Laurie Taylor Column

"New evidence suggests that the refereeing process is biased against young researchers who are not known to the journal reviewers" - The Times Higher, May 19

Ah Gordon, there you are. Sorry to ring so late in the week, but I was wondering if you'd had a chance to look at the article we sent you last October. Something to do with the structural and cultural parameters of ageism. Green folder. Quite long.

One minute, Charles. I do seem to remember something along those lines. Green folder. Yes, here we are.

Your overall impression?

Overall? Well, overall it struck me as rather lengthy.

My own thoughts exactly. Any other feelings?

I felt there were places where it might be shortened.

Couldn't have put it better myself. Any sense - how can I put this - any sense of immaturity?

There was a certain youthful flavour.

My own thoughts exactly. Almost as though it was the work of a first-time submitter. So, on the whole you'd settle for a straight reject?

On balance.

Any particular form of words?

Something pretty standard. Mention the title a couple of times, praise the size of the research sample, quote a line or two from the conclusion, and say that this was an interesting new look at an area with important policy implications. And then something about it lacking the general feel of a publishable article.

I'll get that off straightaway. By the way, Gordon, you're absolutely spot on about the author. Strictly between ourselves, no one in the office had ever heard of her.

Good heavens. Still it's nice to see the next generation coming along.

Couldn't have put it better myself.