During a quick scan this morning of the “recent” comments on Pubpeer, an activity that I pursue regularly, as part of my reading, there seemed to be a lot more author responses. So I counted.
70 articles featured with comments.
10 of these had an author response.
This is progress. I have no data, but my impression is that a year ago author comments were far rarer, maybe 1% or thereabouts. Now we are at 14%. Let’s hope this is not an anomaly, but a trend, and maybe in a few years papers without author responses will be in the minority.
Regardless of arguments about anonymity, etc., post publication peer review is growing, which is a sign of health in the scientific enterprise.
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For what it’s worth, I had noticed that too. Previously, Author Replies were exceptional, now they’re merely scarce!
Many recent author responses are from Spain. I believe that the authorities in Spain have decided to take the path of reform.
If true that would be good and then an example to other countries
Not just an example to other countries, but by tracing the lineage of publications networks of misconduct can found in other countries.
Trains and aeroplanes do not change a leopard’s spots.