Steph, once again, we are as one.
And when we insert queries in the manuscript, the authors invariably don't answer at least 2 or 3 (sometimes fully half are unanswered). They are not optional, which they find out when I email them a very detailed list of the shit they didn't answer. I end every item with "Please provide ALL information requested" -- i.e., "Page 3, query 4: Per journal style, the dates you conducted the analysis must be included. Please provide ALL information requested."
They get annoyed at all the follow-up emails, but DAMN. If they'd just READ and answer the questions the first time, they wouldn't get follow-up emails.
The worst are the authors who reply "Those dates are unimportant." And then I have to reply "It is journal style to include the dates of data analysis. If ALL queries are not answered the article will NOT move forward in the publication process. Please provide ALL information requested RIGHT AWAY."
For god's sake.
Man, I am HONKED OFF at authors today. I need to go take a walk.
Don't ever lose this guy's number.
Seriously! He just texted me and said he would take care of the bill at the garage where I took the Ford, if there is one, because he works there part-time. !!!
I just recommended him to my co-worker who is looking for a car. I want to recommend him to ALL THE CAR-SEEKERS.
THINGS WILL BE OK.
I BELIEVE.
The worst are the authors who reply "Those dates are unimportant." And then I have to reply "It is journal style to include the dates of data analysis. If ALL queries are not answered the article will NOT move forward in the publication process. Please provide ALL information requested RIGHT AWAY."
Sometimes I wish I could just be totally honest with them. "Dear Dr. BusyMan, I know this is annoying to you; it is annoying to me also. Personally, I don't give a ripe crap about the data. Unfortunately, telling me it's irrelevant doesn't make it go away. I'm being paid to do a job that specifically includes hounding you for specific information, and since I care more about keeping my paycheck and not getting yelled at by my boss than I care about your comfort and good regard, I will keep pestering the living daylights out of you for this irrelevant piece of data until you freaking give it to me. I am the unmoving object between you and finally getting this damned paper published; I am the Sphinx on your path; solve my simple riddle and you may pass. Just do the thing so we can move this along and never have to deal with it, or each other, again. Best Regards, The Editor"
Zen, you should tell them that.
Of course, some writers would be offended...
So I just took Frances to a book signing to meet Lisa McMann. It was kind of a PITA because I had to pull her out of school for it and I was worried it would feel like a waste, but no! She was super nice and it was awesome, and because it was a school event all the students but Franny went back to class so she actually got to talk to Lisa McMann for a bit. She, meaning Franny, was stoked!
Very cool, Burrell!
So much time would be saved if people would just Do the Thing in general.
That's wonderful, Burrell.
ltc is asleep next to me in her bouncy. The batteries just died but she fell asleep before that happened. My tea appears to be defective today. So I'm going to try to nap on the couch.
