Predatory publishing encompasses a range of unethical practices employed by certain publishers, journals, and conferences to exploit researchers.
A predatory publisher is an entity that offers publication services without adhering to recognized academic and ethical standards. They may publish multiple low-quality journals, books, or organize conferences that lack proper peer review and editorial oversight, primarily aiming to generate profit rather than contribute to scholarly communication.
Predatory publishing poses significant risks to academic researchers:
Damage to Reputation: Publishing in predatory journals can lead to the marginalisation of a researcher’s work, as it may be dismissed by peers, academic institutions, and funding bodies due to the lack of rigorous academic standards.
Financial Exploitation: Researchers may incur substantial, often hidden, publication fees imposed by predatory publishers, leading to the depletion of research funds with little or no academic return.
Career Impact: Engaging with predatory publishing can have a detrimental effect on an academic’s professional trajectory, as their association with low-quality venues can diminish their credibility and hinder future opportunities for collaboration, funding, or advancement.
|
Principle |
Legitimate Practices |
Predatory Practices |
|
Ownership and Management |
Ownership is clearly stated and transparent. |
Ownership details are missing, misleading, or unclear. |
|
Revenue Sources |
Transparent business models and revenue streams. |
Unclear or unethical revenue practices; linked to editorial decisions. |
|
Copyright and Licensing |
Policies are transparent, allowing authors to retain key rights. |
Policies are unclear or force authors to relinquish excessive rights. |
|
Advertising |
Advertisements are separate from editorial decisions and clearly marked. |
Advertising influences editorial decisions or is misleading. |
|
Direct Marketing |
Targeted and professional communication. |
Aggressive, spam-like emails with exaggerated claims. |
Check out Beall’s list – a list of potential predatory publishers created by a librarian Jeffrey Beall.
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