For academicians, the need to publish in journals is a requirement for survival. It sometimes does not really matter how you do it, so long as your name appears on the list of the authorship. This mad frenzy for publications has led to some academicians fabricating their works, with probably only a fraction being exposed.

Some would go to great lengths in skewing statistics in order to achieve that desired result. Certainly a positive result would increase one’s chances of being accepted in a renowned journal. Others might fabricate methodologies so that all would look proper on paper.

Indeed, at the end of the day, what is important is that it all looks well and proper on paper. This is what matters to editors of those journals.

The question is, are there truly ethics in the academia when it comes to publishing? Or is the mad dash for publications forcing academicians to skirt the boundaries of ethical practices in research?

How often do we sit in a lecture and listen to the speaker blowing his/her trumpet repeatedly? In what started as a purportedly genuine attempt at validating statements made, would quickly degenerate into an annoying pathetic display of a lack of insight and a classical case of over indulgence.

Although it is important to educate the audience on your background and expertise, it is often unnecessary to remind your audience of this fact. Most educated audiences would have gotten that information at the start of your talk.

Often the humility of the speaker would be more appealing to the audience. This actually portrays confidence as opposed to insecurity.

So please spare me the agony, my dear speakers.

Note : at a conference in Singapore.