Preprint Culture
Bubble
Professional
Preprint Culture is a global community of researchers, technologists, and readers who share, discuss, and develop early-stage scientifi...Show more
Preprint Culture
Bubble
Professional
Preprint Culture is a global community of researchers, technologists, and readers who share, discuss, and develop early-stage scientific work on online platforms before formal peer review.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
1.3M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Country Hotspots
US
+3
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General Q&A
Preprint culture centers on rapid, open sharing of scientific research through preprint servers, enabling immediate dissemination before formal peer review.
Community Q&A
Preprint culture centers on rapid, open sharing of scientific research through preprint servers, enabling immediate dissemination before formal peer review.
Scientists connect via preprint platforms, social media, and forums, fostering collaborative review, post-publication dialogue, and rapid sharing of findings.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Priority Tension
Community DynamicsMembers navigate a delicate balance between rapid sharing and fear of scooping, where early disclosure risks idea theft yet is essential for open dialogue.
Transparency Norm
Social NormsPreprint Culture values radical transparency; researchers openly share work with flaws, expecting public commentary to refine science before formal validation.
Credibility Debate
Opinion ShiftsInside the bubble, preprints are seen as valid scientific steps, but they actively negotiate legitimacy amid outsider skepticism and pandemic-driven scrutiny.
Public Peer Review
Communication PatternsThe community embraces open, public peer feedback as a core practice, diverging from traditional closed peer review by fostering communal critique and rapid iteration.
Sub Groups
Discipline-Specific Preprint Advocates
Researchers in fields like physics, biology, and computer science who champion preprints within their disciplines.
Open Science Technologists
Developers and technologists building infrastructure and tools for preprint sharing and discovery.
Science Communicators & Journalists
Writers and communicators who analyze, critique, and popularize preprint findings and culture.
Policy & Ethics Groups
Academics and association members focused on the ethics, policies, and best practices of preprint use.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 3
Reddit
25%Reddit hosts active subreddits (e.g., r/academia, r/science, r/Scholar) where researchers discuss preprints, share new uploads, and debate preprint culture.
Twitter/X
20%Twitter/X is a primary venue for researchers to announce, discuss, and critique preprints using hashtags and academic networks.
Universities & Colleges
15%Academic institutions are where preprints are read, discussed in journal clubs, and integrated into research and teaching.
Educational Settingsoffline
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Greeting Salutations
Example Conversation
Insider
Have you checked arXiv today?
Outsider
Huh? What’s arXiv?
Insider
It’s the go-to preprint server for physics and related fields where researchers post their latest papers before formal publishing.
Outsider
Got it! So it’s like an early-access platform for science?
Insider
Exactly! It helps us stay current and provides a chance to comment or collaborate early.
Cultural Context
This asymmetric greeting reflects how integrated preprint servers are in daily research life, signaling membership in the scientific communication community.
Inside Jokes
'It's not peer-reviewed, but it's peer-viewed!'
A humorous take on the fact that while preprints haven't passed formal peer review, they often get extensive informal comments from the community.
Facts & Sayings
„Preprint“
A manuscript shared publicly before formal peer review and journal publication, signaling rapid dissemination and openness.
„Scooping“
When another researcher publishes similar findings first, risking priority and recognition; a key concern in fast-paced preprint sharing.
„Overlay journal“
A journal that evaluates and formally publishes articles initially released as preprints, adding peer review on top of preprint content.
„Open peer commentary“
Public, transparent feedback and discussion around a preprint, encouraging community-driven improvements.
Unwritten Rules
Always disclose when posting a preprint if it has been submitted to a journal.
Transparency about the publication status avoids confusion and maintains trust in the research timeline.
Engage constructively with public comments and feedback on your preprint.
Active participation promotes collaboration, improves the manuscript, and strengthens community bonds.
Respect authors’ licensing choices and reuse guidelines attached to preprints.
Following licensing ensures ethical use, honoring the open access ethos without violating permissions.
Avoid using the preprint to claim definitive priority until peer-reviewed confirmation.
The community values incremental progress and open discussion over rigid claims; premature declarations can damage reputations.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Sofia, 29
PhD StudentfemaleA molecular biologist from Spain, Sofia actively shares and discusses her early research through preprint platforms to gather feedback and accelerate her field's discoveries.
TransparencyCollaborationScientific integrity
Motivations
- Accelerate scientific communication
- Receive early feedback on research
- Stay updated with cutting-edge studies
Challenges
- Navigating unreviewed data and assessing reliability
- Balancing openness with concerns about idea theft
- Time constraints alongside research workload
Platforms
Preprint server comment sectionsTwitter threadsAcademic Slack groups
preprintDOIopen peer review
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
Technologies
arXiv
The pioneering physics-focused preprint server, launched in 1991, which set the template for open preprint sharing.↗
Physics Origin1990s LegacyWide Adoption
bioRxiv
Cold Spring Harbor-hosted preprint server for biology, instrumental in normalizing preprints in life sciences.↗
Life SciencesCSHL-BackedRapid Growth
medRxiv
Preprint platform for clinical and health sciences, jointly operated by Cold Spring Harbor, Yale, and BMJ.↗
Clinical ResearchHealth FocusMultilateral
SSRN
Early multidisciplinary repository focusing on social sciences and economics, now under Elsevier.
