Within the past week I have observed two separate instances wherein a list participant has been criticized for posting errant citations.
Please allow me to respectfully state that it is improper and grossly unfair to criticize a fellow scientist ( regardless that they be lay, undergraduate, graduate or professional) for an incorrect citation or reference without offering the correction to same. This standard is followed in peer reviewed journals. It is a well-founded policy.
Rebuttals attacking data, citations or references should be supported and the grounds or materiality of the rebuttal clearly drawn. Any rebuttal failing these standards should be withdrawn or ignored.
Best Regards,
K. Lee Lerner
Science Policy Institute
P.S. Without offering comment on the gist of the scientific issues, I further state that I have had a graduate student check the citations in question. I have been informed that Mr. Morton's citations are are without error.