Stupid Bag
Sumona Bag invites me to republish one of my old articles as a book chapter. Double-dipping like this is a disreputable academic practice, essentially padding out one's list of publications, although Sumona phrases it in a more favourable light: With the same research work you can get double benefit and it will enrich your resume.
A research paper which has already been published in a journal can be published as a Book Chapter in an expanded form. It is completely legal and acceptable procedure in the academic world.
Sumona Bag
I'm going to hazard a guess that B P International—no, not the BP International—have bugger-all interest in what's legal and acceptable in the academic world. They have, apparently, published 82 books in the last three months, with plans for another five volumes in the next two months. Talk about cranking the handle! They must be bloody slave drivers to churn out high-quality material at that rate, even if it is only regurgitated.
The only reason that I took any interest in her missive is to take the piss. She advises not to reply directly, because the mail address isn't monitored. Ummm, yes it is: the Reply-To header is the same as one of the submission addresses. She's clearly clueless.
From: Managing Editor BOOK <editor.bookpi1@bookpii.org>
Reply-To: <editor.2@bookpi.org>
[snip] If you are interested please mail us. We shall be eagerly waiting to hear from you. Kindly please don’t reply to this mail id as this mail id is not monitored. "Please reply us to editor.2@bookpi.org or submission@bookpi.info and send us your manuscript as an email attachment." Note: Kindly note if you have already responded to this mail earlier, please ignore this mail. With Regards Ms. Sumona Bag B P International Email: editor.2@bookpi.org or submission@bookpi.info Reg. Offices: India: B P International, Guest House Road, Street no - 1/6, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, Corp. Firm Registration Number: L77527, Tele: +91 7439016438 UK: B P International, 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX, UK, Fax: +44 20-3031-1429
And the inevitable skeezy Mailjet campaign tracker:
<img src="http://xps2k.mjt.lu/oo/AUYAAE8I87MAAAAAAAAAAdvlM3kAAYCsLjEAAAAAAA-zRABiRVHV9vtewf20SZ6pxBQ218UXSgAPdEI/[snip]/e.gif" height="1" width="1" alt="" border="0" style="height:1px;width:1px;border:0;"/>
Hmmmm, B P International—no, not the BP International—seem to have switched to SendGrid for their spamming prerequisites. And the old bag's back.
We have published more than 1000 books in last two years (https://www.bpinternational.org/). We are overwhelmed with pleasure for this tremendous response from researchers like you. We are going to publish more than 5 volumes in next two months in the following area. Therefore, with the same research paper you can get double benefit and it will enrich your resume. We’re happy to inform that your paper has been selected to be included as one of the potential book chapters of the following book. You’re also welcome to publish your other research papers, which have been published in other journals. If you have any fresh manuscript, you can submit for review and inclusion as book chapter. Book name: Cutting Edge Research in Biology Details of charges are available below. Presently 80% discount on the publication charge has been announced for this month.
Researchers like me? Actually, researchers like me are too tight to pay for our work to be published. Besides, if it's not good enough to be published without payment—vanity publishing, as it were—it's not good enough to be published. Period.
She then goes on later to advise:
NOTE: You are very politely requested to note that this invitation is sent to you as a preliminary proposal for your book / book chapter. Without your written consent no book / book chapter will be published.
I guess this could be seen in a positive light. After all, at least they're not stealing people's work for profit. But, more realistically, written consent is consent to pay their publication
charges. This month's discount
means that a chapter is a bargain at a mere $50! Indian researchers also get a discount, although the full price
isn't given so it's unclear as to whether their discount—₹2500, equivalent to $30—is as generous as the one I've been offered. Poor souls.
Still, at an average rate of 500 books/year, they're really cranking that handle!
<img src="https://u18758247.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=[snip]" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;"/>
The old bag's back, this time without the Reply-To header that caused such merriment before. Nevertheless, she still counsels me not to reply to her spam directly.
