and video presentation by Dan Harvey on why outrage and anger are so prevalent (and valuable) online.
Can Twitter, Facebook, and Other Social Media Drive Downloads, Citations?
A brief review of studies linking social media and article-level performance.
Andy Warhol and his Influence on Media and Culture
A new Andy Warhol retrospective offers a chance to look back at both his prescience and his influence on our current culture.
Have Content will Travel: Author-Interview Podcasts for Scholarly Books
An interview with Marshall Poe, editor-in-chief of the New Books Network, a rapidly growing platform for podcasts about scholarly works.
A Surveillance System Disguised as a High School Reunion
John Oliver takes Facebook to task for their seemingly insincere apology advertisements.
Guest Post: Safiya Umoja Noble and the Ethics of Social Justice in Information (Part 1)
Jocelyn Dawson and Rebecca McLeod interview Safiya Noble, author of “Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism”.
Hipster Antitrust and Structural Dominance — What Is a Monopoly Now?
Calling something a “monopoly” has been misleading in many cases, but the new economy may require a complete rethinking of the anti-competitiveness created by intermediaries at scale.
The Core vs. the Crowd — Why Barriers to Entry May Help Restore Trust
A history of the rise of coercive media suggests that raising barriers to entry may be a remedy. Could a business model shift do most of the work for us?
The Global Battle for Attention and Authority – Have We Already Lost?
As we learn more on an almost daily basis about the growing power and influence of social media and Facebook in particular, Alison Mudditt spoke recently with Siva Vaidhyanathan about the intricate relationship between media and democracy, and the critical role that cultural institutions – including scholarship, publishers and libraries – need to play in countering this pernicious hold on our attention.
Sometimes the Reveal is Better than the Magic Trick
You can still be manipulated, even when you know you’re being manipulated.