Jercuinn

The full email exchange is here: Publisher: Dear Dr. Golino, I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you because we are working on a series of Collections to highlight research in important fields and enhance its visibility to the community. On behalf of the editorial office, we would like to invite you to become a Guest Editor. The role of a Guest Editor involves: • Suggesting a topic for the Collection and advising on its scope • Identifying authors to participate in the Collection • Calling for participation via email • Raising awareness of the Collection in the relevant research communities • Managing submissions, including making decisions on whether manuscripts are suitable for the Collection and journal, as well as inviting reviewers and overseeing the peer review process • An opportunity to write an optional Editorial Article to accompany the Collection We look forward to hearing back from you soon. --- Hudson Golino: Thanks for your email. This looks like an interesting opportunity. What's the compensation for this role? --- Publisher: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any honorarium for work as a Guest Editor on the journal, but there are other advantages to being associated with a Collection. Guest Editors are featured prominently on the Collection website, which establishes a link between the journal, the topic, and the Guest Editor. Collections can be a great opportunity to network within a specific field, as well as offering an opportunity to highlight important up-and-coming research. Guest Editors also have the opportunity to write an Editorial article when the Collection closes for submissions. Editorials are published without an APC and are citable with a standard DOI. Additionally, Guest Editors may receive a full waiver or discount if they want to publish an article, depending on an agreed number of publications from their Collection. We would of course still like you to be involved if you are interested. --- Hudson Golino: In 2025, Springer Nature reported a total revenue of €1.926 billion, representing an underlying growth of 6.2%. The company's adjusted operating profit (AOP) reached €543.6 million. This strong financial performance was primarily driven by their Research division and continued growth in full open access. Are you kidding me, right? I am appalled and angry that you are inviting me to work for free. --- Publisher: I’m extremely sorry that the nature of the invitation came across as inappropriate or frustrating. That was certainly not our intention. The Guest Editor role is designed as a voluntary academic contribution, where contributors often gain visibility, networking opportunities, and editorial experience within the field. However, I completely understand that expectations and preferences differ, and I sincerely respect your perspective. I will take this feedback forward to the upper management. Please feel no obligation to participate and thank you once again for considering the invitation. --- Hudson Golino: That's the point... The audacity to think academics should work for free for this multi billion dollar company is mind-blowing. --- Publisher: I understand your concern, and I appreciate your candid feedback. I fully respect that this model may not align with your expectations. Apologies again and thank you for your time and consideration. --- Hudson Golino: It's not that the model does not align with my expectations. It's that you are exploiting us. Enough is enough.