Naming a species after yourself (zoology)

[Dan Bickel]

> I don't see the relevance of having someone listed as an author on a
paper
> if that person made no contribution to the research or writing of the
> paper...

> Gene
>

Well, welcome to the real world. Two comments:

1. It is common practice in some cultures (I am being politically
correct here) and with certain unethical/ tyrannical supervisors, for
the professor to add his name to the papers of his students, even long
after the students have "flown the coop" and have their own careers.
2. Often an author is added to the string to act as a "Trojan Horse",
thereby helping gain access to a more prestigious journal. As editor, I
know of cases where the third author did not even know his name was on
the paper (and didn't seem to care), but his name gave the paper more
credibility.

Of course, this makes for species names with 3-4 (or more) authors! 

Smile, it could be worse.....




Daniel J. Bickel
Associate Editor Zootaxa, Diptera Acalyptratae
Entomology Section
Australian Museum
6 College Street
Sydney, NSW 2010 Australia
Tel: 61-2-9320-6347 Fax: 61-2-9320-6011
Email: danb at austmus.gov.au



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