What are the differences between predatory publishers and open access publishers?

In the realm of research, academic publishing serves as a vital conduit for disseminating knowledge and exchanging ideas. Within this landscape, two predominant types of journals exist: open access and predatory. Open access journals strive to promote the free dissemination of information, whereas predatory journals exploit researchers for profit. This article endeavours to elucidate the fundamental distinctions between these two categories and elucidate their respective impacts on the research community.

Open access is a term used to describe online data that is available free of charge. Predatory open access journals have multiplied to become a very real threat to scientific research and the credibility of science itself [1].

Understanding Open Access Journals

Open access journals serve as invaluable repositories of knowledge, akin to treasure chests accessible to all, irrespective of geographical or financial constraints. By eliminating cost barriers, they democratize access to research articles, fostering inclusivity and equitable dissemination of information. In doing so, open access journals facilitate seamless collaboration among researchers, enabling them to leverage and expand upon each other’s findings, thereby advancing scientific inquiry for the betterment of society. In recent decades, the landscape of scientific publications has dramatically changed with the introduction of the so-called open access (OA) model. In brief, a publication can be considered open access when there are no financial barriers to its access in a digital format [2].

Characteristics of Predatory Journals

Predatory journals operate as snares, luring unsuspecting researchers into their web of deceit. While masquerading as legitimate scholarly outlets, their true intentions are far from genuine.

The concept of the ‘predatory’ publisher has today become a standard way of characterizing a new breed of open access journals that seem to be more concerned with making a profit than disseminating academic knowledge [3].

Predatory publishers and open access publishers differ significantly in their practices and impact on scholarly publishing. Let’s explore these differences:

1. Purpose and Intent:
   • Predatory Publishers: These unscrupulous entities prioritize profit over scholarly integrity. They exploit authors by charging publication fees without providing robust peer review or editorial services. Their primary goal is financial gain.
   • Open Access Publishers: Reputable open access publishers aim to disseminate research freely and transparently. They focus on advancing knowledge, promoting accessibility, and supporting quality research.
2. Peer Review Process:
   • Predatory Publishers: Often lack rigorous peer review. They accept articles without proper scrutiny, leading to low-quality or even fraudulent content.
   • Open Access Publishers: Maintain high standards for peer review. Articles undergo thorough evaluation by experts in the field before acceptance.
3. Transparency and Legitimacy:
   • Predatory Publishers: Mislead authors with fake impact factors, non-existent peer review, and deceptive journal names. They imitate established journals but lack transparency.
   • Open Access Publishers: Operate transparently, providing clear information about their processes, fees, and editorial boards. Legitimate open access journals are well-known and respected.
4. Business Model:
   • Predatory Publishers: Rely on Article Processing Charges (APCs) as their primary revenue source. They charge fees upfront, often without delivering promised services.
   • Open Access Publishers: Also use APCs, but they charge fees only after accepting an article based on rigorous peer review. Their focus is on quality and service.
5. Quality and Reputation:
   • Predatory Publishers: Publish subpar or fraudulent content, tarnishing the scholarly record. Authors may unknowingly damage their reputation by associating with such journals.
   • Open Access Publishers: Strive for excellence, maintaining credibility and trust. Their reputation depends on the quality of research they publish.

Impact on Academic Integrity

The proliferation of predatory journals casts a shadow over the beacon of academic integrity. Unwitting researchers who contribute to these journals risk tarnishing their reputation and undermining their credibility. Furthermore, the infiltration of substandard research into these outlets can perpetuate misinformation, impeding genuine progress and hindering the public’s understanding of scientific advancements.

Quality Control and Peer Review

Open access journals dedicate considerable effort to maintaining the quality of published research. They employ experts to rigorously review submissions, ensuring accuracy and relevance before publication. Conversely, predatory journals lack this crucial process, resulting in the dissemination of unreliable and often substandard content.

As researchers, it is paramount to distinguish between predatory and open access journals. Open access journals serve as beacons of knowledge, facilitating the widespread dissemination of information for the betterment of society. In contrast, predatory journals operate as deceptive entities, exploiting researchers for their own profit-driven motives.

References

1. Cortegiani, A., Misseri, G., Gregoretti, C., Einav, S., & Giarratano, A. (2019). The challenge of the predatory open-access publishing outbreak. European Journal of Anaesthesiology| EJA, 36(11), 810-813.
2. Nassar Jr, A. P., Machado, F. R., Dal-Pizzol, F., & Salluh, J. I. F. (2024). Open-access publications: a double-edged sword for critical care researchers in lowand middle-income countries. Critical Care Science, 35, 342-344.
3. Bell, K. (2017). ‘Predatory’ open access journals as parody: Exposing the limitations of ‘legitimate’ academic publishing. triple C: Communication, Capitalism & Critique. Open Access Journal for a Global Sustainable Information Society, 15(2), 651-662.