A massive 80% discount on publication costs is being offered for this month. Again. Interestingly, this special offer
comes from a document posted four years ago! (LOL)
But Indian authors are only expected to pay around 10% of the full USD price. Again. Perhaps they're just cheap, I've heard it's a national trait. (shrug)
From: Editor BPI <editor@bpipromotion.org> Subject: *** SPAM *** Selected as Book Chapter "[previously published seven years ago!]" Date: Wed, 17 May 2023 06:33:54 +0000 (UTC)
We are glad that you are reading this mail. We hereby heartily congratulate you for the publication of your following paper. We appreciate your hard work and sincerity behind the publication of this excellent paper. [previously published seven years ago!] You are already aware that publication of research work in a peer-reviewed international journal has important value. At the same time publication of research work as a Book chapter in an Edited Book also has a significant importance in career. A research paper which has already been published in a journal can be published as a Book Chapter in an expanded form. It is completely legal and acceptable procedure in the academic world. We have published more than 1000 books in last two years (https://www.bpipromotion.org/). We are overwhelmed with pleasure for this tremendous response from researchers like you. We are going to publish more than 5 volumes in next two months in the following area. Therefore, with the same research paper you can get double benefit and it will enrich your resume. We’re happy to inform that your paper has been selected to be included as one of the potential book chapters of the following book. You’re also welcome to publish your other research papers, which have been published in other journals. If you have any fresh manuscript, you can submit for review and inclusion as book chapter. Book name: Cutting Edge Research in Biology (Series) Details of charges are available below. Presently 80% discount on the publication charge has been announced for this month. https://www.bpipromotion.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/9.Charges.pdf [snip] If you are interested please mail us. Kindly please don’t reply to this mail id as this mail id is not monitored. "Please reply us to editor.2@bookpi.org or submission@bookpi.info and send us your manuscript as an email attachment." NOTE: You are very politely requested to note that this invitation is sent to you as a preliminary proposal for your book / book chapter. Without your written consent no book / book chapter will be published. Thank you for your cooperation and valuable time. Note: Kindly note if you have already responded to this mail earlier, please ignore this mail. With Regards Ms. Sumona Bag B P International Email: editor.2@bookpi.org or submission@bookpi.info Reg. Offices: India: B P International, Guest House Road, Street no - 1/6, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, Corp. Firm Registration Number: L77527, Tele: +91 7439016438 UK: B P International, 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX, UK, Fax: +44 20-3031-1429 Unsubscribe from this list! If you'd like to unsubscribe and stop receiving these emails click here .
<img src="https://u18758247.ct.sendgrid.net/wf/open?upn=[snip]" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" style="height:1px !important;width:1px !important;border-width:0 !important;margin-top:0 !important;margin-bottom:0 !important;margin-right:0 !important;margin-left:0 !important;padding-top:0 !important;padding-bottom:0 !important;padding-right:0 !important;padding-left:0 !important;"/>
Date: Wed, 17 May 2023 10:24:35 +0200 Subject: Re: Selected as Book Chapter "[previously published seven years ago!]" To: <editor.2@bookpi.org>, <submission@bookpi.info>
Dear Ms Bag, I note from the publication charges, that this generous discount only applies to authors outside India. Why are Indian researchers not also afforded this opportunity? Sincerely,
I didn't expect a response, but here we are! And it appears that Indian authors can avail themselves of this fantastic offer. I really wasn't paying enough attention earlier; since there's only one column in INR, I assumed that it was the full price.
As it stands, ₹3750 is equivalent to $45.52 at the current exchange rate, so about 60% of what I'd be expected to pay. Or even an academic in Liberia, for example.
| Product | Original E-Book Price, US$ | Discounted E-Book Price, US$ | Discounted E-Book Price, INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Chapter (3001-4500 words, including references, tables, figures, etc.) | 375 | 75 | 3750 |
From: Managing Editor <editor.21@bookpi.org> Date: Wed, 17 May 2023 15:45:39 +0530 Subject: Re: 2023/BP/6038E: Kind Attention required regarding book chapter publication
Thank you for your mail. Kindly note presently 80% discount on the publication charge has been announced for this month. This discounted amount is applicable to both Indian and foreign authors. please visit the link to see the details: https://www.bookpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/9.Charges.pdf Please note that if you want to publish your article (entitled: “[previously published seven years ago!]”) as a book chapter then you need to pay USD 75 as a publication charge. If you are interested please let us know. We will send you the payment instructions accordingly. We are waiting to hear from you soon. Should you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. With Regards Ms. Sumona Bag B P International Reg. Offices: India: B P International, Guest House Road, Street no - 1/6, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, Corp. Firm Registration Number: L77527, Tele: +91 7439016438 | +91 9748770553 | WhatsApp: +91 7439016438 UK: B P International, 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX, UK, Fax: +44 20-3031-1429 EMP-008-RD
According to the World Bank's classification of economies, India is a lower-middle income economy, while Liberia is low income.
The bag lady returns, this time twice. And twice twice at that. So, unless my mathematical skills have failed me, that makes four times in total. She's thorough, I'll give her that.
