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I'm afraid the case isn't that simple for academic publishing. The authors, i.e., scientists who conducted the research, usually pay a lot of money (typically
by geoalchimista 8y ago
I'm afraid the case isn't that simple for academic publishing.
The authors, i.e., scientists who conducted the research, usually pay a lot of money (typically 1500--2500 USD, depending on the journal) to the journal to get their paper published (of course, after peer review). In this process, neither the authors nor the reviewers get any payment for their work, although they put the most amount of efforts into it. On the other hand, most research papers are funded by the taxpayers, yet the products, aka the published papers, are behind the paywall for individual citizens. The publishers did nothing except typesetting, publishing, and maintaining an online database, but they profit the most from a researcher's work. Besides, some journals may even require the authors to sign away their copyright, meaning the publisher legally owns the work.
In my humble opinion, this is a kleptocratic model and I have no idea why academia has tolerated this for years. But I'm not suggesting any disruptive way to enforce social justice. I just want to emphasize that requesting the papers directly from the authors is totally legal and fair use, if someone does not feel comfortable to use sci-hub.
- ProAm 8y agoWhile the system isn't perfect, advocating stealing someones product seems so backwards for a startup accelerators forum. >The publishers did nothing except typesetting, publishing, and maintaining an online database, Lets not act like this is nothing, if the authors wanted they could have self published but likely their results wouldnt be accepted, so not only do they provide the infrastructure, it also provides credibility which has its own worth.. The system has been less than perfect for years, but so are many things, Im just surprised to see it considered acceptable behavior on HN, where as if anyone suggested people torrent other works would be shutdown immediately. Not arguing with you directly (just a general reply), just surprised at the hypocrisy that HN'ers will support when it benefits their self interests.
- Dylan16807 8y agoIt's not hypocrisy. You just disagree.
- VMG 8y agoI'm not advocating stealing. It's not the publishers property.
- ProAm 8y agoSure it is, this is where the authors decided to publish. Straight business agreement.
- VMG 8y agoThat still doesn't make it their property. As you point out yourself, the authors will email it to you for free. And I did not advocate stealing, I just pointed out that the price is absurd and nobody should pay for it.
- cwkoss 8y agoPutting educational information behind a paywall is unethical classism. Any business who depends on this should be put out of business.
- ProAm 8y agoIt's business, what does this have to do with classism, the authors were paid [1] to do this research and published it. [1] Endocrine Society, Ralph S French Charitable Foundation, and Broad Reach Foundation.
- cwkoss 8y agoBy endorsing this business model, you are placing the profits of businesses above the right for children to learn regardless of their economic situation.
- ProAm 8y agoLife isn't fair. Never was and never will be. Why is no one upset at the authors for publishing it via this method? They could have self published. It's business, it always will be business to ignore this would be to ignore reality.
- cwkoss 8y agoParticipating in unethical business models makes you complicit in the evils of their externalities. If you don't have an ethical objection to hiding academic information from the poor, then by all means engage in commerce with them. Acting morally is a choice - you can make your own.
- ProAm 8y agoWith that viewpoint you are going to have some very difficult quandaries in life to deal with. While I appreciate your intent it's just not how the world works, has ever worked or will work. No one is hiding this information, it costs $31.50 USD, or email the authors (they will likely provide it for free).