[Tccc] Promoting open on-line research
Pars Mutaf
pars.mutaf
Wed Nov 2 02:37:35 EDT 2011
On Tue, Nov 1, 2011 at 8:05 PM, Joe Touch <touch at isi.edu> wrote:
> Hi, all,
>
> With my TCCC Chair hat on:
>
>
> On 10/30/2011 11:24 PM, Pars Mutaf wrote:
>
>> Dear researcher,
>>
>> A mediocre quality scientific conference costs ~1M dollars to the world
>> just for registration fees.
>>
>
> FYI, without judging what is mediocre, $1M USD is a conference of around
> 1,000-2,000 people.
>
>
> Millions of dollars are spent each year for a few reviews and after
>> waiting
>> long months.
>>
>
> Direct review cost are minimal - some websites charge, others are free.
> Other services cost - e.g., plagiarism checks.
>
> However, this is clearly not a direct cost estimate.
>
> We discussed these cost issues on this list, and posted a summary on the
> TCCC website. As we discussed, there are other benefits to in-person
> meetings that include:
> - opportunity for personal networking
> - opportunity for in-person exchanges at a group presentation
> - publication of your work in a recognized, publicized, and
> distributed proceedings
>
> There may be merit to open on-line research. I hope this discussion can
> proceed with the context of previously learned understanding of real
> conference costs.
>
>
Right. A possible approach is:
1. Install the new system gradually in several sites like
arxiv.orgaugmented with public review. (i.e. as an addition to the
current system)
2. See if the conferences (or which ones) still have their importance
In this approach scientists decide and the change is smooth (and
unpredictable).
Conferences may have the benefits that are listed above. The problem is
being tied to conferences just for receiving feedback. Currently it is the
only way to receive feedback. **From this angle** conferences have very low
benefit/cost ratio (even for accepted work). Very limited feedback is
received and after waiting long months.
Pars
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/replacing-scientific-conferences-with-a-cheap-and-effic.html
Joe (TCCC Chair)
>
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