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2 years ago in Scholarly Publishing By Rani
What are the pros and cons of publishing in a very new, open access journal versus an established, traditional journal with a lower impact factor?
I have a solid paper and am deciding between a brand new OA journal with an impressive editorial board and a 20-year-old traditional journal with a modest reputation. The new journal promises rapid publication and high visibility. Is it too risky for my early-career CV?
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By Patel Answered 7 months ago
This is a classic risk-reward calculation. The new OA journal offers potential for higher visibility (if marketed well) and aligns with modern publishing trends, but carries risk: is it potentially predatory? Check if it's indexed in Scopus/Web of Science and its editorial transparency. The established journal offers security and recognizability on your CV. For early-career researchers, I often advise a balanced portfolio. If this is a cornerstone paper for your thesis or job applications, the established journal's name recognition provides safe, verifiable credibility. If it's a secondary paper or you want to support innovative publishing models, the new OA journal could be a strategic bet—especially if its editors are field leaders. Verify its backend publisher and peer review process rigorously. A paper in a legitimate, well-run new journal can be more visible than one buried in a stagnant traditional title.
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