Predatory Journals and Conferences

Abstract

The adjective “predatory,” referred to scientific publications, presentations, and conferences, is currently used to identify entities that prioritize self-interest at the expense of the ethical codes that rule scientific divulgation. The profit-driven behavior that predatory publishers adopt exploits the open access publishing system and is characterized by deviation from best editorial practices, lack of transparency, spread of false or misleading information and intrusive solicitation practices. The number of predatory journals and conferences is worryingly high as is the income that predatory publishers and conferences organizers are getting from these deceitful practices. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find scholars who try to take career and curricula advantages by joining predatory practices through the publication of articles or the acceptance of an editorial board membership. Choosing a trustable journal to publish or discerning a dependable conference organizing body is not always easy. This chapter analyzes the main characteristics of predatory publishing and examines the several distinctive features and tools that can help scholars in the process of recognizing and avoiding predatory organizations.