Re: Does Dramatic Growth of DOAJ Signal Success or Market Dysfunction?

[Philip Davis <pmd8@cornell.edu>]

Thinking about success in terms of authors, readers or 
institutions (as Sally proposes) are useful distinctions. 
Characterizing "success" in terms of the *functions* of 
publishing would also be helpful, especially in terms of whether 
dramatic growth in DOAJ titles satisfies any of these goals:

1. Registration of ideas

2. Validation of truth claims

3. Dissemination of these new claims

4. Archiving

5. Designation of credit

Economic "success," at least in terms of efficiency would mean to 
carry out the above functions as well as possible with minimal 
expenditure of resources: money -- but more importantly, time -- 
for all of those who contribute to, and benefit from, scientific 
publishing.

It is unfortunate that some see skepticism of some of the truth 
claims made about open access as an attack on openness itself. 
Movements are strengthened when they encourage discussion and 
debate. Ad hominem attacks are the sign of a truly weak position.

Phil Davis


Sally Morris wrote:

> Not sure if Scott's question was serious or not, but it's
> actually an interesting one.
>
> Seems to me that there are a number of aspects of 'success' in a
> journals system.