The thread discusses the challenges and considerations faced by independent researchers in publishing physics papers without institutional backing. Topics include obtaining endorsement for arXiv submissions, protecting intellectual property, identifying suitable journals for submission, and sharing experiences related to the publication process.
Participants generally express multiple competing views on the feasibility of publishing as an independent researcher, the nature of journal publication practices, and the effectiveness of various methods for protecting intellectual property. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on these issues.
Limitations include varying definitions of what constitutes an "independent researcher," differing experiences with journal publication processes, and the lack of clarity on the effectiveness of certain intellectual property protections.
berkeman said:But how do you afford to pay for access to technical publications to keep up with the current work of others if you have only a baker's salary?
Interesting. Do you think it might be different for your field (mathmatics) versus physics? Are you able to access the math journals in your field for no charge, or do you make that investment on your own?andresB said:I use exactly zero resources from the university, not even a library to access technical publications.
berkeman said:Interesting. Do you think it might be different for your field (mathmatics) versus physics? Are you able to access the math journals in your field for no charge, or do you make that investment on your own?
Oops, sorry. My mistake.andresB said:I...work in physics.
3)? Be particulary respectful of them, their time and keep fully in mind they're doing you a favor by choosing to read/review your paper.mathwonk said:ok, just a suggestion.
1) establish priority by publishing in a self issued or easy access journal, then
2) send it to a university professor you know for advice on quality.
then you will know whether you have reason to send it to a standard journal.
good luck!
John Baez interviewed the professors that granted the PhD. They said the brothers had been around long enough and it was time for them to move on. Aren't you concerned about your institution's prestige, asked John. We haven't got any prestige was the reply.pines-demon said:That reminds me of the the Bogdanoff brothers. They started doing popular science on TV and selling books but they were not taken seriously most of the time as they did not have a PHD. So they forced themselves into having one. Up to this day it is unclear how a jury allowed it.
To get an insurance policy that it was your idea, yes. To be referenced in serious papers, no.frankinstien said:I posted my paper on ResearchGate just to have a reference for publishing the idea. I'm assuming that should work just as well as certified mailing to oneself?