Posting vs Publishing: Benefits & Dangers

[mcjosep]

If a person is in no need to publish anything for a career or to get their PHD then what is the benefit to publishing work vs just posting it on the internet if all you are trying to do is spread a theory/concept?

 

[ZapperZ]

If a person is in no need to publish anything for a career or to get their PHD then what is the benefit to publishing work vs just posting it on the internet if all you are trying to do is spread a theory/concept?

Because there's a gazillion of this type of garbage floating around the 'net. What would be the point of putting another one out there simply for it to disappear into oblivion?

Zz.

 

[Evo]

If a person is in no need to publish anything for a career or to get their PHD then what is the benefit to publishing work vs just posting it on the internet if all you are trying to do is spread a theory/concept?

Validation. Posting on the internet gets you ZERO validation. Only publishing in a mainstream, approved, peer reviewed journal counts. Don't be fooled by predatory journals that will publish any garbage if you pay them.

 

[mcjosep]

I suppose, it just seems there should be a better way to do it. To have honest peer reviews is a valuable thing.
Per ZapperZ's comment though, I feel like a published article could slip into oblivion just as easily.

 

[ZapperZ]

I suppose, it just seems there should be a better way to do it. To have honest peer reviews is a valuable thing.
Per ZapperZ's comment though, I feel like a published article could slip into oblivion just as easily.

Publishing doesn't guarantee notoriety or recognition. But your work is forever archived and recorded long after you are gone. And if it is in one of the more reputable journals, it is almost a guarantee that you WILL get several citations.

Nothing similar can be said about posting some random, unverified ideas just on the web. So no, I disagree with the "just as easily" categorization. Slipping into oblivion is easier and more likely for such postings.

Zz.