- # **Reboot the Computing-Research Publication Systems**
  Date: 2020-12-31
  Time: 11:08
  URL: [Reboot the Computing-Research Publication Systems | January 2021 | Communications of the ACM](https://cacm.acm.org/magazines/2021/1/249441-reboot-the-computing-research-publication-systems/fulltext)
  Tags: #publicationsystem 
  
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  #Highlights
  
  But conferences were never designed to provide a venue for _high-quality_ archival publication, since they lack the appropriate editorial process, whose essential element is _iterative improvement_. It is not uncommon for published journal papers to go through two and even three versions before the reviewers and editors are satisfied.
  
  Practically _everyone_ in computing research complains about the "reviewers," but the reviewers are us! If everyone is unhappy, then the problem must be systemic.So, we seem to be _stuck_ with a dysfunctional, antiquated publication system. It is time to end the debate about journals and conferences. Let us design a new publication system, something we, as computing professionals, should know how to do. We should collect system requirements, design the system, implement prototypes, experiment, and iterate. The publication system is our system. We are in charge! Technology opens new avenues, but we must be imaginative and not be bound by the dogmas of the dysfunctional past.
  
  It is a cliché that everyone wants change, but no one wants to change. Let us collectively agree to change. We deserve a publication system that meets the needs of science, of scientists, and of society. Let us reboot the publication system for computing research. ACM is launching a Presidential Task force on Future Formats for ACM Conferences. It is a start!