The best self-promotion is by writing good papers that are published in quality Open Access publications. Moreover, we see many young researchers enter academia every single day, which adds to competition. Is it necessary to self-promote in academia nowadays to stay or get tenured?
Self-promoting is a term that feels self-serving and maybe suggests that you are promoting something that is not completely true -- over-stating it.
But I think that, using today's terminology, academics should identify their own "brand" and support it in their public visibility. Answering questions and trying to help people on ResearchGate is part of my brand. Using my social media for thought-provoking ideas, as opposed to useless trivia, is part of my brand. Doing a good job in my faculty service is part of my brand. Having good ideas in meetings is part of my brand. You get the idea. :-)
In this context, I do share news when a paper has been accepted or published, and even when Google Scholar says I have received another citation for one of my papers, or other "factual" statements of accomplishments.
So I think that the answer to your question really has to do with how self-serving or grandiose the self-promotion is. Too much so and it will be a negative rather than a positive.
Self-promoting is a term that feels self-serving and maybe suggests that you are promoting something that is not completely true -- over-stating it.
But I think that, using today's terminology, academics should identify their own "brand" and support it in their public visibility. Answering questions and trying to help people on ResearchGate is part of my brand. Using my social media for thought-provoking ideas, as opposed to useless trivia, is part of my brand. Doing a good job in my faculty service is part of my brand. Having good ideas in meetings is part of my brand. You get the idea. :-)
In this context, I do share news when a paper has been accepted or published, and even when Google Scholar says I have received another citation for one of my papers, or other "factual" statements of accomplishments.
So I think that the answer to your question really has to do with how self-serving or grandiose the self-promotion is. Too much so and it will be a negative rather than a positive.
I do share news when a paper has been accepted or published, and even when Google Scholar says I have received another citation for one of my papers, or other "factual" statements of accomplishments.
Do you share the vision of self-promotion in academia besides publishing sound papers? - ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/post/Do_you_share_the_vision_of_self-promotion_in_academia_besides_publishing_sound_papers [accessed Jul 22, 2015].
I think some of it is good as students and colleagues may not be aware of the publication that can be useful in their local context of research. However, there must be a balance to avoid giving others the impression that one is conceited.
Many thanks,
Debra
Dear Debra, very well said. Self-promotion is an art sometimes reminding us of equilibristics, one of the most difficult artistic exercises.
The very idea of self-promotion emanates from the need for self-esteem. It may be a big source of inspiration and motivation. It may also be a means of out reaching, expanding, and exposure. However, it has got, in a modern system of marketing and career competition, an iota of self selling also. But in the process what one must not forget is the fact that self advertising should not be just for the sake of advertising. Rather, it must be supported by some thing that is equally beneficial to the academic community and the society, as well.
Then there is the important concept of 'inclusiveness' in the whole process. An academician can promote her academic personality and credentials more by sharing than by selling.
Thanks.
Very well said, Mohammed. Sharing is superior to selling. This view is influenced by Ursula Kroeber Le Guin's book 'The Dispossesed', I must admit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dispossessed
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Linguistics
- Composition Studies
- Publications