One of my papers got declined today (mathstodon.xyz)

Article summary

A researcher's paper was declined, and they shared their experience to highlight that rejection is a normal part of the research process. The researcher, Terence Tao, is a well-known mathematician, and his willingness to share his rejection is seen as a way to help others with imposter syndrome. The discussion around the article focuses on the importance of sharing failures and rejections in the scientific community. The article also touches on the peer review process and the challenges of getting papers published in top journals.

Main themes

• Research failures and rejections
• Imposter syndrome
• Peer review process
• Scientific publishing
• Mathematics research
• Academic community

What commenters say

• Sharing research failures and rejections can help to combat imposter syndrome and promote a more realistic understanding of the scientific process.
• Even top researchers like Terence Tao face rejection, and it is a normal part of the research process.
• The peer review process can be flawed, and rejections may not always be based on the quality of the paper, but rather on the fit with the journal's guidelines.
• Publishing partial results can be valuable, but it may not always be accepted by top journals, which can lead to a lack of progress in certain fields.
• The optimal rejection rate for academic papers should be low, as it provides valuable feedback, but also involves significant labor and cost.
• Researchers should be encouraged to share their failures and rejections, as it can help to promote a culture of openness and collaboration in the scientific community.
• The idea that researchers are somehow superior or extraordinary is a myth, and they are just people who have dedicated themselves to their work.
• The current system of academic publishing can lead to a focus on publishing in top journals, rather than on the quality or significance of the research itself.