Publications are important in research. But those who only work for publications, lose in quality of research and results.
All serious researchers must endeavor to publish important outcomes from their research. It is not just about publishing anything at all cost, but more about reporting important new findings to broaden the depth of knowledge in their research fields or areas. It is also not about numbers - better to publish few high quality papers than to publish hundreds of low/poor quality papers. Those who embark on publishing poor quality research do themselves a major disservice as no one will read such work (hence, zero citation and poor h-index) and no reputable journal will accept such work for publication.
On the other hand, if a researcher chose not to publish the outcomes of his/her research, the researcher will loose the opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge in the research field/area and gain due recognition for making the discovery/finding. More seriously, other researchers may come later to claim credit for something they failed to report earlier. Hence, in research terms, the former will perish/diminish as s/he would not be recognized for any contribution in their research areas/fields, while the latter will excel and gain due recognition.
All serious researchers must endeavor to publish important outcomes from their research. It is not just about publishing anything at all cost, but more about reporting important new findings to broaden the depth of knowledge in their research fields or areas. It is also not about numbers - better to publish few high quality papers than to publish hundreds of low/poor quality papers. Those who embark on publishing poor quality research do themselves a major disservice as no one will read such work (hence, zero citation and poor h-index) and no reputable journal will accept such work for publication.
On the other hand, if a researcher chose not to publish the outcomes of his/her research, the researcher will loose the opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge in the research field/area and gain due recognition for making the discovery/finding. More seriously, other researchers may come later to claim credit for something they failed to report earlier. Hence, in research terms, the former will perish/diminish as s/he would not be recognized for any contribution in their research areas/fields, while the latter will excel and gain due recognition.
Sam
I do not know the intentions that guided Lijo when asked this question, but I have a strong belief that you moved only one aspect of the problem, which is hidden under the term "Publish or Perish".
Of course, I agree with you. I think, that when we positively understand the role of science and the place of scientist in the global development, we should understand the slogan "Publish or Perish" just as you showed it.
But there is at least one more - the darker side of this issue. What's the problem?
Virtually in every part of the world "to be a scientist" is that ennobling. Suffice it to say that the scientists, politicians, movie stars and financial magnates, generally considered to be those that are "created to make a career". In fact, there is nothing wrong, of course. But the rush to "make a career" in many cases pushing at all costs to publish. This in turn makes it necessary to "produce results"., In the end, we have more and more doubtful results and publications written on their basis.
In summary I write ironically that the slogan "Publish or Perish" should be replaced with more meaningful slogan - "Publish Honestly or Perish".
Andrzej: That is a wonderful slogan and I support 100%.
I have contact with researchers all over the world. Many of them are facing a lots of pressure from their colleagues and principal investigators, and they are compelled to produce results even from nothing. This is really affecting the quality of their research even from talented and motivated researchers. I am sure, at least you or some of your friends must have passed through the same situations. So to have more quality results, from now on wards, I also suggest the slogan "Publish Honestly or Perish".
Thanks Andrezej, for this meaningful slogan....
Well done Andrzej!!. I fully agree with you and I think we are saying the same thing, except that I was a bit more subtle by referring to what you called "honest" as "high quality" results/research.
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