http://kotakoski.fi/ On academic publishing, open access, and Elsevier

“I was recently approached by an editor of a well-known academic journal—published by Elsevier—asking me to review a submitted manuscript. Although I have occasionally published in their journals, reviewed for them, and even participated in conferences organized by them, a recent flow of negative press regarding Elsevier's actions caused me to decline carrying out any free work for them. Specifically, I cited the following articles published by the Guardian: [1] ‘The danger of drugs ... and data’(9 May 2009, by Ben Goldacre) [2]’Academic publishers have become the enemies of science’(16 January 2012, by Mike Taylor)... Clearly, I'm by far not the only one to have refused to work for Elsevier recently. In fact, already 1441 researchers have signed a pledge at The Cost of Knowledge refusing to publish in, refereeing for, and/or doing editorial work for Elsevier. There is also a pledge called Research Without Walls—at the moment signed by 432 researches... Apparently Elsevier is taking this movement relatively seriously since I received a response signed by Rob van Daalen. To provide their view on the topic I quote his reply below in full...”