Comment on OMICS Goes from “Predatory Publishing” to “Predatory Meetings” by Robin Hood

“I strongly recommend, in the strongest terms possible, that all scholars from all countries avoid doing business in any way with the OMICS Group. Do not submit papers. Do not agree to serve on their editorial boards. Do not register for or attend their conferences.” J. Beall, Jan. 2013. Allow me to translate in simple English: BOYCOTT. Boycotting is legal. Calling for boycotts is legal and organizing or exercising boycotts is legal. Provided that no illegal methods are called for, no criminal activity is conducted against those against which a boycott is called, and provided that the reasons for the boycott are clear and public, it is 100% legal. As a scientific community, we need to start stripping down the walls of stigmas and taboos, especially those that are unfounded, illogical, or uncalled for. A boycott is an excellent way of financially crippling a predator. I have often said that the scientific community is the corner-stone of the profits, and thus the existence, of the predators, even those who hunt in sheep’s clothing. Thus, to boycott one or more aspects of their business would not only be sending a strong and powerful message that the academic community is not on their side, but would also cripple their finances into oblivion, and show share-holders that scientists mean “business”. I support Mr. Beall’s call for a boycott against OMICS (all aspects of their business).