Post-Publication Discussion

Readers may submit a reasoned comment, clarification or response concerning published work. Contributions should identify the article, explain the substantive issue and provide relevant sources.

The editors assess correspondence for accuracy, relevance, civility and potential contribution. Criticism should address the scholarship rather than personal characteristics. Unsupported allegations, defamatory material and confidential personal information are not suitable for publication.

The original authors may be invited to respond. Publication of a comment or response remains an editorial decision and may involve external review where the issues warrant it.

When correspondence reveals a possible error or ethical concern, the journal considers it under the relevant correction or misconduct procedure. A scholarly response does not replace a needed correction. Links between the original article and published correspondence should make the discussion easy to follow.