dsstodol@daimi.aau.dk (David S. Stodolsky) (10/27/90)
Full paper to be posted shortly: Consensus Journals: Invitational journals based upon peer consensus Computer networks open new possibilities for scientific communication in terms of quality, efficiency, and rapidity. The current project is developing a method of scientific communication that has the economy of invitational journals and the objectivity of journals based upon the peer review. That is, all articles are published and the reader benefits from article selection based upon impartial refereeing. An additional benefit of consensus journals is that the negotiation process, that typically occurs prior to publication, is automated, thus saving efforts of participants. All readers are free to submit reviews that evaluate articles on multiple dimensions. A statistical procedure is used to identify the most knowledgeable representative of consensus positions and these referees are invited to submit articles that justify the review judgments they have submitted. A major advantage of this approach is the ability to develop reputation without article publication. The method includes a protection mechanism based upon pseudonyms, that substitutes for the protection of anonymous review typical with scientific journals. This reduces the potential for irresponsible behavior and facilitates reputation development. The level of quality enhancement is superior to that achievable with anonymous peer review. Eliminating the need for an editor and the delay associated with conventional refereeing makes message quality enhancement available in systems for educational and business environments. -- David S. Stodolsky Office: + 45 46 75 77 11 x 21 38 Department of Computer Science Home: + 45 31 55 53 50 Bldg. 20.2, Roskilde University Center Internet: david@ruc.dk Post Box 260, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark Fax: + 45 46 75 74 01