> Dear List Participants,
>
> 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 rebuttal failing these standards should be withdrawn or ignored.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
Sorry, but I disagree.
These tight standards might arguably be appropriate for peer reviewed
journals. I think they are excessive, inappropriate, and ill-advised in
the context of a discussion forum.
Gordon Simons