Sir,
We went through your editorial titled” Role and importance of journal reader: Scientific contribution of letter to editor “and we are delighted that you brought out this editorial.[1] It is very true to the core that the letters and to some extent, the case reports do not get the respect they deserve. A large reason for this is because of its non-inclusion in the promotion criteria.[2] Also, many ranking bodies do not consider them as publications when they consider rankings of institutions. Even then, this, in the scientific world, should not impede people from publishing in the form of letters. A letter is a whole new form of publication. It is unique and gives some advantages in regard to original articles (OA). First of all, it brings out the creative side of the authors (not everyone can write letters). It allows the author to share ideas (no other platform does that). It allows sharing of important scientific findings at the preliminary stage (may not be eligible for OA). It allows interaction between authors when someone shares or has alternative viewpoints.[3] We have been, many times, both marginally ridiculed and praised in some quarters for writing letters. However, peers should understand that not all writings are for promotions or rankings. A publication in itself is a gratifying one. Be it an OA or any other form. A letter, if good enough, also gives citations. So, it may also help you in h index and other career things.
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Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
References
- 1.Kumar R. Role and importance of journal reader:Scientific contribution of letter to editor. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022;11:4117–8. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1602_22. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Mondal H, Mondal S. Amended criteria for promotion of medical teachers:A step towards sound research and publication. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2020;68:2321–2. doi: 10.4103/ijo.IJO_729_20. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.Mondal S, Mondal H. Why write and why not to write a Letter to the Editor? J Dent Res Rev. 2019;6:60–1. [Google Scholar]