Journal Economics

Abstract

In a recent letter (Science's Compass, 27 Nov. p. 1643), Peter T. Shepherd of Elsevier comments on the article "New journals launched to fight rising prices" by David Malakoff (News of the Week, 30 Oct. p. 853), in which I was quoted as a representative of the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC). Although I disagree about substance, Shepherd is right that "the debate on the future of journal publishing is both necessary and timely." And I think that his invitation to "compare like with like" is an excellent idea. Such comparison clearly demonstrates the value of the alternative journals offered by SPARC's partners. Comparative data do not, however, support Shepherd's suggestion that the debate lacks facts or reflects prejudice (presumably against publishers whose pursuit of excessive profit has gravely damaged scientific communication).

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