[GOAL] Re: Revealing Dialogue on "CHORUS" with David Wojick, OSTI Consultant

[Couture Marc]

According to Harnad (point 6 of response to Joe Esposito), this exchange [with Wojick] can and should be evaluated "on the level of the ideas". If so, how exactly are Wojick's interests as a lobbyist for the coal industry and (possibly) the publishing industry relevant for this discussion (point 3)?

Either he raises sound arguments, either he doesn't. Harnad's replies, which addressed in a detailed manner the substance of Wojick's arguments, can help readers of this forum make their minds.

I agree though with the ethical dimension raised by Heather Morrison: in a public discussion upon which decisions will be based, one should always disclose (when it's not readily apparent) his or her "ties" with bodies which could benefit from (or be harmed by) those decisions. I don't know if the same should apply to discussions in a forum like GOAL, but I certainly appreciate, for the sake of transparency, when people posting in the forum make such a disclosure.

By the way, is there any evidence that Wojick is a lobbyist for the publishing industry? "Consultant for US Dept. of Energy OSTI" doesn't ring any bell for me in that direction. Maybe he could clarify the matters (and, of course, if he is, that doesn't change the soundness - or lack thereof - of his arguments).

This made me realize that I haven't disclosed my "ties". I'm a professor in a quite small university; as our journal subscription portfolio is very limited, I would greatly benefit personally from universal OA, in my day-to-day work. Now you know!

Marc Couture