Social SciencesEconomic StudiesLegacy Repo
OSF Preprints
Open Science Framework’s hub aggregating multiple community-run preprint services under one interface.
AggregatorOpen FrameworkMultidisciplinary
PeerJ Preprints
Early adopter platform offering free preprint hosting with an emphasis on rapid publishing and open peer review.
Open Peer ReviewFree HostingLife & Enviro Sci
Preprints.org
MDPI-sponsored preprint server covering all research areas with direct links to MDPI journals.
MDPI-LinkedCross-DisciplineIntegration
viXra
Alternative repository created in reaction to arXiv’s moderation, with minimal submission barriers.
Minimal ModerationControversialPhysics & Math
1 / 3
1 / 3
Technologies
arXiv
The pioneering physics-focused preprint server, launched in 1991, which set the template for open preprint sharing.↗
Physics Origin1990s LegacyWide Adoption
bioRxiv
Cold Spring Harbor-hosted preprint server for biology, instrumental in normalizing preprints in life sciences.↗
Life SciencesCSHL-BackedRapid Growth
medRxiv
Preprint platform for clinical and health sciences, jointly operated by Cold Spring Harbor, Yale, and BMJ.↗
Clinical ResearchHealth FocusMultilateral
SSRN
Early multidisciplinary repository focusing on social sciences and economics, now under Elsevier.
Social SciencesEconomic StudiesLegacy Repo
OSF Preprints
Open Science Framework’s hub aggregating multiple community-run preprint services under one interface.
AggregatorOpen FrameworkMultidisciplinary
PeerJ Preprints
Early adopter platform offering free preprint hosting with an emphasis on rapid publishing and open peer review.
Open Peer ReviewFree HostingLife & Enviro Sci
Preprints.org
MDPI-sponsored preprint server covering all research areas with direct links to MDPI journals.
MDPI-LinkedCross-DisciplineIntegration
viXra
Alternative repository created in reaction to arXiv’s moderation, with minimal submission barriers.
Minimal ModerationControversialPhysics & Math
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-4 weeks
1
Explore Major Preprint Servers
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Browse leading preprint platforms to understand scope, disciplines, and submission formats.
Details: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the main preprint servers relevant to your field (e.g., arXiv for physics/math, bioRxiv for biology, SocArXiv for social sciences). Spend time browsing recent uploads, noting the diversity of topics, formats, and the way preprints are presented. Pay attention to submission guidelines, metadata, and how authors engage with readers. This step is crucial for understanding the landscape and norms of preprint culture. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by the volume or technicality of content; focus on abstracts and introductions to get a sense of accessibility. Use search and filter functions to find topics of interest. Progress can be evaluated by your ability to navigate these platforms, recognize major categories, and summarize what preprints are and how they differ from peer-reviewed articles.
2
Read and Annotate Preprints
3-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Select and read recent preprints, making notes on structure, content, and open questions.
Details: Choose a few preprints in your area of interest and read them carefully. Focus on understanding the structure (abstract, methods, results, discussion) and the types of questions being addressed. Annotate as you go—highlight unclear points, note strengths, and jot down questions or critiques. This active reading approach helps you engage more deeply and prepares you for later discussion or feedback. Beginners may struggle with jargon or incomplete data; use online glossaries or reference materials to clarify terms. Don’t worry about understanding every detail—focus on the main ideas and the novelty of the work. Progress is measured by your ability to summarize a preprint’s main findings and articulate at least one thoughtful question or comment about it.
3
Join Preprint Discussion Forums
1 week (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online communities where preprints are discussed, critiqued, and shared.
Details: Engage with the social side of preprint culture by joining forums, mailing lists, or social media groups dedicated to preprint discussion. Observe how members share new preprints, offer constructive feedback, and debate findings. Start by introducing yourself and asking questions about community norms. As you gain confidence, contribute by sharing interesting preprints or commenting on threads. Common challenges include feeling intimidated by experts or unsure about etiquette; overcome this by reading community guidelines and starting with simple, respectful questions. This step is vital for building connections and understanding the collaborative ethos of preprint culture. Evaluate your progress by your comfort in posting, responding, and recognizing key community members or ongoing debates.
1
Explore Major Preprint Servers
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Browse leading preprint platforms to understand scope, disciplines, and submission formats.
