iMechanica - Want papers published, proposals granted and to be a good reviewer? Here is the key --- "Ten Simple Rules" series. - Comments

Useful but the not only method

Y.L.Yang — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 06:45:25 -0400

For the young researchers, this is helpful, because it gives a possible solution. While everyone has his own idea. I think learn from it but do not obey it .

How to write a paper by Ashby

Pradeep Sharma — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:10:49 -0400

Zhigang, Whitesides short note on "how to write a paper" is nice. Here is an analogous (somewhat longer) one from across the atlantic by Ashby. This is very good as well.

Do not follow the guides bluntly!

Konstantin Volokh — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 04:35:52 -0400

I have no doubt that it is important to organize a paper well. I am afraid, however, that the scientific journals can turn in scientific Yellow Pages with the over-dried essential information. Unfortunately, this scenario (to the large extent) is reality already. It's a shame! Doing science is a very lively activity. Why should the reports look like dead bodies? The scientific texts should not be overloaded with jokes, of course, but they should bring a unique style of the authors. Such style may contradict the boring wisdom of the how-to-write guides but it can attract the readers. The latter is very important.

Whitesides's "Writing a Paper" is a gem

Zhigang Suo — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:36:16 -0400

I now require every student working with me to read it, and practice what it teaches. Whitesides believes that writing paper is a way to direct a project, and writing should begin when the project begins.

Zhen,I enjoyed reading

Pradeep Sharma — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 20:26:38 -0400

Zhen,

I enjoyed reading these three articles! In particular, the last one---10 simple rules for reviewers---is quite instructive for young and old researchers alike. I wish more of us pay heed to it!

Want papers published, proposals granted and to be a good reviewer? Here is the key --- "Ten Simple Rules" series.

Zhen Zhang — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:31:26 -0400

Getting papers published and getting proposals granted are often great challeges for young researchers, let alone being a good reviewer. The "Ten Simple Rules" series by P.E. Bourne, L.M. Chalupa, and A. Korngreen delineate what we should follow.

More details about writing a good paper and proposal were also given by G. M. Whitesides ("writing a paper") and M.F. Ashby ("how to write a paper").