[afro-nets] Open, Online and Global (2)

[The Southern Health & Ecology Institute <shae@worldonline.co.za>]

Open, Online and Global (2)
---------------------------

Dear Dr Vinod Scaria,

Thank you for your editorial. I cannot agree more with the bene-
fits of Open Access - just looking at what Open Source has done
for Linux - created possibly the most stable, effective and
flexible operating systems available to us - your propositions
concerning Open Access medical journals makes me awe at what it
might be possible to achieve in medical research.

I believe that the suggestion might not only be regarded as a
"landmark success" for open access journals from developing
countries - but, yes, for resolving the current global research
crisis in solving the problems of HIV-AIDS, SARS, CJD, etc.,
where time is of the essence, I would consider this a vital and
logical next step.

Working in South Africa and Botswana, I would happily testify to
the benefits.

I have not read the full copy of your article, but I am wonder-
ing what you may consider the associated risks to be and why
publishers do not realise the benefits? Are there reservations
concerning risks, given the global climate in Bio-warfare, Bio-
Terrorism, Black Market Drug Trade etc. and how significant are
such reservations?

In Africa there can sometimes be a certain reticence from the
researchers themselves - though perhaps as an extension of the
prevailing "culture of silence" but I am called to wonder what
the vulnerabilities are Open Access - given your experience in
India. Indeed - the call for a support organisation is a very
valuable suggestion.

REFERENCE:

"The landmark success of many new open Access Journals in India
and other developing countries speak for this. The sad fact is
that most publishers are not really aware of the new perspec-
tives offered by Open Access and are often reluctant to convert
their existing publication to Open Access. Since most scholar
societies interested in experimenting with Open Access Journals
are little aware of the intricacies of this domain, a support
organisation comprising of Open Access publishers is the need of
the day. This would enable more Open Access Journals from devel-
oping countries emerge successful, both regionally and interna-
tionally. This would help disseminate research from developing
countries more effectively."

Thank-you for your editorial, it is an important subject for de-
bate.


Best regards,

Nicole Venter
Programme Development
The Southern Health & Ecology Institute
Gauteng
South Africa
mailto:shae@worldonline.co.za