[Taxacom] Peer review and censorship

[Kathryn Hall]

Hello all,

I just wanted to ask a question about perceptions of censorship and bias in peer review.  I just received a review directing me to use a particular source.  I had used an alternative source, not necessarily in conflict, but at least different, to the one recommended.  When I wrote the paper, I chose a source relevant to me geographically and culturally, and which is not "wrong".  Perhaps on another day I would have brushed it aside, but today I am wondering, at what point does my right to choose a respected source (i.e. peer-reviewed publication or museum published book) become over-ridden by the will of an anonymous reviewer?  To me it smacks of censorship, and I wondered, who is the censor, and who ordained them thus?  

I'd be very interested in anyone's comments and thoughts please.

Best wishes,
Kathryn

Kathryn Hall