Mega or mega-?

• 09.03.2022 09:44 UTC+01:00
• [ perma(?)link ]
• < previous | next >

mega | ˈmɛɡə | informal

adjective

very large; huge: he has signed a mega deal to make five movies.

excellent: it will be a mega film.

adverb [as submodifier]

extremely: they are mega rich.

mega- | ˈmɛɡə |

combining form

large: megalith.

(in units of measurement) denoting a factor of one million (10⁶): megahertz.

Computing denoting a factor of 2²⁰.

Mega-: according to the dictionary definition, it means large, very large, or huge. But, colloquially, it extends to mean impressively large; awe-inspiring. Thus we have megalodon, an impressively large lodon; megalith, an impressively large lith; and megalomania, an impressively large lomania.

But, what about a megajournal? In this case, Mega Journal of Case Reports. I had never come across the term before now.

A mega journal (also mega-journal and megajournal) is a peer-reviewed academic open access journal designed to be much larger than a traditional journal by exercising low selectivity among accepted articles.

Wakkypeedeeya, Mega journal

As a characteristic, low selectivity here means selectivity in terms of subject area—in other words, broad scope—rather than academic quality. Although that clarification isn't necessarily defining: Some predatory open access publishers use the mega journal model.

A mega journal has the following defining characteristics: • broad coverage of different subject areas; • accepting articles for publication based on whether they are technically sound rather than selecting for perceived importance; and • using article processing charges to cover the costs of publishing. Other less universal characteristics are • "an accelerated review and publication process", "fast turnaround time"; • "academic editors", even "a large editorial board of academic editors", (instead of professional editors); and • value-added services such as reusable graphics and data through Creative Commons licenses.

Wakkypeedeeya, Mega journal

The low barrier to editorial board membership is now also clarified, as is the ease by which my contributions to the field of clinical medicine—which are zero—have impressed the journal's advisory members. Unpaid volunteers are needed to take the place of salaried staff. So, at least I've learned something!

But, if a defining characteristic of a megajournal is breadth of subjects covered, is Mega Journal of Case Reports an oxymoron? The term case reports usually applies to individual medical cases, which is a very focused purview, even when considering all medical departments. By that measure, it's just another medical journal. To be a true megajournal, it would have to broaden its subject area, perhaps to accept case reports of automotive breakdown and repair; horticultural pest control; and residential burglary, for example.

Incidentally, Sophia's lie, that this is not a spam e-mail, was separated by so much white space that it fell well outside of the viewing portal. Coincidence or design? (thinking)

From: "Mega Journal of Case Reports" <chief-editor@megajournalcasereports.info>
Reply-To: "Mega Journal of Case Reports" <editor@megajournalcasereports.org>
Subject: Editorial Board Invitation: MEGA JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS

Greetings for the Day!! In the search for efficient editorial board members, a few of your past publications and research interests in the field of Clinical Medicine impressed our advisory members. We cordially invite you to our Editorial Board. We are privileged to introduce you to our journal, Mega Journal of Case Reports, which is dedicated to clinical-based research covering the broad scope of all medical departments. If you are willing to accept our invitation, please e-mail your updated CV and latest Photo. We look forward to your prompt response. Best regards, Sophia Williams Assistant Manager Mega Journal of Case Reports USA This is not a spam e-mail. If you do not wish to receive such mails. please reply to this email with a subject line as "Unsubscribe".