Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the topic of cost-free physics journals for authors, specifically questioning whether certain journals charge publication fees and exploring the policies of various journals in the field of physics and astrophysics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether journals like the Journal of High Energy Physics and the European Physics Journal charge authors to publish papers.
- Another participant asserts that APS journals do not charge authors as long as submissions are in preferred electronic formats, suggesting that many journals no longer charge for publication.
- A participant recalls that some journals previously had voluntary charges to support authors from less affluent backgrounds, indicating a historical context for publication fees.
- One participant mentions that page charges are still common in the field of astrophysics, suggesting variability across disciplines.
- Another participant expresses confusion regarding a specific APS publication charge link, indicating uncertainty about the current policies.
- A participant shares personal experience of publishing in APS journals without being charged, although they express uncertainty about past publications.
- There is a suggestion that different journals may have varying policies, particularly regarding open access journals.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the existence and prevalence of publication charges in various journals, with no consensus reached on whether specific journals charge authors or the extent of such charges across different fields.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference specific journals and their policies, but there is uncertainty regarding the historical context of charges and how they may differ by journal or discipline. The discussion does not resolve the ambiguity surrounding the current state of publication fees.
