A debate on preprint exchange—Rebuttal: Some comments on Pasternak’s criticism

JUN 01, 1966

Rebuttal: Some Comments On Pasternack’s Criticism

Michael Moravcsik

PIE IS PROPOSED AS AN EXPERIMENT in prepublication communication. Just as with a scientific experiment, the outcome can not be entirely known beforehand; otherwise it would not be necessary to carry out the experiment. If we had definite answers to all the questions one can ask about scientific communication patterns and methods, this and other debates would not have to take place at all. We would simply institute programs that embody the answers, and, barring mismanagement, success would be assured.

This article is only available in PDF format

More about the authors

Michael Moravcsik, Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, Livermore.

Physics Today is looking for a Senior Editor. Apply Now.

Related content

Features

Article

Speak easy: The educational benefits of a three-minute research talk

The ability to communicate a key message clearly and concisely to a nonspecialized audience is a critical skill to develop at all educational levels.

February 05, 2026 04:16 PM

Features

Article

Making magnetized plasmas in the lab

With strong magnetic fields and intense lasers or pulsed electric currents, physicists can reconstruct the conditions inside astrophysical objects and create nuclear-fusion reactors.

February 04, 2026 01:14 PM

Features

Article

Exposing life’s limits with dimensionless numbers

A crude device for quantification shows how diverse aspects of distantly related organisms reflect the interplay of the same underlying physical factors.

January 27, 2026 03:35 PM

Features

Article

Celebrations of the international quantum year

Events held around the world have recognized the past, present, and future of quantum science and technology.

January 26, 2026 02:20 PM

This Content Appeared In