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My perspective: Most people are terrible writers. And that also applies to many scientists. And in addition, there are cargo cults of writing styles that people
by vaylian 5y ago
My perspective: Most people are terrible writers. And that also applies to many scientists. And in addition, there are cargo cults of writing styles that people follow, just so that their writings are perceived as part of the scientific culture.
When regular people publish books, they get proofread and you actually get feedback from people who are trained in proofreading. In academia this not something you can expect from a publisher. And that's why we have lower standards for published academic writings.
- geoalchimista 5y agoSome journals have a proofreading stage before publication. But proofreading can't save bad writing. I blame the overemphasis on "critical thinking" in modern liberal arts education at the expense of fundamental writing skills and thinking in clear terms.