Bishop Hill Peer review in the response
May 6, 2011 Climate: Parliament We know that Muir Russell and his UEA chum Geoffrey Boulton failed to investigate most of the instances of perversion on the peer review process. We know that the instance they did investigate - the Soon and Baliunas affair - they failed to find out if CRU staff had contacted the journal involved. Instead they exonerated the CRU staff using the following evidence:
- a report that noted that peer review is often heated
- Phil Jones' word that he had done nothing wrong.
Knowing this, what can one say about Sir John's statement as follows?
The Government notes the Committee’s conclusion that there was no evidence of attempts to subvert the peer review process, and agrees that academics should not be criticised for commenting informally on academic papers, noting that constructive criticism and challenge is fundamental to ensuring a robust scientific approach.
Reader Comments (7)
They don't look for any evidence as otherwise they know they would find it and have to take action. By not looking they can deny all knowledge and maintain the status quo.
How many coats of Whitewash is that now, the Whitewash I have recommends 4 coats to obtain full coverage but in this case Climategate is still showing through after more than 4 coats.
Is that Sir John (blinder playes) Beddington, you're referring to? It should be made clear to these clowns at every opportunity that the inquiries didn't investigate any wrong doing, they simply asked the Gang that Can't Shoot Straight" if they had done any wrong, and the gang said, "No".
Breath of Fresh Air
Whitewash is a strange beast, more difficult to apply than thought, never lasts as long as anticipated, needs constant maintenance and most importantly I have never know anybody to apply it without ending up with significant personal staining.
It stings the eyes too !!!
"Knowing this, what can one say about Sir John's statement as follows?"
Unless this is a rhetorical question, the answer must be :
"It is utter b*****ks."
There is no end to this, is there?
About the only thing one can say about this (and many other aspects of these so-called investigations) is that if you ask the wrong questions of the wrong people, you are guaranteed to get the "right" answers.