Publish or perish.

[rivka]

My boss Lydia asked me earlier this afternoon if I'd like to help write a paper she was invited to submit to a journal. People at my stage of professional development have no business turning down opportunities to publish - and besides, it's an interesting assignment. So I said sure.

She just copied me on an e-mail she sent the journal editor. It turns out that she'd originally promised him the paper by Dec 23rd. She's now swearing that it will be in his hands one week from today. And she's told him that I'll be her co-author.

I don't think she's written a single word.

Okay. Time to open the box of imported Belgian chocolates she gave me for Christmas, and inhale deeply. Then, and only then, will I walk next door to discuss the game plan with her.

Comments

[tsjafo.livejournal.com]

Doncha just love deadlines? 'Specially when they've already passed? Sheesh! Good luck on the paper. (Will we be able to read it somewhere or will it be too technical to understand?)

Sounds like publish *and* perish!

[therealjae.livejournal.com]

Far be it from me to bitch about flaky academics who go off the deep end and let deadlines escape them, but this woman is a flaky academic who's gone off the ... you know. At the very least, she owes you an apology for not telling you the full story upfront.

Just make sure that she's not expecting you to do all the work and then slap her name on the paper. This last-minute request for a "co-author" sounds mighty suspicious to me. No publication is worth that, and at worst, she could make you look as irresponsible as she's being. This could still turn out well, but please, please be careful.

-J

Re: Sounds like publish *and* perish!

[elynne.livejournal.com]

I second all of the above. It also sounds like she may be wanting to spread the blame for not getting the paper done on time around a little. Of course, I'm a naturally suspicious critter. ;P Still, it sounds like it could be a good opportunity, so good luck!

Re: Sounds like publish *and* perish!

[rivka.livejournal.com]

It also sounds like she may be wanting to spread the blame for not getting the paper done on time around a little.

This actually shouldn't happen - it's one place where the rigid academic hierarchy works in my favor. Lydia's the one with the big name, and the one who was specifically invited to submit a paper. The journal editor will be happy to accept something that's co-authored by one of her underlings, and if the paper's good he'll remember my name, but he's not going to expect me to have any actual power in the situation. I'm just her appendage.

Re: Sounds like publish *and* perish!

[wcg.livejournal.com]

What she said. Yikes! I know that Lydia has been good to you, and I have all the confidence in the world in your ability to produce a fine article. But still... This is going to be worth a whole lot more than the Belgian chocolates when you pull a hat out of her overdue rabbit.

Re: Sounds like publish *and* perish!

[rivka.livejournal.com]

Just make sure that she's not expecting you to do all the work and then slap her name on the paper. This last-minute request for a "co-author" sounds mighty suspicious to me.

After I wrote this, I met with her to hash out an outline and a general direction. She has chunks of previously-written material she can drop in, and she has a strong sense of the overall argument she wants to make. I (a) came up with the narrative structure and am going to be (b)contributing background material, and (c) reining her in when she starts to get libelous or make personal attacks. (It's a critique of someone else's research.) After talking to her, I'm confident that she's not going to expect (or want) me to write the whole thing.

No publication is worth that, and at worst, she could make you look as irresponsible as she's being. This could still turn out well, but please, please be careful.

The journal editor who invited this paper has met us both - actually, he's a friend of Lydia's. I was introduced to him as her "study coordinator," not as a colleague equal or near-equal in status and responsibility. I think that'll help keep the blame where it belongs. Also the fact that she didn't suggest to him that I co-author the paper until well after the original deadline.

The only way I can really see this working to my long-term disadvantage (as opposed to my short-term stress and inconvenience) is if the paper isn't very good.

I appreciate your cautionary advice - thanks. I do think it's a difficult balancing act, to draw the line between career advancement opportunities and sheer exploitation. In academia, sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference.

Yipe!

[ororo.livejournal.com]

Deadlines . . . that lovely whooshing sound they make as they go by.

Inhale the chocolate, nibble it if you need to. Good luck.

[jodawi.livejournal.com]

If you get stuck for material maybe you could spice it up with this (http://brunching.com/toys/toy-pornorpony.html) somehow?

Publish or...

[curmudgn]

Personally, I think it might be quite fun to go on rounds or to meet clients while dressed as an enormous pear.  Do you think perhaps an Anjou costume would be best?  The red color is quite flattering....

Oh.  Not that kind of ‘pear-ish.’

<litella>Never mind.</litella>

Re: Publish or...

[rivka.livejournal.com]

Proof positive that you haven't met me in person. I'm already pear-ish.