[Zoobank-list] quality control, "the real challenge", etc.

[John Noyes]

Doug wrote:
 
In all sincerity, John, let me ask you this: if there are publishing taxonomists out there who don't even know about the Code, then which approach entails more drawbacks for the rest of us: (1) continuing to accept any and all such work, or (2) rejecting it until and unless it can pass formalized review criteria (including complete Code-compliance, not just the minimal requirement for publication)? I believe that our refusal to adopt strict standards of quality control makes us all suffer - and there are fewer drawbacks to rejecting inferior work than to accepting everything ever "validly published" regardless of its merit. Of direct concern are the additional burdens we suffer (trying to track down names, trying to sink synonyms, to replace homonyms, etc.), but we also indirectly suffer in that so many other scientists (and science funding agencies) feel little respect for taxonomy *specifically* because we have no strict standards, and have no unity. Having a registry of Approved Names linked inextricably to the publication process would offer the ideal way to draw the line between what we do and do not accept, *and* would give us a united front. In what way would taxonomy as a science be diminished by requiring that all taxonomic acts be approved by the taxonomic community *before* we acknowledge them as being part of the permanent scientific record? What is the downside of having higher standards? ["Alienating those who cannot meet them" is NOT a downside] 
 
Well, in all sincerity, I do believe that we need to get those from developing countries (most of those that to whom I refer as being unaware of the code are in these countries) on board and aware that the system may change. I think it is indicative that the only discussion taking place here is between 7 or 8 vociferous people based in the USA and Europe. Unless we can get more contributing to this discussion (and especially from places such as China, India and elswhere) we shall be flogging a dead horse before we even start. We should consider how to get the vast silent majority to air their views.
 
John
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