Léo Varnet

Having one's paper rejected by reviewer 2 is always a painful experience. Fortunately, this time, reviewer 1 made my day:

- Reviewer 2: "I am doing a quick turn around on this ms because I do not believe the data are of sufficient interest or significance to merit publication. I wish I could offer a way to salvage the paper."

- Reviewer 1: "Above all I should admit really appreciating the work presented, ranking it as the most interesting I have read over the last few years. Clearly predefined hypotheses; statistical analyses defined prior to data collection; easy access to all data and software; modelling of the empirical observations; and a measurement paradigm novel to our field: the MS has all the ingredients one expects in high quality research. Hence I take the opportunity to thank and congratulate the authors with their work."

#academicmastodon #academicChatter @academicchatter #Reviewer2 #Reviewer2MustBeStopped

Mar 1, 2023 at 4:33pmWeb
Show threadLéo VarnetMar 1, 2023
In fact, in this case, I think I should complement the classic #Reviewer2MustBeStopped with a #ButPleaseThankReviewer1ForMe
Show threadIsaac Erbele, MDMar 1, 2023
@leovarnet if I were an editor, I'd probably ignore reviewer 2 with that kind of response, and maybe find another reviewer.
Show threadABrockwellMar 2, 2023

@Ear_bele @leovarnet That quote is really something: "I wish I could offer a way to salvage the paper". It reeks of insecurity and smug arrogance, with a slight streak of abusiveness, topped off with total lack of sincerity.

Hopefully the editor will indeed seek another reviewer.

Show threadIsaac Erbele, MDMar 2, 2023
@aebrockwell @leovarnet To me, it reads like they did a very cursory skim and decided it wasn't worth their time, rather than actually engage the subject
Show threadYannick RochatMar 2, 2023
@Ear_bele @leovarnet Exactly this. This is one of the missions of the editor and some tend to forget it (and not even read the reviews in detail!).
Show threadIsaac Erbele, MDMar 2, 2023
@yrochat @leovarnet I only know this because good editors have ignored me!
Show threadLuisa N. BorrellMar 9, 2023
@Ear_bele @leovarnet Indeed! That is exactly what needs to be done. This is also the approach to follow when reviews are below average, e.g., two or three sentences either too positive or too negative.
Show threadLéo VarnetMar 9, 2023
@lborrell @Ear_bele @yrochat @aebrockwell In this particular case, the editor opted for a rejection with a very diplomatic message, suggesting to address some comments and resubmit as a new submission... so I'm wondering if this is not a strategy to bypass reviewer 2 and be able to politely exclude him from the process...