Besides, why would a spammer think anything of dumping more emails into someone's inbox?
The first is a follow-up to my previous reply, which she sent from two addresses to avoid email delivery failure
. The second is sent from two addresses, to advise me that the first was sent from two addresses…to avoid email delivery failure
. (rolleyes)
I was tempted to not reply at all, or to tell her exactly what I think of the ethics, or lack thereof, of double-dipping. But, instead, I'll just ruminate on the favours granted to authors from her own skeevy subcontinent.
From: Managing Editor <editor.3@bookpi.uk> Subject: 2023/BP/6038E: Kind Attention required regarding book chapter publication Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 06:50:57 +0000
From: Managing Editor <editor.21@bookpi.org> Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 12:20:59 +0530 Subject: 2023/BP/6038E: Kind Attention required regarding book chapter publication
We are waiting for your response. Kindly note presently 80% discount on the publication charge has been announced for this month. This discounted amount is applicable to both Indian and foreign authors. please visit the link to see the details: https://www.bookpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/9.Charges.pdf Please note that if you want to publish your article (entitled: “[previously published seven years ago!] ”) as a book chapter then you need to pay USD 75 as a publication charge. If you are interested please let us know. We will send you the payment instructions accordingly. We are waiting to hear from you soon. Should you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. With Regards Ms. Sumona Bag B P International Reg. Offices: India: B P International, Guest House Road, Street no - 1/6, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, Corp. Firm Registration Number: L77527, Tele: +91 7439016438 | +91 9748770553 | WhatsApp: +91 7439016438 UK: B P International, 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX, UK, Fax: +44 20-3031-1429 EMP-008-TS
From: Managing Editor <editor.3@bookpi.uk> Subject: Important communication for manuscript number: 2023/BP/6038E Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 06:51:37 +0000
From: Managing Editor <editor.21@bookpi.org> Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 12:21:40 +0530 Subject: Important communication for manuscript number: 2023/BP/6038E
We have sent you an important communication related to the book chapter publication of your paper. Please check your inbox/bulk folder/junk folder etc. carefully. If you have not received the email, please contact us immediately. This mail has been sent from the following 2 emails to avoid email delivery failure: 1. editor.21@bookpi.org 2. editor.3@bookpi.uk With Regards Ms. Sumona Bag B P International Reg. Offices: India: B P International, Guest House Road, Street no - 1/6, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, Corp. Firm Registration Number: L77527, Tele: +91 7439016438 | +91 9748770553 | WhatsApp: +91 7439016438 UK: B P International, 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX, UK, Fax: +44 20-3031-1429 EMP-008-TS
Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 09:41:50 +0200 Subject: Re: 2023/BP/6038E: Kind Attention required regarding book chapter publication To: Managing Editor <editor.21@bookpi.org>
Dear Ms Bag, It’s reassuring that Indian authors also receive the discount, even though they seem to pay less in the first place (the original e-book price isn’t given in INR in the charges spreadsheet). INR 3750 is about $45. It’s great to know that I can subsidise Indian authors like that! Sincerely,
It's time to put this bag to bed. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
From: Managing Editor <editor.21@bookpi.org> Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 18:12:22 +0530 Subject: Re: 2023/BP/6038E: Kind Attention required
Thank you for your mail. Kindly note as per our policy if you want to publish your article (entitled: “[previously published seven years ago!] ”) as a book chapter then you need to pay USD 75 as a publication charge. If you are interested please let us know. We will send you the payment instructions accordingly. We are waiting to hear from you soon. Should you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us. With Regards Ms. Sumona Bag B P International Reg. Offices: India: B P International, Guest House Road, Street no - 1/6, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, Corp. Firm Registration Number: L77527, Tele: +91 7439016438 | +91 9748770553 | WhatsApp: +91 7439016438 UK: B P International, 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX, UK, Fax: +44 20-3031-1429 EMP-008-RD
Date: Wed, 24 May 2023 16:13:28 +0200 Subject: Re: 2023/BP/6038E: Kind Attention required To: Managing Editor <editor.21@bookpi.org
Dear Ms Bag, The work was published already, seven years ago. It doesn’t need to be published again. Despite your claim that republishing as a book chapter is “completely legal and acceptable procedure in the academic world”, I consider it to be nothing more than disreputable and unethical resume-padding. I don’t expect you to agree. BPI is, after all, a predatory publisher, and the business model for all predatory publishers is to publish for profit. But I do expect you to remove my contact details from all databases and distribution lists. Yours sincerely,