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Today Sci-Hub is 10 years old. I'll publish 2M new articles to celebrate (twitter.com)

1154 points by DominikPeters · 1844 days ago · 160 comments on HN

Article summary

Sci-Hub, a website that provides free access to scientific papers, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by publishing 2.3 million new articles. The website's founder, Alexandra Elbakyan, announced the milestone on social media, despite a lawsuit in India that had restricted the site's activities. The lawsuit's restriction has reportedly expired, allowing Sci-Hub to resume publishing new content. Sci-Hub has been a controversial but popular resource for researchers and students worldwide, particularly in developing countries where access to scientific journals is often limited.

Main themes

  • Sci-Hub anniversary
  • scientific publishing
  • open access
  • copyright and legality
  • research and development
  • access to knowledge
  • academic publishing models

What commenters say

  • Sci-Hub has contributed significantly to the dissemination of scientific knowledge, especially in developing countries where access to journals is limited.
  • The site's activities are seen as a necessary response to the high costs of scientific publishing and the restrictive policies of major publishers.
  • Some argue that Sci-Hub's actions are illegal and unethical, while others see them as a justified challenge to the existing publishing system.
  • The site's users appreciate the convenience and accessibility it provides, but some also express concern about the sustainability of the model and the potential consequences of relying on a single, unofficial source.
  • There are alternative solutions and tools being developed to improve access to scientific knowledge, such as semantic search engines and open-access repositories.
  • The conversation highlights the tension between the need for open access to scientific knowledge and the economic realities of publishing and research.
  • Some commenters suggest that authors and researchers themselves often support Sci-Hub's mission and would gladly share their work if it were not for the restrictions imposed by publishers.
  • The discussion also touches on the potential for new technologies and initiatives to transform the way scientific knowledge is shared and accessed.