A philosopher writes with a pretty startling report of a phenomenon I had not heard of previously:
I recently submitted an article to a journal that uses online Editorial Management software. In general, I like this way of handling submissions. But on this recent occasion, there was a step in the process that I'd not seen before. In the process of entering information on the manuscript, I was asked if the manuscript had previously been submitted elsewhere and, if so, where it had been submitted. Furthermore, this was a required step in the submission process. I don't think I'd even been asked this before. I've since come to find out that at least two other journals from the same publisher [Springer] ask for the same information. So here are my questions:(1) How widespread is this practice?(2) Is the use of this practice increasing?
(2) Is whether or not the manuscript has been submitted elsewhere (and where) relevant?
(3) Even if it's relevant, is asking for this information justified?
I can not think of any meritorious justification for this process--it seems intended either to (1) short-circuit the review process by piggy-backing on the work of other journals, or (2) maintain a journal's position in a perceived pecking-order by making sure not to accept articles rejected by perceivec competitors and "inferiors." Thoughts from readers? If you are going to name particular journals, you will need to sign your name to the comment. All comments must include a valid e-mail address in any case (which will not appear).
UPDATE: Do see the comments from Simon Kirchin, below.
