🚀 go-pugleaf

>In contrast to Dr. Cummins, I am very interested in "telling" folks about my
>research. When I receive a reprint request, indicating that someone is
>interested in my work, I send out a reprint promptly. I even make it a policy
>to photocopy any reprints that I happen to be out of, even if I have to go to
>the library to get a copy myself.
>
>Although I would never knowingly penilize someone for not sending a reprint
>when they probably could afford it, I am sure that there is some consequence
>of not being readily available in my files/memory banks when I need to cite
>someone's work.
>
>I guess the major difference is that I consider a reprint request with my
>address, listing my paper a "personal letter" (even if it is on a card). I
>don't begrudge folks using "worksaving tools" to accomplish this important
>aspect of scientific communication.


I couldn't agree more with all of these comments, and think they bear
repeating. The goal of research is dissimination of ideas and I, for one,
am flattered to know when someone out there cares enough about my work to
want a glossy reprint with intelligable photos rather than a mere
photocopy. Furthermore, probably half my reprint requests come from
countries were access to journals (and photocopy machines) is not as easy
as in this country--or Australia. I'm sorry Dr. Cummins feels the way he
does, but PLEASE let's keep up the tradition of exchanging reprints.
Anything Endnote can do to make the entire process a little easier would
help...


Mark Johnsson <mark@octopus.wr.usgs.gov>
U.S. Geological Survey/Stanford University