Details: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the main preprint servers relevant to your field (e.g., arXiv for physics/math, bioRxiv for biology, SocArXiv for social sciences). Spend time browsing recent uploads, noting the diversity of topics, formats, and the way preprints are presented. Pay attention to submission guidelines, metadata, and how authors engage with readers. This step is crucial for understanding the landscape and norms of preprint culture. Beginners often feel overwhelmed by the volume or technicality of content; focus on abstracts and introductions to get a sense of accessibility. Use search and filter functions to find topics of interest. Progress can be evaluated by your ability to navigate these platforms, recognize major categories, and summarize what preprints are and how they differ from peer-reviewed articles.
2
Read and Annotate Preprints
3-4 hoursBasic
Summary: Select and read recent preprints, making notes on structure, content, and open questions.
Details: Choose a few preprints in your area of interest and read them carefully. Focus on understanding the structure (abstract, methods, results, discussion) and the types of questions being addressed. Annotate as you go—highlight unclear points, note strengths, and jot down questions or critiques. This active reading approach helps you engage more deeply and prepares you for later discussion or feedback. Beginners may struggle with jargon or incomplete data; use online glossaries or reference materials to clarify terms. Don’t worry about understanding every detail—focus on the main ideas and the novelty of the work. Progress is measured by your ability to summarize a preprint’s main findings and articulate at least one thoughtful question or comment about it.
3
Join Preprint Discussion Forums
1 week (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online communities where preprints are discussed, critiqued, and shared.
Details: Engage with the social side of preprint culture by joining forums, mailing lists, or social media groups dedicated to preprint discussion. Observe how members share new preprints, offer constructive feedback, and debate findings. Start by introducing yourself and asking questions about community norms. As you gain confidence, contribute by sharing interesting preprints or commenting on threads. Common challenges include feeling intimidated by experts or unsure about etiquette; overcome this by reading community guidelines and starting with simple, respectful questions. This step is vital for building connections and understanding the collaborative ethos of preprint culture. Evaluate your progress by your comfort in posting, responding, and recognizing key community members or ongoing debates.
4
Practice Constructive Preprint Feedback
2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Write and share thoughtful, respectful feedback on preprints, focusing on clarity and scientific merit.
Details: Select a preprint and draft a brief, constructive comment or review. Focus on clarity, strengths, potential improvements, and questions for the authors. Use established guidelines for preprint feedback, emphasizing respect and helpfulness. Beginners often worry about expertise; remember that even basic questions or suggestions can be valuable. If possible, post your feedback on the preprint platform or in a discussion forum. This step is essential for active participation and helps you develop critical reading and communication skills. Overcome hesitation by starting with positive observations and open-ended questions. Progress is measured by your ability to articulate feedback that is acknowledged or engaged with by others.
5
Track Preprint Impact and Updates
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Monitor how preprints evolve through revisions, citations, and community discussion.
Details: Follow the lifecycle of selected preprints: check for updated versions, track citations, and observe how discussions influence revisions. Use tools that notify you of changes or new comments. This helps you understand the dynamic, iterative nature of preprint culture and the role of community input in shaping research. Beginners may find it challenging to keep up with updates; set up alerts or regularly revisit preprints of interest. This step deepens your engagement and shows how early-stage research can evolve before formal publication. Progress is seen in your ability to describe how a preprint has changed over time and what impact community feedback had.
Welcoming Practices
„Welcome to the preprint wave!“
A friendly phrase used to greet newcomers who start sharing their work as preprints, signaling entry into a culture valuing openness and rapid sharing.
„Inviting newcomers to join public commentary threads on their first preprint“
Encourages active participation and signals communal support for collaboration and improvement.
Beginner Mistakes
Posting a preprint without considering licensing terms.
Check and select an appropriate open license to clearly communicate reuse rights and avoid future conflicts.
Ignoring public feedback or ignoring critical comments.
Engage respectfully and thoughtfully with comments to foster dialogue and improve your work.
Pathway to Credibility
Tap a pathway step to view details
Consistently sharing well-prepared preprints
Demonstrates commitment to open science and builds recognition among peers.
Actively participating in community discussions and providing constructive feedback
Shows engagement and collaboration, crucial for trust and reputation.
Publishing subsequent peer-reviewed articles that originated as preprints
Validates the preprint contribution through traditional peer review, bridging the culture and affirming credibility.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American institutions often lead in endorsing preprints with formal policies and funding agency support.
Europe
European research culture emphasizes integration of preprints with open access mandates and encourages overlay journals.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Preprints are unreliable and should not be trusted.
Reality
While preprints bypass formal peer review initially, the culture values transparency and open critique, which helps quickly identify errors and improve research quality.
Misconception #2
Preprints mean the research is incomplete or low quality.
Reality
Many authors post near-final or mature versions to preprint servers to share discoveries rapidly and get early feedback, not because the work is low quality.
Misconception #3
Preprints replace the need for journals and peer review entirely.
Reality
Preprints complement traditional publishing and often coexist with peer-reviewed publications, providing early visibility and community engagement.
