Posted on 03/13/2004 11:53:26 AM PST by js1138
If there is a fixed prize, the entry fees to to the Foundation generally. I've never been paid for a review; reviewing papers is just part of the job (a bit of overhead). I also reviewed and refereed papers even when not having a job in the field; the editors just found my address.
There's also a problem with groups claiming that some famous (or not so famous, for that matter) researcher is on their "committee." These are almost as common as the number of Nigerian ex-governmental officials with money to launder. Some of my colleagues found they were listed as a "member" of a group when they received inquiries from a third party.
Evidently the submissions for this prize must have previously survived the referee process and been published in a respected journal. Then they can self-review it according to the contest rules, fill out the forms, attach the $300 entry fee (or seek a hardship waiver) and submit it in this contest to be reviewed once again by other scientists using the self review criteria. I imagine the $300 would seem like a good investment for the winner but the losers might complain about the entry fee. OTOH, perhaps the self-review form would help candidates save their money...
Nevertheless, I hope Rocha will eventually have something to submit. If he did and I could see the review, I'd feel much better informed about the Foundation.
I was once paid $100 for doing a review, by the Arabian Journal of Science and Engineering. I think it's a wonderful principle that cheapskate journals like J. Am. Chem. Soc. should adopt. :-)
Alas, the only journals that pay reviewers are those that have to pay reviewers.
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