Why preprint? | Zavarka

"Preprints have been around and used extensively (particularly in maths and physics) for over 30 years at this point (arXiv was founded in 1991). Most major funders and journals recognise preprints, probably the majority of funders now have open access requirements that can be fulfilled with preprints, and a few are even mandating their use. It’s actually not much younger than the widespread use of peer review, which didn’t become a de facto standard until the 1960s-1970s (Nature didn’t use it until 1973 for example).

Preprinting papers is a huge advantage to authors, and the data is stark. Papers in biology which originally appeared as preprints get 36% more citations and the advantage is immediate and long lasting.

To make the argument clearer, let’s break it down into the different roles that preprints can have...."