Stephen Downes

Pubklishers are (slowly) realizing that their days as gatekeepers are over; that's why Angela Cochran writes "Offering "author services" is the name of the game right now." This has long been one of the primary rationalizations for publication or subscription fees. But changing the dialogue to "author services" doesn't let publishers off the hook. "We can no longer discuss 'predatory' publishing without also addressing author services providers that are taking advantage of researchers." That's why Donald Samulack proposed a Coalition for Responsible Publication Resources. Will this address the issue, or will it simply be a mechanism for existing publishers to freeze out competition? A lot depends on the implementation.