A journal receives a critique, or commentary, of an article previously published in the journal. The flowchart offers editors a step by step guide on how to handle this process.
The flowchart has been developed in collaboration with Wiley.
Key points
Post-publication discussion usually begins with a reader’s critique of an article that a journal has published.
When a formal critique is received, journals often invite the original authors of the critiqued article to write a reply. The critique and response may be peer reviewed.
Critiques are often challenging and there are considerations that a journal might face, which are described in the guidance.
Journals should have a transparent policy for considering critiques.
Critiques should be reasonable and not contain libellous or defamatory content.
Critiques should have evidence or data to support the claims.
Journals must be clear with the authors of the critique and the published article on the timeline and the action to be taken.
Amendments to the published article may need to be made (eg, correction or retraction).