Editors value integrity in contributors. They do not like us to fabricate
results, for example. Editors also like to give the impression of expeditious
publication. To this end they often print the date of receipt of a paper so
that readers (prospective contributors) can get some idea of the publication
delay they can expect. A journal with long publication delays can expect fewer
contributions. This all sounds great. Competition between journals. The journal
which can review both well and expeditiously should come out on top, and make
lots of money for the journal owner.
However, there is not a level playing field. Some journals, such as the
Journal of Theoretical Biology, carefully documents the dates of original
receipt and of subsequent revisions. Other journals, at the slightest excuse,
will redate a paper which has had only minimal revision.
So, do not be gulled by the Editors! Editorial integrity is a relative
matter when it comes to maximizing prestige and profits. If you are about to
submit a paper to a journal which you have not dealt with before, why not post
a note here asking for input from others who may have had dealings with the
journal.
Sincerely,
Don Forsdyke, Discussion Leader
Bionet.journals.note
