The nature of peer-review: confessions of a formerly-good reviewer and observations of an emerging scholar

摘要

I (Tonette) used to write thorough, thoughtful and helpful reviews in a timely fashion. The fact that I did good work resulted in demand for my services as a peerreviewer. I complete 20 (or more) reviews a year, not counting what I review as an editor. I perceive from my experiences that I am asked to complete so many reviews because editors have noticed the same trend that I have: reviews are increasingly less insightful and helpful than they should be and there are fewer reviewers. Even with the admittedly-diminished quality of my reviews - due in part to the intense demand that has been placed on me because I provide detailed feedback - my services are still sought after by other editors because at my worst, my reviews are still useful.